An Economic Analysis of Selected Terracing Systems

The objective of this study is to compare the economics of soil erosion control by various methods. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to compare the returns over costs of production obtainable with three systems of erosion control compared to straight row farming. There is much controversy as to the value of terraces and their effect on farm income. Obviously, on a one or two year basis the costs would probably exceed benefits. A longer time period needs to be used and costs need to be based on an annual average cost. Farmers, who have not installed terraces for reasons of inconvenience of farming irregular areas or greater machinery costs, are now observing the improved terrace types and requesting information on the value of these types of terraces. Also, with the increased use of commercial fertilizer on sloping cropland, farmers are more interested in terraces as a means of holding more of the applied fertilizer on the slopes than is possible with straight row farming. The famer needs the best economic information available on the different terrace types in order to compare costs and benefits of each terrace type as it would apply to his farm. This study is based largely on the University farm known as the Rogers Farm which is a 320 acre farm located 12 miles east of Lincoln, Nebraska, in Lancaster County. Advisor: Abram W. Ep