Economy Growth and Agricultural Non-point Source Pollution: An Empirical Analysis: Based on Provincial Paneldata (1990-2007)

In this study, we used surplus Nitrogen as indicator of environmental degradation caused by agricultural non-point source pollution to test and verify the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in China. Surplus Nitrogen was measured by Truog-Stanford equation. According to the results of the panel-data model which covered 30 provinces for 1990-2007, we noticed that the relationship of agricultural non-point source pollution and income followed an inverse-U shape, and the turning point was calculated as 12 639 yuan (constant price in 1990). However, the turning point wouldn’t take place automatically. Through theoretical analysis, we knew that highly income induced mor e demand for environment, and the strong demand stimulated the turning point to happen earlier.