TARGETING EROSION CONTROL: ADOPTION OF EROSION CONTROL PRACTICES

Factors affecting farmers' adoption of soil conservation practices varied by owned and rented land and by state, in this four-state, eight-county analysis. The differences among states, tenure classes, and various dependent variables left little basis for a model that could predict adoption of practices in the areas studied. Each state contained unique characteristics; thus, no uniform guidelines for erosion control programs appear appropriate. However, there were some common variables. For example, there was strong statistical agreement that rented land on the farms surveyed was not enrolled in the erosion control targeting program at the same rate as was owned land. Previous conservation efforts and participation in previous Soil Conservation Service programs have a generally significant and positive effect on adoption. Other variables provided mixed signals as to strength and direction of impact on adoption