A case study of investment in agricultural sustainability: Adoption and policy issues for nitrogen pollution control in the Chesapeake Bay drainage

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:7152672

Norris, P E

Nutrient loadings to the Chesapeake Bay are a source of concern for water-quality agencies. In particular, excess nitrogen loadings from agricultural production activities threaten water quality in the Bay. Questions have been raised about how effectively traditional BMPs can control nitrogen loss from crop production. This study examines agricultural nitrogen pollution control from an input-management perspective. Using an economic and physical model, seven production systems and nitrogen-management strategies are compared in terms of input use, profitability, and nitrogen-loss potential. Results suggest that several of the production systems will reduce residual nitrogen without reducing profits. However, it is recognized that factors in addition to profitability will influence producers' nitrogen-management decisions. A sensitivity analysis is conduced to examine the impact of alternative policy tools on adoption incentives. Both financial incentives and education and information programs are found to be important tools for influencing producers' decisions.

• Research Organization: Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg, VA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7152672
• Resource Relation: Other Information: Thesis (Ph. D.)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
AGRICULTURE
NITROGEN
CHESAPEAKE BAY
DRAINAGE
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION CONTROL
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
MANAGEMENT
ATLANTIC OCEAN
BAYS
CONTROL
ELEMENTS
INDUSTRY
NONMETALS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
540320* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
290300 - Energy Planning & Policy- Environment
Health
& Safety