Middle and West Tennessee producer perceptions of no-till and cover crops

Abstract

This study uses responses to a 2017 survey of row crop producers in Middle and West Tennessee to analyze producer perceptions of the likelihood that no-till or cover crop adoption would generate economic, soil health, and water quality benefits. Respondents believed that using either no-till or cover crops was likely to reduce soil erosion, retain soil moisture, and improve soil health and water quality, but not increase yields or decrease yield variability. Respondents were more likely to use no-till than planting cover crops and generally believed that no-till was more likely to improve soil health and increase water quality benefits than cover crops. Middle-aged respondents who had a college education and used irrigation were more likely to associate no-till adoption with soil health benefits. Respondents familiar with cost-share programs that encourage cover crop adoption and those who practiced no-till cultivation were more likely to associate cover crops with positive soil health and water quality outcomes. Collectively, these results can inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of research and educational programs to enhance understanding of the effects of no-till and cover crop use and public policies to promote the adoption of these practices.