Phosphorus application rates and farmers’ perceptions of environmental concerns

Abstract Fertilizer overapplication remains a persistent challenge in several US watersheds. Farmer attitudes play a key role in nutrient management decisions, but few studies link farmer attitudes to phosphorus(P) fertilizer application rates. This study analyzes survey responses from 1650 Michigan...

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Main Authors: Sampriti Sarkar, Frank Lupi, Bruno Basso
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-06-01
Series:Agricultural & Environmental Letters
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.70014
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author Sampriti Sarkar
Frank Lupi
Bruno Basso
author_facet Sampriti Sarkar
Frank Lupi
Bruno Basso
author_sort Sampriti Sarkar
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Fertilizer overapplication remains a persistent challenge in several US watersheds. Farmer attitudes play a key role in nutrient management decisions, but few studies link farmer attitudes to phosphorus(P) fertilizer application rates. This study analyzes survey responses from 1650 Michigan corn farmers to assess P application behaviors and attitudes. The objective is to identify factors influencing P management and evaluate differences between P‐overapplying and non‐overapplying farmers. Overapplication is based on self‐reported P use and soil P levels, and differences are tested using chi‐square tests. Results show significant differences in attitudes, perceptions, and management practices between the two groups. Overapplying farmers express greater concern about nutrient runoff, suggesting they may be receptive to interventions. This study emphasizes the need to address P overapplication and improve information dissemination through agricultural consultants, soil testing laboratories, and extension services, as 55% of farmers reported not receiving recent information on P yield response. Core Ideas Farmer attitudes and perceptions are critical factors influencing management practice adoption. Self‐reported survey data for 1650 corn farmers in Michigan reveal phosphorus (P) fertilizer overapplication. Farmers that overapply P fertilizer have different attitudes than other farmers. Farmers overapplying P fertilizer indicate higher environmental concerns.
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spelling doaj-art-bce8aae9eee54aaeb35308b5780785762025-08-20T03:27:47ZengWileyAgricultural & Environmental Letters2471-96252025-06-01101n/an/a10.1002/ael2.70014Phosphorus application rates and farmers’ perceptions of environmental concernsSampriti Sarkar0Frank Lupi1Bruno Basso2Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USADepartment of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USADepartment of Earth and Environmental Sciences Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan USAAbstract Fertilizer overapplication remains a persistent challenge in several US watersheds. Farmer attitudes play a key role in nutrient management decisions, but few studies link farmer attitudes to phosphorus(P) fertilizer application rates. This study analyzes survey responses from 1650 Michigan corn farmers to assess P application behaviors and attitudes. The objective is to identify factors influencing P management and evaluate differences between P‐overapplying and non‐overapplying farmers. Overapplication is based on self‐reported P use and soil P levels, and differences are tested using chi‐square tests. Results show significant differences in attitudes, perceptions, and management practices between the two groups. Overapplying farmers express greater concern about nutrient runoff, suggesting they may be receptive to interventions. This study emphasizes the need to address P overapplication and improve information dissemination through agricultural consultants, soil testing laboratories, and extension services, as 55% of farmers reported not receiving recent information on P yield response. Core Ideas Farmer attitudes and perceptions are critical factors influencing management practice adoption. Self‐reported survey data for 1650 corn farmers in Michigan reveal phosphorus (P) fertilizer overapplication. Farmers that overapply P fertilizer have different attitudes than other farmers. Farmers overapplying P fertilizer indicate higher environmental concerns.https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.70014
spellingShingle Sampriti Sarkar
Frank Lupi
Bruno Basso
Phosphorus application rates and farmers’ perceptions of environmental concerns
Agricultural & Environmental Letters
title Phosphorus application rates and farmers’ perceptions of environmental concerns
title_full Phosphorus application rates and farmers’ perceptions of environmental concerns
title_fullStr Phosphorus application rates and farmers’ perceptions of environmental concerns
title_full_unstemmed Phosphorus application rates and farmers’ perceptions of environmental concerns
title_short Phosphorus application rates and farmers’ perceptions of environmental concerns
title_sort phosphorus application rates and farmers perceptions of environmental concerns
url https://doi.org/10.1002/ael2.70014
work_keys_str_mv AT sampritisarkar phosphorusapplicationratesandfarmersperceptionsofenvironmentalconcerns
AT franklupi phosphorusapplicationratesandfarmersperceptionsofenvironmentalconcerns
AT brunobasso phosphorusapplicationratesandfarmersperceptionsofenvironmentalconcerns