The cost of cleaner water: Assessing agricultural pollution reduction at the watershed scale

摘要: ABSTRACT: Nonpoint source pollution in intensively managed agricultural landscapes is of great concern to the general population, farmers and policymakers, as it impacts local water quality can have large downstream effects, case hypoxia Gulf Mexico. In this study, we outline a methodology simultaneously assess economic costs benefits associated with hypothetical placement broad set conservation practices. The performed for Iowa Department Natural Resources, assesses thirteen major subbasins by interfacing models Soil Water Assessment Tool model. practices analyzed include land set-aside, terraces, grassed waterways, contouring, tillage, simple nutrient reduction strategy. Annual range from $300 $597 million. Predicted sediment, total phosphorus (P), nitrate decreases six 65 percent, 28 59 20 respectively, relative baseline.