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Using diffusion of innovations theory to understand agricultural producer perspectives on cover cropping in the inland Pacific Northwest, USA

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 January 2021

Avery Lynn Lavoie Open the ORCID record for Avery Lynn Lavoie [Opens in a new window] ,
Katherine Dentzman Open the ORCID record for Katherine Dentzman [Opens in a new window]  and
Chloe Bradley Wardropper Open the ORCID record for Chloe Bradley Wardropper [Opens in a new window]
Avery Lynn Lavoie*
Affiliation:
Department of Environmental Science, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1139, Moscow, Idaho83843, USA
Katherine Dentzman
Affiliation:
Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
Chloe Bradley Wardropper
Affiliation:
University of Idaho, Department of Natural Resources and Society, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 1139, Moscow, Idaho, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Avery Lynn Lavoie, E-mail: alavoie@uidaho.edu
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Abstract

There is increased interest in cover crops on farms; those planted during the fallow period or in place of a cash crop to improve soil and water quality. Despite extensive research suggesting that the practice can enhance on-farm resilience, cover crop use is not widespread, especially across the dryland wheat-growing region of the USA inland Pacific Northwest. Cover crops are being promoted across this region as a means to improve agronomic conditions and farmer livelihoods. Yet, there is limited producer-centered social science research to understand the regional and field-level challenges associated with the practice. To address this gap, we draw from the diffusion of innovations theory to examine the perceived relative advantage (the degree to which cover crops are compatible with the current agricultural system), and trialability of cover crops. Trialability encompasses the relative complexity and observability of the practice. Interviews (n = 28) were conducted with producers to better understand perceptions on relative advantage and how cover crop characteristics may contribute to barriers to adoption. Based on the results from interviews, focus groups (n = 48) were conducted to explore potential avenues for improving the integration of cover crops into existing cropping systems. Analysis of interviews with dryland crop and livestock producers suggested that perceptions of low relative advantage, including low compatibility with common regional management systems, perceived lack of profitability and increased cost of inputs act as deterrents to cover crop integration. Low trialability was associated with the complexity of experimentation, a lack of directly observable results and inflexible regional policies. These perceptions were compounded by a lack of region-specific agronomic and economic information on cover crops. Analysis of focus groups with crop and livestock producers and agricultural stakeholders suggested that there are several opportunities to improve potential adoption strategies and improve perceptions of relative advantage and trialability. Understanding the unique management goals of producers within the environmental, social and economic context in which they operate will better inform regional policies, outreach and future adoption strategies.

Keywords

Key words: Agricultural producer perspectivescover cropsdiffusion of innovationsrelative advantagetrialability
Type
Research Paper
Information
Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems , Volume 36 , Issue 4 , August 2021 , pp. 384 - 395
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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