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Three Essays on Efficient Control of Phosphorus Emissions from Agricultural Fields: An Economic Perspective

Tang, Shaohui
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1531862320208234

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Agricultural, Environmental and Developmental Economics.
This dissertation investigates efficient control of phosphorus emissions from agricultural fields from an economic perspective. Efforts to control the phosphorus have been stymied over the years by the natural tendency of phosphorus stock buildup in soils and the lake system. Because phosphorus is a stock pollutant, investments in conservation programs in previous decades may even have contributed to current problems. The first chapter goes over the background of the research questions and where this dissertation fits in the literature. The second chapter develops a dynamic integrated assessment model to examine the benefits and costs of phosphorus control. By integrating agronomy, hydrology and economics, the model developed in this analysis provides a comprehensive analysis of a range of policy mechanisms that can be applied to address problems associated with excess phosphorus emissions such as harmful algal blooms (HABs). The model determines the socially optimal Best Management Practices (BMPs) adoption path and illustrates the optimal level of phosphorus application. The model has been used to assess historical phosphorus buildup in the Western Lake Erie Region and potential policy alternatives. The results suggest that efforts to increase the adoption of BMPs over the optimal level, as current policies recommended, may be inefficient in the near term. The third chapter uses the model developed to assess the effectiveness and the costs and benefits of the proposed strategies to the target the State of Ohio has set to reduce phosphorus emissions by 40%, incorporating newly developed pollution control techniques. Many of the recommended strategies are shown to be inadequate if viewed from a dynamic angle. Finally, the fourth chapter develops a stochastic dynamic integrated phosphorus management model to examine the robust BMPs adoption path under stochastic weather events. The model has been applied to the Maumee watershed of Lake Erie as an application. The results indicate that significantly more stringent control efforts will be required to achieve phosphorus emissions reduction target to prevent HABs.
Brent Sohngen (Advisor)
153 p.
Agricultural Economics; Environmental Economics

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Tang, S. (2018). Three Essays on Efficient Control of Phosphorus Emissions from Agricultural Fields: An Economic Perspective [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1531862320208234

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Tang, Shaohui. Three Essays on Efficient Control of Phosphorus Emissions from Agricultural Fields: An Economic Perspective. 2018. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1531862320208234.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Tang, Shaohui. "Three Essays on Efficient Control of Phosphorus Emissions from Agricultural Fields: An Economic Perspective." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1531862320208234

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1531862320208234
144
© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.