Onsite erosion damages in Missouri corn production

ABSTRACT:

This study examines the onsite costs of erosion damage using estimated production relationships. A non-nested test is used to determine whether the corn yield is in linear, mitscher-lich-spillman, or logistic functional form in topsoil depth. Results indicate that nonlinear functions are appropriate and the onsite cost of erosion damage is higher on shallow soil. Based on the logistic model, on a Mexico silt loam soil in Missouri that has 350 mm (14 in) of topsoil, the onsite damage is $.25, $.38, $.51, and $.63 per hectare for one year's erosion at erosion rates of 2, 3, 4, and 5 tons/ha/yr in corn production, respectively; or $3.55, $5.33, $7.12, $8.91 per hectare over a 25-year planning horizon, respectively. A 25 mm (1 in) topsoil loss has an onsite damage of $8.06 per hectare in one year and $131.25 per hectare over a 25-year planning horizon.