Nitrogen credit trading as an incentive for riparian buffer establishment on Pennsylvania farmland

Agricultural nitrogen loading is a leading cause of eutrophication within the Chesapeake Bay. Agriculture in Commonwealth Pennsylvania responsible for large portion load entering bay. Vegetated riparian buffers are common agroforestry practice used to intercept surface runoff and subsurface leaching nutrients such as from upland agricultural fields. Watershed-wide nutrient credit trading has been suggested mechanism reducing pollution The cost producing credits through establishment on farmland was analyzed determine if could provide an incentive buffer establishment. Forest were shown have marginally lower production costs payback periods than grass filter strips. Larger higher smaller due increases outpacing revenue. Nitrogen determined be inadequate high credits. Furthermore, less lucrative compared Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, share program. However, market price or bundling with other phosphorus ultimately result providing adequate These results guide framework programs watersheds.