Reduction of Fertilizer Use in South China—Impacts and Implications on Smallholder Rice Farmers

Abstract

Despite the overuse of fertilizer in China, yields have stagnated while environmental pollution has risen. To increase sustainable production, the “Three Controls” Technology (3CT) was adopted in Guangdong Province as an agricultural best management practice for rice production. Its goal is to reduce the fertilizer use of farmers while decreasing the number of unproductive tillers and controlling pests and diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the farmers’ perception of 3CT focusing on three different impact factors: economic, social, and environmental. Using a digital survey questionnaire application, 142 farmers from six villages in Guangdong Province were interviewed to evaluate perceived changes in their farming and livelihood since adopting 3CT. Results showed that the farmers were highly satisfied with 3CT. They perceived positive livelihood changes and increased agronomic performance with reduced fertilizer use. Farmers who had adopted 3CT for the longest perceived significantly higher levels of change, more benefits, and improved agricultural efficiency. The study showed that 3CT is highly appreciated by farmers due to its effectiveness, ease of use, and compatibility. Our model highlighted the relevance of including social and environmental impact analysis for sustainability research in agriculture. Ultimately, 3CT has the potential of being implemented in other regions of China.

Sustainable rice production in the Mekong River Delta: Factors influencing farmers’ adoption of the integrated technology package “One Must Do, Five Reductions” (1M5R)

“…Correspondingly, farmers also expressed that they found the combined recommendations specified under 1M5R, captured in the variable “ease of use,” easy to apply. This result is concurrent with results from other studies, where farmers also perceived the ease of use to be an important factor in the adoption of environmentally friendly rice cultivation practices in Vietnam (Tu et al, 2018) and also in the South Chinese province Guangdong, for the reduction of fertilizer use in rice farming (Wehmeyer et al, 2020). Benefit perceptions seem to play a significant role to follow 1M5R which is in line with results from a study investigating the acceptance of new rice straw management practices in the Mekong River Delta (Connor et al, 2020).…”

“…With regard to determine farmers’ reduction of post-harvest losses, they were asked if they have used a combine harvester since it has been shown that combine harvesters can reduce post-harvest losses (Praweenwongwuthi et al, 2010), if they have used solar bubble driers, flatbed driers, and different types of storage bags. Furthermore, farmers, who have adopted a practice or technology were asked to provide information about the reasons for adoption using 23 statements (Wehmeyer et al, 2020) (Figure 2) and for non-adoption of a practice or technology using 18 statements which farmers had to evaluate on a six-point Likert-type scale (1 = not applicable at all, 6 = very applicable) (Wehmeyer et al, 2020) (Figure 3).…”

“…Farmers’ satisfaction was measured using seven items adapted to the context of 1M5R and farmers’ expectations was measured using four items adapted to the context of 1M5R (Wehmeyer et al, 2020). Furthermore, farmers were also asked about how easy they perceived the aspects of 1M5R to be using six items.…”

“…The study finds that socioeconomic characteristics and personal needs, as well as environmental factors such as soil properties, irrigation water, access to agricultural inputs, market demands, weather conditions, and extension activities all influenced the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices (Bopp et al, 2019). Recently, factors such as farmers’ perception of how easy the practice is to apply (Wehmeyer et al, 2020), benefit perceptions (Connor et al, 2020; Ekane et al, 2016), and perceptions of farmer satisfaction and expectations from the introduction process (Wehmeyer et al, 2020) have also been shown to affect the level of adoption of new agricultural technologies and practices.…”

Impact of fertilization with reducing in nitrogen and phosphorous application on growth, yield and biomass accumulation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under a dual cropping system

“…It has improved overall global agricultural productivity, crop yields, and soil fertility. As a result of increased fertilizer use, agriculture production, crop yield and soil fertility were increased globally (Wehmeyer, de Guia & Connor, 2020). Since its introduction during the Green Revolution in the 1960s, synthetic fertilizer has been an essential factor of Asian agriculture (Lu & Tian, 2017).…”