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Impact of Environmental Values and Information Awareness on the Adoption of Soil Testing and Formula Fertilization Technology by Farmers—A Case Study Considering Social Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Mengling Tian

    (College of Economics and Management, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450003, China)

  • Ruifeng Liu

    (College of Economics and Management, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450003, China)

  • Jian Wang

    (College of Economics and Management, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450003, China)

  • Jiahao Liang

    (College of Economics and Management, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450003, China)

  • Yefan Nian

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, Sandhill Research and Education Center, Clemson University, Columbia, SC 29634, USA)

  • Hengyun Ma

    (College of Economics and Management, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450003, China)

Abstract

The irrational application of chemical fertilizer affects agricultural land’s supply capacity and yield quality and may lead to serious agricultural non-point source pollution. Through scientific and accurate fertilization, soil testing and formula fertilization technology (STFFT) can effectively prevent excessive fertilizer use, improve its utilization efficiency, and have significant environmental and economic benefits. Based on evolutionary game theory, this paper constructed an evolutionary game model of farmers’ adoption of STFFT. We used a case study to reveal and verify the influence of farmers’ environmental values, information awareness, and social network on their adoption of STFFT and its mechanism. The findings were as follows: First, there are two optimal stable states in the evolutionary system; namely, all farmers adopt or do not adopt STFFT. Second, environmental values and information awareness positively correlate with farmers’ adoption of STFFT. Third, the strength of social networks can enhance the effectiveness of information awareness and environmental values, encouraging farmers to adopt STFFT. In addition, the social network plays a mediating role and moderating role in the influence of information awareness and environmental values on the farmers’ adoption of STFFT.

Suggested Citation

  • Mengling Tian & Ruifeng Liu & Jian Wang & Jiahao Liang & Yefan Nian & Hengyun Ma, 2023. "Impact of Environmental Values and Information Awareness on the Adoption of Soil Testing and Formula Fertilization Technology by Farmers—A Case Study Considering Social Networks," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-22, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:13:y:2023:i:10:p:2008-:d:1260821
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