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Nitrate leaching and efficiency measurement in intensive farming systems: A parametric by‐production technology approach

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  • Michail Tsagris
  • Vangelis Tzouvelekas

Abstract

This paper develops a novel empirical framework for estimating individual emission levels in a nonpoint source (NPS) pollution problem. For doing so, we build upon the sequential GME model suggested by Kaplan et al. using a specific theoretical structure describing both crop production technology and nature's residual generating mechanism in line with the multiple production relations model suggested by Murty et al. Our empirical model is fitted into a parametric stochastic framework and it is applied to a nitrogen leaching problem in a sample of 257 small‐scale greenhouse farms in Crete, Greece during the 2005–2006 cropping period. Empirical results indicate a great dispersion of individual nitrate leaching levels, which are associated with low‐ and high‐profit margins. Improvements in nitrate leaching and fertilizer application efficiency can decrease significantly individual leaching levels providing a more cost effective way to improve water quality in the area.

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  • Michail Tsagris & Vangelis Tzouvelekas, 2022. "Nitrate leaching and efficiency measurement in intensive farming systems: A parametric by‐production technology approach," Agricultural Economics, International Association of Agricultural Economists, vol. 53(4), pages 633-647, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:agecon:v:53:y:2022:i:4:p:633-647
    DOI: 10.1111/agec.12698
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhu, Ning & Streimikis, Justas & Yu, Zhiqian & Balezentis, Tomas, 2023. "Energy-sustainable agriculture in the European Union member states: Overall productivity growth and structural efficiency," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 87(PA).
    2. Haleh Delnava & Kristiaan Kerstens & Timo Kuosmanen & Zhiyang Shen, 2024. "Semi-parametric Estimation of Convex and Nonconvex By-Production Technologies," Working Papers 2024-EQM-02, IESEG School of Management.

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