SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS DECEMBER, 1989 SOIL EROSION, INTERTEMPORAL PROFIT, AND THE SOIL CONSERVATION DECISION

This study developed an intertemporal Stout). profit function to determine optimal conser- Walker introduced an erosion damage func-vation adoption strategies under alternative tion based on a crop yield, soil depth (Y-D scenarios with respect to crop prices, relative function. Walker compared the net benefits yields, discount rates, and other assumptions. from conservation practices adopted in year t Special emphasis was placed on determining and continuing in subsequent years with the from the analysis when the switchover from net benefits from using conventional (non-soil-conventional to soil-conserving practices conserving) practices in year t and switching should take place. Technological change was to conservation practices in subsequent years. incorporated by allowing crop yields to vary ft f th u o c t t i y-r t Walker's analysis did not account for net bene-over time. Our analysis thus provides a new, fits from the use of conventional tillage in years more precise measurement of the cumula- la t a of c tla for prior to t, nor did it permit the farmer to de-tive net benefit differential. The optimal pe- lay the adoption of conservation tillage for riod for switchover from conventional to soil- more than one year, even if a delay was eco-conserving practices was found to vary de- nomically justified. In determining when con