Published In

Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1998

Subjects

Soils - Testing, Groundwater -- Pollution, Agricultural chemicals -- Environmental effects

Abstract

Testing soils for nutrients is expected to improve groundwater quality. However, it is unknown whether soil testing will improve groundwater quality sufficiently to decrease the demand for direct regulation of agricultural practices. Focusing on an irrigated agricultural region in eastern Oregon, the economic and environmental aspects of soil testing are assessed using a spatially distributed, dynamic simulation model which links economic behavior with the physical processes that determine groundwater quality. Results indicate that soil testing of all fields increases farm profits and reduces groundwater nitrate concentration. However, the benefits are small in terms of potential improvements in groundwater quality.

Description

This is Technical Paper No. 11261 of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station. Review coordinated by B. Wade Brorsen; publication decision made by J. S. Shonkwiler. Subsequently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, published by the Western Agricultural Economics Association, volume 23, issue 1.

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/12222

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