Exploring farmers’ adoption of greenhouse gas mitigation measures that reduce chemical fertilizer application

Global food systems are facing a crisis. They generate a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change, while at the same time climate change is a major threat to food production. The application of chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizers is of particular concern, as it is a significant source of ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions. In this crisis, the introduction of forage species into grasslands, specifically clover and multi-species swards, has a key role to play. These swards can naturally fix atmospheric N into soils, thereby reducing chemical N fertilizer application needs. Beyond their environmental benefits, they stand out for their potential to increase productivity while reducing production costs. Despite these benefits, adoption rates remain low. This article-based thesis explores this transition from chemical N fertilizers to the adoption of clover and multi-species swards. It presents three original papers, each employing a different dataset and methodology. First, the factors driving the demand for chemical N fertilizers are examined. Results indicate that dairy farmers’ demand is sensitive to weather variability, inelastic to price changes, chemical N fertilizer is considered a necessity, and dairy farmers exhibit path dependence. Second, the determinants of adoption of clover and multi-species sward are analysed. Main findings show that psychological factors have a key influence on the adoption of clover and multi-species swards. Specifically, farmers’ perceptions of usefulness of adoption significantly drive adoption decisions, while perceptions of complexity constrain them. Additionally, testers of clover are more likely to adopt multi-species swards. Third, the role of information provision to improve adoption rates is explored. Results indicate that farmers underestimate the reduction in chemical N fertilizer that is possible with clover and information interventions can reduce this misperception. Furthermore, farmers show increased consideration of adoption benefits in their beliefs after receiving information. Findings can contribute to policy development, as they offer avenues to reduce chemical fertilizer application, which is needed to accomplish Ireland’s Climate Action Plan. Additionally, they inform farmers about their peers’ experiences and opinions on the adoption of clover and multi-species swards. Lastly, they offer important contributions to the literature through a variety of methodologies employed, including panel data modelling, focus group discussions, and surveys (one involving a randomized economic experiment).

Publisher

University of Galway

Rights

CC BY-NC-ND

cbn

Collections

University of Galway Theses (PhD Theses)