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The Social Factors Influencing Cover Crop Adoption in the Midwest: A Controlled Comparison

Published Article

United States

Publication date: May 11, 2023

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This study investigates the social and behavioral factors influencing cover crop adoption across Midwestern farms in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. By comparing farmer motivations and community dynamics, it highlights strategies to strengthen sustainable agriculture and conservation practices through improved social engagement.

Subject Tags

  • Agriculture
  • Social Sciences

Abstract

Increased funding and resources have become available in recent years for agricultural producers to plant cover crops to improve soil health and prevent nutrient loss and erosion; however, cover crop adoption remains relatively low and has been uneven across different Midwestern counties. This study employed a controlled comparison method to investigate the social factors affecting cover crop adoption in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. In each state, the authors compared pairs of neighboring counties, where one county was a relatively higher adopter and the other was a lower adopter of cover crops, while controlling for variations in climate conditions. Results show that there were multiple factors explaining the difference in cover crop adoption among county pairs. Social factors included attitudes toward cover crops; conservation agency influence; presence of cover crop experts, advocates, and/or entrepreneurs; and collaboration between agencies and the private sector. Other important factors included topography, cattle raising, organic production, and local incentive-based programs. Among these, collaborations between agencies and the private sector played the most important role in explaining why some counties had higher rates of cover crop adoption compared to their neighbors.

Citation

Popovici, R., Ranjan, P., Bernard, M., Usher, E. M., Johnson, K., & Prokopy, L. S. (2023). The social factors influencing cover crop adoption in the Midwest: A controlled comparison. Environmental Management, 72(3), 614-629.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-023-01823-y

TNC Authors