THE ECONOMICS OF SOIL STRUCTURAL DEGRADATION UNDER CROPPING - SOME EMPIRICAL ESTIMATES FROM NEW-ZEALAND

Soil structural degradation is a problem of some arable farms in New Z ealand. This paper presents economic estimates of the significance of the loss of soil structure to farmers and the Manawatu region of New Z ealand. Contingent valuation surveys of farmers and the wider communit y were used to estimate both use and non-use values. The results show the significance of compaction on both farm profits and land values, t ogether with the lack of knowledge of the wider community concerning t his problem. They reinforce the importance of careful farm practice, f urther scientific research, and a considered public policy response.