Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Agricultural and Resource Economics Review
Volume
42
Issue
2
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Publication Date
8-2013
First Page
365
Last Page
386
Abstract
We use parametric and nonparametric methods to estimate correlations between average control cost and three field-level characteristics—field size and delivered phosphorous per field and per acre—as proxies for economies of scale in controlling nonpoint pollution. We combine load and delivery-ratio estimates for more than 12,000 fields in the Bear River Basin, Utah, with estimates of control costs and effectiveness of management practices from the literature. Results suggest a negative relationship between control cost and delivered phosphorous per field and per acre. Ranking fields by phosphorous load therefore prioritizes management-practice subsidies by economies of scale.
Recommended Citation
Caplan AJ, Gilbert J, Chatterjee D. Using Field-level Characteristics as Proxy Measures to Test for the Presence of Economies of Scale in Nonpoint Pollution Control. Agricultural and Resource Economics Review. 2013;42(2):365-386. doi:10.1017/S1068280500004421
