ECONOMICS OF A WETLAND-RESERVOIR SUBIRRIGATION SYSTEM IN NORTHWESTERN OHIO

Subirrigation in conjunction with an artificial wetland has been shown to benefit the environment. It must also be demonstrated that this technology can be profitable for the private sector. Using cost structures developed from three Northwest Ohio test sites, this paper examines the economic soundness of applying these techniques to production agriculture. The hypothesis is that the benefits of increased yields resulting from stabilizing the water supply throughout the growing season will offset the costs of construction. Presented results will include a summary of private revenues and costs associated with the subirrigation and artificial wetland investment for the three demonstration sites.