Cost-Benefit Analysis of Recycled Plastic Support Poles as a Substitute for Wood : A Case Study of Ginseng Shade Facilities

Key Points

• The study analyzes the economic effects of substituting wood support poles with recycled plastic in ginseng cultivation.
• Conducted a cost-benefit analysis comparing annual input costs for wood and recycled plastic poles.
• Evaluated direct effects based on replacement cycles and costs of materials.
• Assessed indirect effects from decreases in waste disposal costs due to reduced incineration of plastic waste.
• Replacing wood with recycled plastic poles could provide economic benefits of approximately 7.95 to 26.64 billion won for 4-year ginseng cultivation.
• Projected savings per hectare for 4-year cultivation is about 677,000 to 2,268,000 won.
• For 6-year cultivation, benefits could reach around 11.93 to 39.96 billion won.

Abstract