By Andi Anderson
A new study by researchers at Iowa State University has examined the factors that influence farmers' adoption of nutrient management practices. The study found that farmers with more positive attitudes toward the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and water quality protection, as well as those with land adjacent to water bodies, were more likely to adopt these practices. However, farmers who lacked confidence in their ability to address nutrient losses and those who farmed rented land were less likely to adopt these practices.
The study, which was published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, is unique in that it examined a full range of nutrient management practices, including both in-field and edge-of-field practices. The study also examined the influence of both individual-level characteristics and county-level contextual factors on adoption behaviors.
One of the key findings of the study is that many Iowa farmers still lack confidence in their capacity to reduce nutrient loss despite major efforts to promote nutrient management. This suggests that there is a continuing need to help farmers gain confidence in their ability to follow nutrient management guidelines.
Another key finding of the study is that crop insurance, which is purchased by most row crop farmers in intensively farmed areas in the United States, may be an obstacle to farmers' adoption of nutrient management practices. This is because crop insurance is designed to protect farmers from financial losses due to unforeseen events, such as drought or flooding. However, crop insurance does not typically cover losses due to nutrient management practices, such as reduced yields due to delayed fertilization.
The study suggests that new programs and educational resources are needed to help farmers gain confidence in their ability to follow nutrient management guidelines and to mitigate the disincentives that may discourage farmers from adopting these practices. For example, new programs could be developed to provide financial assistance to farmers who adopt nutrient management practices.
Additionally, educational resources could be developed to help farmers learn more about nutrient management and how to implement these practices on their farms.
The study provides valuable insights into the factors that influence farmers' adoption of nutrient management practices. This information can be used to develop more effective policies and programs to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-patrick-jennings
Categories: Iowa, Crops