Which Factors Influence Chinese Farmers to Adopt Formulated Fertilization Technology?

Abstract

Soil testing and formulated fertilization program has developed in China for more than ten years. This study examines the influence of psychological factors, farmer characteristics and soil testing policies on farmers' intention to apply fertilizer. An expanded version of the theory of planned behavior is used as a framework. The results for the all farmer' sample show that age, planting type and policy are significant and positively associated with farmers' intentions. With psychological variables attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavior control and perceived resource levels increase by one unit, the probability of farmers changing fertilization behavior according to the soil testing system increased by 2.20%, 1.57%, 3.26%, 3.24% respectively. With the variable planting type being horticultural crops, age between 35 and 44, agricultural technology training and formulated fertilization system increased by one unit, the probability of farmers changing the fertilization behavior according to the soil testing system increases by 8.05%, 8.48%, 5.05% and 6.08%, respectively. Policy recommendations are made based on these results.