The Use of Best Management Practices for Erosion and Runoff Control

Farmers have traditionally been concerned with protecting soils and the farm landscape in order to prevent losses in the land’s productive potential.  They have installed erosion control measures to guard against loss of topsoil and destruction of the landscape.  They have changed farming practices to maintain soil quality.  The publications of extension and research faculty at the University of Maryland listed below document the extent to which Maryland farmers engage in conservation efforts.  They also discuss the activities of government subsidy programs intended to make it feasible for farmers to enhance their conservation efforts.

Publications

Erik Lichtenberg and Doug Parker, “Nutrient Management in Maryland: A 1998 Snapshot”, Economic Viewpoints Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, Winter 2001.

Guilherme S. Bastos and Erik Lichtenberg, “Priorities in Cost Sharing for Soil and Water Conservation: A Revealed Preference Study”, Land Economics 77(4), 533-547 (November 2001).

Erik Lichtenberg, “Soil and Water Conservation on Maryland Farms: A 1998 Update” Economic Viewpoints 4(1) Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, Spring 2000.

Doug Parker, "Benefits and Costs of Cover Crops," in Proceedings of "Cover Crops:  Making Them Work for You," Easton, Maryland, March 1998.

Erik Lichtenberg and Guilherme S. Bastos, “Cost-Sharing Soil and Water Conservation in Maryland”, Economic Viewpoints 3(3) Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, Spring 1999.

Erik Lichtenberg and Guilherme S. Bastos, “Getting the Dirt on Soil and Water Conservation: Where Do Farmers Turn for Their Facts?”, Economic Viewpoints 1(3) Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, Spring 1997.

Erik Lichtenberg, “Using Soil and Water Conservation Practices to Reduce Bay Nutrients: How Has Agriculture Done?”, Economic Viewpoints 1(2) Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland, College Park, Fall 1996.

Erik Lichtenberg, Billy V. Lessley and H. Dianel Howar, Maryland Farmers' Adoption of Best Management Practices for Non-Point Source Pollution Control.  Maryland Cooperative Extension Bulletin 345, 1991.