Soil erosion control in Idaho's cow creek watershed: An economic analysis

ABSTRACT:

Average cost of a five-point program to control soil erosion in Idaho's Cow Creek watershed ranges from $5.00 to $9.00 per acre, depending upon the crop rotation used. Highest cost is to farmers using a wheat-pea rotation. Costs result from income foregone by planting less profitable crops, higher production costs resulting from less efficient use of machinery, and reduced yields. Of the five points in the program, treating of critical areas is the most expensive, accounting for more than 50 percent of total program costs. Remaining program costs are divided fairly evenly among divided slopes, minimum tillage, and contour farming. Restricted summer fallow does not represent a cost to Cow Creek farmers because a continuous cropping rotation is more profitable. Only in cases of drought or severe weed infestation is summer fallow a good alternative.