Nutrient Decision Making: What Farmers Think.

Nutrient management decisions are critical to optimize crop growth. Nutrient management decisions are also critical to minimize off-site transport of nutrients to water resources. To better understand nutrient decision making relative to rate, timing, source and placement, conservation practice adoption, and water quality beliefs, we interviewed 105 farmers in 3 states: 30 in Missouri, 30 in North Carolina, and 45 in Ohio. Semi-structured, in-person interviews were conducted with each farmer along with the collection of quantitative information through a short survey on demographics, ranking, and preference questions. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using coding and textual analysis, while a statistical analysis was completed with the quantitative information. Not surprisingly, there was a wide range decision-making strategies relative to nutrients. Decision-making strategy differences, although often based on farmer preference, had a definite regional context.  Ultimately, changing nutrient management behavior will require deep knowledge of farm communities, even within a state, in order to provide relevant and effective guidance to farmers.