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The Impact of Farmers’ Cognition and Attitudes on the Adoption of Conservation Tillage: An Empirical Study Based on the Lishu Model

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Listed:
  • Hongwei Yu

    (Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Yue Sun

    (College of Information and Electrical Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Yixin Cui

    (Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Xinyue Tan

    (Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Yufeng Hou

    (Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Zongren Kuang

    (Department of Communication, College of Humanities and Development Studies, China Agricultural University No. 17 Qinghua East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China)

Abstract

Promoting conservation tillage (CT) is central to advancing ecological transformation in China’s agricultural sector under the “Dual Carbon” strategy. However, despite strong institutional support, the adoption of CT technologies—especially the “Lishu Model” integrating no-till and straw mulching—remains uneven. This study applies the Cognition–Attitude–Behavior (CAB) framework to examine the behavioral mechanisms underlying CT adoption, drawing on a 2024 household survey in Lishu County, Jilin Province. Descriptive and regression analyses reveal that, while cognitive awareness is positively associated with adoption, only attitudinal alignment has a significant predictive effect. The findings identify a distinct group of “informed non-adopters”, underscoring that knowledge alone does not ensure behavioral uptake. These results highlight the importance of motivational alignment over information provision in shaping sustainable technology adoption and suggest the need for more psychologically grounded policy interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Hongwei Yu & Yue Sun & Yixin Cui & Xinyue Tan & Yufeng Hou & Zongren Kuang, 2025. "The Impact of Farmers’ Cognition and Attitudes on the Adoption of Conservation Tillage: An Empirical Study Based on the Lishu Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-12, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5649-:d:1682567
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hongpeng Guo & Wenkai Zhao & Chulin Pan & Guijie Qiu & Shuang Xu & Shun Liu, 2022. "Study on the Influencing Factors of Farmers’ Adoption of Conservation Tillage Technology in Black Soil Region in China: A Logistic-ISM Model Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Ajzen, Icek, 1991. "The theory of planned behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 179-211, December.
    3. Knowler, Duncan & Bradshaw, Ben, 2007. "Farmers' adoption of conservation agriculture: A review and synthesis of recent research," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 25-48, February.
    4. Tianzhi Gao & Qian Lu & Yiping Zhang & Hui Feng, 2024. "Does Farmers’ Cognition Enhance Their Enthusiasm for Adopting Sustainable Digital Agricultural Extension Services? Evidence from Rural China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-17, May.
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