Assessing criteria for adopting sustainable subsoil management practices: an application of multinomial logit model
¹Thünen Institute of Farm Economics, Bundesallee 63, DE38116 Braunschweig, Germany
²Ecologic Institute, Pfalzburger Str. 43-44, DE10717 Berlin, Germany
*Correspondence: Mona.Aghabeygi.21@gmail.com
Abstract:
Subsoil management practices are crucial for improving agricultural sustainability by enhancing resource use efficiency and soil health. This study focuses on two key methods: (a) the cultivation of deep-rooted crops like alfalfa, which enhances the accessibility of subsoil resources for subsequent crops, and (b) strip-wise loosening of the subsoil combined with compost addition (UEK)[1], which is being developed and tested within the framework of the Soil³ project. A comprehensive model is developed to assess factors influencing the adoption of these practices using a Multinomial Logit model and survey data from stakeholders in Anhalt-Bitterfeld, Rhein-Sieg-Kreis, and Teltow-Fläming in Germany. Stakeholder responses are categorized into four groups: stakeholder characteristics, adoption factors, alfalfa cultivation and UEK method features. Statistical and econometric analyses reveal three critical factors: insufficient soil water storage capacity, business orientation, and ownership relationships. Through the identification of marginal effects, it appears that ‘business orientation’ is more influential in the adoption of the alfalfa cultivation method compared to the UEK method, whereas ‘ownership relationships’ have a greater marginal effect in the UEK method compared to alfalfa cultivation. Findings suggest that policy interventions should address method-specific barriers, promoting business incentives for alfalfa cultivation and resolving land ownership issues for the UEK method. Tailored, region-specific approaches are essential for promoting subsoil management practices, contributing to resilient and resource-efficient farming systems.
[1] UEK is used here as an abbreviation for strip-wise loosening of the subsoil combined with compost addition. However, in general, this method is known in Germany as the Soil³ method or technology.
Key words:
deep-rooted crop method, econometric analysis, Germany, marginal effects, strip-wise loosening method