Evaluation of the cost of implementing agricultural practices to limit runoff erosion: the example of farms on the Neubourg plateau

Abstract

The study carried out answers a real question of a local community who wishes to reduce the run-off causing flooding by supporting agronomic measures. We suggest an evaluation of the cost of farming practices showing its variability depending on defined parameters and drawing a parallel with the existing subsidies. From a field study, it consists in providing the elements for decision for the community to assess the level and nature of the compensation necessary to encourage some practices resulting in the limitation on erosive run-off in the scope of the watershed. Three practices are selected: cover cropping, grass ley and mechanical weed control.