An Economic Model of Soil Conservation: Comment

McConnell presented a dynamic model of soil erosion which gives insight into the influence of economic factors affecting a farmer's use of soil. We applaud his effort, for there is limited literature on what motivates land users to conserve or erode soil. Ervin and Ervin give an excellent review of that literature. A problem with the article is a number of aspects implied, but not dealt with specifically, which lead to the assertion that the optimal private and social rates of erosion are identical. The following from the abstract reflects McConnell's position.