How do farmers' cognition and social networks affect the adoption behavior of straw-returning technology? Evidence from the black soil region of Northeast China

Understanding factors influencing farmers' adoption of straw-returning technology is key to reducing straw burning and shaping agricultural policies. However, research on this topic remains underdeveloped. This study aims to investigate the impact of subjective cognition and social networks on farmers' adoption behavior of straw-returning technology in the black soil region of Northeast China. The results show that over 50 % of farmers in the study area have adopted straw-returning technology. Farmers generally have a moderate level of subjective cognition towards this technology, while the strength of their social networks is low. Subjective cognition and social networks are the main factors influencing farmers' straw-returning technology adoption behavior. Enhanced economic benefit cognition (increasing crop yield and reduce input costs) can significantly promote their adoption behavior. Farmers with stronger influence asymmetry (who have relatives and friends working in government or who have joined scientific organizations and cooperatives) are more likely to adopt this technology. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics also play a role in influencing adoption behavior. The findings and policy implications of this study can help policymakers to guide farmers to adopt straw-returning technology more effectively, thereby reducing resource waste in agricultural production.