ECONOMIC-ANALYSES OF MEASURES TO CONTROL PHOSPHORUS RUN-OFF FROM NONPOINT AGRICULTURAL SOURCES

Economic analyses have been made of nine measures against phosphorus run-off from non-point agricultural sources. The farm economic analyses cover the effects of the control measures on profitability, whereas the socio-economic analyses examine the cost-effectiveness of reducing algae-accessible phosphorus. In both types of analysis the uncertainty is quantified by Monte Carlo simulation. Planned fertilising and a tax on phosphorus are recommended as steps to be taken nationwide. Measures against the spreading of manure outside the growing season and against autumn tilling are recommended for areas where excessive fertilising with phosphorus is a problem.