Farmers’ rationality in soil management: which factors influence implementation of sustainable management practices in soil conservation? – A case study in Germany and Austria

Sustainability in farming practices is of increasing importance in research and society. There has been extensive research on best management practices to mitigate soil degradation. However, invariably the success of practices
proposed by scientists and technicians rely on farmers to implement them, ultimately the farmers’ actions will determine the soil quality status.
This paper aims to contribute to the provision of insights into farmers’ perception of soil and of soil management. Based on this understanding it aims to identify barriers and drivers to adoption of sustainable soil management
beyond mere technical aspects. Finally the paper explores the role of soil management in overall farm management by reconstructing the rationality of farmers’ decision making in crop rotation and weed management. The study is based on a qualitative approach using open and semi-structured in-depth on farm interviews. Insights into farmers’ decision making in combination with barriers/drivers for implementation of sustainable soil management practices can contribute to a better understanding of what is needed to foster better farm
compatibility and thus adoption of these practices.