An ecosystem services approach to the quantification of shallow mass movement erosion and the value of soil conservation practices

A benefit cost analysis of soil conservation practices showed planting conservation trees is only profitable if the trees are harvested for timber (age 20), and low discount rates (<5%) are used. When the economic value of the extra services from conservation trees is included in the BCA, the Net Present Value of the investment is greatly positive at discount rates ranging from 0% to 10%. Analysis of this ecological infrastructure investment using an ecosystem service approach offers new insights for resource managers and policy makers.