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Farmers’ Acceptance of Water–Fertilizer Integration Technology: Theory and Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Naihui Wang

    (College of Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Shuqi Zhang

    (School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Mo Li

    (School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China)

  • Tianxiao Li

    (School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China)

  • Yi-Jia Wang

    (National Key Laboratory of Smart Farm Technologies and Systems, Department of Engineering Management, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China)

Abstract

The traditional rough development method for irrigation and fertilization techniques has resulted in the waste of fertilizer and water sources and the degradation of black soil. The implementation of integrated water and fertilizer technology has the potential to address these issues. However, its success depends on farmers’ willingness to adopt it. This study aims to explore the incentives for farmers to adopt water and fertilizer integration technology through a practical investigation in China, revealing the driving mechanisms. The study constructed a technology adoption model and conducted a cross-sectional field study with farmers in Northeastern China. Financial consequences were incorporated into the integrated UTAUT-NAM to examine farmers’ acceptance. The validity and applicability of the model were evaluated through a partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling. The results showed that personal norms and financial consequences were the most critical factors influencing farmers’ willingness to adopt water–fertilizer integration technology. In addition, expected performance, facilitating conditions, and effort required were also significant predictors. The study further highlighted the pivotal role of awareness of consequences and responsibility in influencing farmers’ intentions to adopt the new technology, while social influence had no significant impact. The findings demonstrated that the established research model elucidated 69.1% of the observed variation in farmers’ intention to adopt water–fertilizer integration technology. The results of this study provide theoretical support for promoting water–fertilizer integration technology and inform practical strategies for its implementation. The study offers actionable insights for policymakers, agricultural advisors, and technology developers to promote resource-efficient irrigation and fertilization methods.

Suggested Citation

  • Naihui Wang & Shuqi Zhang & Mo Li & Tianxiao Li & Yi-Jia Wang, 2025. "Farmers’ Acceptance of Water–Fertilizer Integration Technology: Theory and Evidence," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-21, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:841-:d:1633939
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sun, Guangzhao & Hu, Tiantian & Liu, Xiaogang & Peng, Youliang & Leng, Xianxian & Li, Yilin & Yang, Qiliang, 2022. "Optimizing irrigation and fertilization at various growth stages to improve mango yield, fruit quality and water-fertilizer use efficiency in xerothermic regions," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    2. Fred D. Davis & Richard P. Bagozzi & Paul R. Warshaw, 1989. "User Acceptance of Computer Technology: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 35(8), pages 982-1003, August.
    3. Yingchao Li & Zhiyuan Fan & Guanghui Jiang & Zhuo Quan, 2021. "Addressing the Differences in Farmers’ Willingness and Behavior Regarding Developing Green Agriculture—A Case Study in Xichuan County, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-12, March.
    4. Kexiao Xie & Yuerui Zhu & Yongqiang Ma & Youcheng Chen & Shuiji Chen & Zhidan Chen, 2022. "Willingness of Tea Farmers to Adopt Ecological Agriculture Techniques Based on the UTAUT Extended Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.
    5. Yan Shi & Abu Bakkar Siddik & Mohammad Masukujjaman & Guangwen Zheng & Muhammad Hamayun & Abdullah Mohammed Ibrahim, 2022. "The Antecedents of Willingness to Adopt and Pay for the IoT in the Agricultural Industry: An Application of the UTAUT 2 Theory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-23, May.
    6. Fu, Yuanhong & Ding, Guijie & Quan, Wenxuan & Zhao, Xizhou & Tao, Qinghong, 2024. "Coupling optimization of water-fertilizer for coordinated development of the environment and growth of Pinus massoniana seedlings," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
    7. Qin Liao & Jiangxia Nie & Huilai Yin & Yongheng Luo & Chuanhai Shu & Qingyue Cheng & Hao Fu & Biao Li & Liangyu Li & Yongjian Sun & Zongkui Chen & Jun Ma & Na Li & Xiaoli Zhang & Zhiyuan Yang, 2024. "Can the Integration of Water and Fertilizer Promote the Sustainable Development of Rice Production in China?," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, April.
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