Dynamic optimal management of wind-erosive rangelands

A bioeconomic model of livestock production from wind-erosive rangelands is developed and optimized. Equations of motion capture the impact of topsoil stock on forage productivity and the protective effect of forage stock on soil loss from wind erosion. For overgrazed wind-erosive rangelands, a lower discount rate provides incentives for lighter grazing, as does consideration of effect of stocking rates on animal performance. In the case where off-site damages are large, internalizing offsite effects would also encourage lighter grazing and hence promote sustainable production. An illustrative application of the model is also included.