Adoption of manure management practices (Missouri, Iowa).

摘要

Many livestock farms lack enough land to apply manure based on crop nutrient needs; thus, suggesting a need for crop farmers to apply manure to their land. The focus of this study is to determine the factors influencing both livestock and crop farmers' decisions regarding land application of manure. Data was obtained through a mail survey of farmers in Missouri and Iowa.; Four manure management practices were identified to effectively apply manure: testing soil for nutrient content, testing manure for nutrient content, applying manure based on phosphorus need, and injecting manure into the soil. Results indicate that farmers from Iowa (rather than Missouri) and farmers who perceive the practices to be profitable and not complex are more likely to perform them. For some of the practices, farmers who use public information, rent land and are bothered by the smell of manure are more likely to perform the practices.; For crop farmers, results indicate that younger, less educated farmers and those from Iowa (rather than Missouri) are more likely to apply manure. Also, those who are not bothered by the smell and know of others applying manure are more likely to apply it to their own land. Furthermore, those who do not perceive a problem with transportation costs and do not think it difficult to calculate application rates are more likely to apply manure.