Abstract

A linear cost model is described as an alternative to optimization models for development of agri-environmental decision support tools and evaluation of agri-environmental policy. Specifically, those policies that aim to reduce nitrate leaching from farmland to surface and groundwater through the voluntary adoption of best management practices (BMPs) are considered. Costs are calculated at the field (ha) level by disaggregating each measure into components and assigning a range of values to each component. Component costs can then be scaled up to field, farm and catchment levels. A description is given of how the model will be applied as the economic sub-model (BAK) in the integrated nutrient leaching model (LENNART) presently under development in Sweden. Throughout the paper catch crops are used as an illustrative example of an agri-environmental policy aimed at voluntary adoption of a BMP.

Keywords

BAK; best management practices (BMP); catch crop; LENNART; linear cost model; nitrate leaching

Published in

IAHS Publication
2002, number: 273, pages: 17-22
ISBN: 1-901502-76-7

SLU Authors

• Collentine, Dennis

  • Department of Economics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Economics


Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/38943