Analysis of socioeconomic factors affecting the use of soil conservation practices in West Tennesse

The objective of this study was to identify and investigate the factors that affect the use of conservation practices in West Tennessee that is a region of major row crop production and major soil erosion. The household production theory was introduced to describe the use of soil conservation practices by farmers. The conceptual model of decision process of soil conservation was constructed and investigated by regression analysis. The results of the study indicated that farmers' economic feasibility and other circumstances permit them to use different types of conservation measures. The various federal conservation programs are important in providing economic incentives and options in soil erosion control. The major conclusion was that economic incentives and feasibility were important factors for farmers to adopt conservation practice. Personal factors and sociological factors determined attitudes, beliefs towards soil conservation. Information sources, educational programs and other technical supports were also important in increasing knowledge and changing farmers' attitudes toward conservation and the use of conservation practices.