Lockie, Stewart, Mead, Ashley, Vanclay, Frank, and Butler, Brett (1995) Factors encouraging the adoption of more sustainable crop rotations in south-east Australia. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 6 (1). pp. 61-79.

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Abstract

Broadleaf crop rotations have been promoted in southeast Australia for many years with seemingly mixed success. This paper presents the results of a study conducted in the southern cropping area of New South Wales (NSW) to explore with farmers the use of broadleaf crops, and associated farming practices, in cropping sequences with cereals. Although primarily concerned with barriers to the adoption of broadleaf based crop rotations, discussions were free to range over all aspects of farm management. The study, initiated by the NSW Department of Agriculture, was predicted on the belief that there had been low levels of acceptance and adoption of these practices. However, farmers participating in focus group discussions displayed a very high level of adoption and suggested that the overall level was high. This high level of adoption was subsequently validated using quantitative techniques. Participants did though express doubts about the environmental and economic sustainability of these practices. They also revealed important criteria in their assessment of agricultural practices which may not be recognized by agricultural research and extension services. Farmers were aware of the effects of farming practices on profitability and sustainability, but were equally concerned with risk minimization and income stability.

Item ID:	34867
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	2168-3573
Funders:	Grains Research and Development Corporation
Date Deposited:	13 Dec 2016 03:53
FoR Codes:	16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1608 Sociology > 160801 Applied Sociology, Program Evaluation and Social Impact Assessment @ 50% 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1608 Sociology > 160804 Rural Sociology @ 50%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960504 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Environments @ 50% 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9606 Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation > 960601 Economic Incentives for Environmental Protection @ 50%
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