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Research by agricultural economists on natural resources has been distinguished by an interdisciplinary emphasis and a dynamic perspective. It has recognized technological and institutional constraints, has been oriented toward solving concrete resource management and policy problems, and has emphasized empirical and quantitative analysis. Agricultural economists have introduced methods for evaluating natural resource conservation efforts, for predicting adoption of resource conservation technologies, and for designing efficient and sustainable resource management policies. They have identified ways of improving land management and preventing land degradation, proposed reforms of institutions governing water allocation and water quality, and introduced policies for balancing environmental and efficiency considerations in the management of pests, biodiversity, and livestock diseases. Their research has had substantial impacts on the formulation of resource conservation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on a study which assesses water supply strategies used in the Ogallala water basin within New Mexico. High Plains Study Council's involvement in study; Public concerns about water management; History of groundwater management processes; Identification of three water management options by water experts in New Mexico; Regulatory policies governing water usage in the Ogallala region.

Explores the development of water institutions in the United States. Historical development of United States water laws; Institutional adaptations to changing circumstances; Challenges posed by prospective climate change.

Discusses the efforts of planners in southern California to conserve water with the cooperation of water users so the current water supply will last longer, rather than seeking out new water supplies. Estimate of California's water supply and expected demand by the year 2010; Why some planners distrust estimates of how much water demand can be cut; The popularity of demand-management practices; Best management practices; More.

Reports on studies of ecosystem processes on the Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico, which suggest that longterm grazing of semiarid grasslands leads to an increase of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of water, nitrogen, and other soil resources, which eventually leads to the desertification of formerly productive land. The exacerbating effects of global climate warming are also discussed.

Investigates the environmental and economic costs of soil erosion and conservation benefits. Soil erosion as a major environmental threat to the sustainability and productive capacity of agriculture; Erosion on croplands and pastures; Factors influencing erosion; Erosion control technologies.

This article examines the roles of politics and processes in the formulation and implementation of U.S. natural resource policy during the Reagan and Bush administrations. The relationship between policies and procedures during these administrations will be illustrated by their effects on renewable natural resources management in the Department of the Interior and in the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture. The political history of these agencies raises doubts regarding their voluntarily adopting an ecological approach to the management of natural resources. Historically they have been largely captives of their clienteles--farmers, ranchers, miners, loggers, hunters and fishermen. Recreation and tourism have added new clients, whose interests often clash with the older interests in the land and its resources. Further complicating the roles of these agencies has been the environmental movement and new science-based analyses (e.g., impact assessment). Management science has introduced new methods that have increased the effectiveness of political control over policy and performance. Therefore, in evaluating the administration of environmental policies distinction should be made between the substance of policies and implementing procedures. Policies regarded as good may be poorly administered and policies harmful to the public interest may be efficiently executed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details the key Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) provisions, including water markets, tiered prices and water for environmental uses, and analyzes potential implications for a subset of affected farmers. Key concept in CVPIA; Three ways in which water can be conserved from agriculture; Key component of CVPIA; Conclusions.

Examines how public agencies participate in markets for partial interests in public and private land as a means of influencing resource use and conservation. Partial interests as policy tools; Valuation of partial interests; Three conditions necessary to apply the option method; Policy implications.