Farmers’ Fertilizer Use Behaviour: Evidence from Western Part of Türkiye

Abstract

Fertilizer use has been important for decades. Recent records show significant increases in their usage. Excessive and unconscious applications threaten human and environmental health and cause economic losses. This study aims to identify farmers’ fertilizer use behaviour in Izmir province. In 2016, survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire concerning farmers’ views and attitudes regarding fertilizer use. Seven factors were identified, explaining 80.34% of total variability, determining farmers’ behaviour in the study area by cluster analysis. Farmers in the region were classified into four groups. The largest group, “environment and health-oriented”, comprised 38.8% of the farmers. We concluded that farmers consider environmental sensitivity regarding fertilizer applications; however, environmental awareness should be further developed.

Highlights:

• Seven key factors explaining 80.3 % of the variability in farmers’ fertilizer use behaviour were identified through factor analysis.
• Cluster analysis classified farmers into four groups: unconscious, support-oriented, environment & health-oriented, and return-oriented.
• The largest group (38.8 %) showed strong environmental and health awareness regarding fertilizer use.
• Economic incentives and expectations of crop price or fertilizer price changes significantly influenced fertilizer use decisions.
• Results highlight the need for extension services and policy measures to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable fertilizer management.