Re: Re: Ideology and the Environment

["Paul Phillips" <phillp2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Carrol is undoubtedly correct that the terseness of our exchange
has led to misunderstanding.  My position is not that farming
practices can not and do not cause desertification, but rather that
this has nothing to do with the distribution of  property rights or the
size of farm (although I would argue that large farms and
monoculture is more condusive to desertification than small,
diversified farms.)
	What made agriculture possible in Palliser's Triangle was the
development of dryland farming techniques which were designed to
preserve moisture (summer fallowing with cultivated topsoil to
prevent water evaporation through capiliary action.)  When there is
no moisture to preserve, the cultivated topsoil is subject to wind
erosion -- e.g. the dustbowl phenomenon.
	This form of dryland farming has been largely replaced by crop
rotation and trash fallowing I believe.  Ken may have more
knowledge of current farm practice.  However, there are farmers
who have developed organic and contour farming techniques that
prevent soil erosion and preserve water.  The problem is the price of
grains are so low that it is difficult for farmers to absorb the cost of
adopting the newer, better techniques.

Paul Phillips,
Economics,
University of Manitoba

On 4 Nov 01, at 20:58, Michael Perelman wrote:

> Farming practices do create desertification, according to my
> understanding.
>
> On Sun, Nov 04, 2001 at 10:41:25PM -0600, phillp2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> > Michael,
> > are you arguing that climate change is the result of individual farm
> > practice?  I just don't understand where you are coming from.
> >
> > Paul Phillips,
> > Economics,
> > University of Manitoba
> >
> >
> >
> > > I differ with you on the climate change, but I never supported the
> > article
> > > in its belief that property rights were responsible.
> > >
> >
>
> --
> Michael Perelman
> Economics Department
> California State University
> Chico, CA 95929
>
> Tel. 530-898-5321
> E-Mail michael@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>