Controlling nonpoint sediment sources with cropland management: a national economic assessment [Land use, policies, pollution]

Utilization of cropland resources is one of the primary determinants of stream sediment water quality. The management of cropland is one way to improve sediment water quality. Models of the economics and physics of sediment provide insights into the agricultural production system and potential requirements for improved water quality. The application of such a model provides an assessment of the fundamental changes that might be required to accomplish reduced sediment loads through cropland management. The hypothetical water quality policies analyzed give insights into several possible sediment water quality policies.