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Optimal Crop Mix for Land Application of Municipal Wastewater

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 May 2017

C. Edwin Young
Affiliation:
Economic Research Service, USDA, University Park, Pa
Edward B. Bradley
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Wyoming
Donald J. Epp
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University
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Abstract

Least cost solutions for a three million gallon a day land application of municipal wastewater system are estimated for three levels of capital cost subsidy: no subsidy, 75 percent, and 85 percent. Irrigation of reed canarygrass is superior of alfalfa, corn, forests, and natural vegetation (weeds). The cost of a full year irrigation of reed canarygrass ranges from $493,000 to $565,000 depending upon the assumed value of reed canarygrass. If the local municipality minimizes its costs while receiving subsidies, inefficiencies result. Total costs to society can increase in excess of 65 percent of the minimum cost solution.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association 

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Footnotes

Authorized for publication as paper No. 5427 in the journal series of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station.

References

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