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An Economic Assessment of On-Site Effects of Soil Erosion in Potato Lands in Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka

1996; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 6; Issue: 2-3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1300/j064v06n02_09

1540-7578

S. M. M. Samarakoon, P. Abeygunawardena,

Soil erosion and sediment transport

Soil erosion is believed to be a serious problem in many parts of Sri Lanka. It reduces soil organic matter, fine clays, water retention capacity of the soils and plant nutrients of the soils. Potato lands in Nuwara Eliya district are highly susceptible to soil erosion due to several factors such as slopy nature, high rainfall and improper land use. This study looks into the economic aspects of on-site soil erosion in potato lands in Nuwara Eliya District. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was used to assess the rate of soil loss and the replacement cost approach was used to assess on-site cost due to soil erosion. This approach is based on the costs of repairing damage to productive assets caused by improper on-site land/soil management practices. Estimated Soil loss was 15 ton/ha in Maha season and 9 ton/ha in Yala season. Under the replacement cost approach two different alternatives were considered to assess on-site damages due to potato cultivation. According to the first alternative, on-site damages due to potato cultivation for Maha and Yala were Rs. 3251 and Rs. 2309 per hectare, respectively. According to the second alternative, they were Maha and Yala Rs. 3443 and Rs. 3225, respectively. Net Present Value criterion was used to quanitify the on-site damage. Soil erosion can be avoided by adopting contour drains, stone terracing and SALT methods. This study reveals that internalization of on-site cost of soil erosion is acceptable is proper conservations methods are used under private accounting.