Adopting sustainable soil management: the role of socio-economic factors

The sustainable management of soils is crucial to enable the long term use of the various soil functions. Although soil degradation caused by agriculture is a process defined by technical, climatic, and bio-physical factors, there is recognition that the underlying causes are to be found in the socio-economic, political and cultural context in which farmers operate. In Europe, farmers’ decision-making on farm management is strongly influenced by agricultural policies and economic incentives. This paper aims to review and summarize findings of existing studies on the role of socioeconomic factors that influence farmers and other land managers’ adoption of soil conservation practices with a focus on the European situation