Probabilistic cost effectiveness in agricultural nonpoint pollution control

W. T. McSweeny, James Samuel Shortle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

Conceptual weaknesses in the use of costs of average abatement as a measure of the cost effectiveness of agricultural nonpoint pollution control are examined. A probabilistic alternative is developed. The focus is on methods for evaluating whole-farm pollution control plans rather than individual practices. As a consequence, the analysis is presented in a chance-constrained activity analysis framework because activity analysis procedures are a practical and well developed device for screening farm plans. Reliability of control is shown to be as important as reduction targets in designing farm plans for pollution control. Furthermore, broad-axe prescriptions of technology in the form of Best Management Practices may perform poorly with respect to cost effectiveness. -Authors

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)95-104
Number of pages10
JournalSouthern Journal of Agricultural Economics
Volume22
Issue number1
StatePublished - Jan 1 1990

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Environmental Science
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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