Dynamic Optimal Management of Wind-Erosive Rangelands
-
-
Authors: D. Hu, R. Ready, and A. Pagoulatos
Date: 1997
Journal: American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Volume: 79
Number: 2
Pages: 327-340
Summary of Methods: A bioeconomic model was developed to analyze relationship between economically optimal and ecologically sustainable grazing practices for semi-arid wind-erosive rangelands (semi-arid perennial grasslands). The object of the model was to maximize social welfare, which they considered to consist of two aspects: 1) economic profit from livestock production and 2) loss from wind erosion. This was an expanse upon a previous model by adding dynamic interactions between grass growth and soil erosion then applied this model to Bashang province, China, to determine relationships between economically optimal and ecologically sustainable practices on these rangelands.
Article Summary / Main Points: On semi-arid rangelands, because of slow replacement rate, soil can be considered an exhaustible, rather than a renewable resource. The model determined that economically optimal grazing practices do not necessarily provide for ecologically sustainable conditions. Three considerations in overgrazed, wind-erosive rangeland environments can provide incentive for lighter grazing: 1) Lower discount rate, 2) Effect of stocking rate on animal performance, and 3) Large off-site damages.
Vegetation Types: Not Applicable
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Grazing Bioeconomics Economic analysis
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: off-site effects, optimal control, rangeland management, sustainable production, wind erosion
Annotation: The authors are not clear on what grass species are referenced in their modeling; however, they specify that the model is particularly well suited for the semi-arid rangelands found in much of the western United States.
-
Get article
Cite article with DOI
-