Abstract

Mulch film contaminates the environment while increasing agricultural yield. As such, the factors that impact the residual film management capacity of farmers must be identified, which would also be helpful for the sustainable development and security of agriculture. We investigated 10 counties across nine cities (states) by surveying 1284 households. The improved entropy-weighted composite index and the grey correlation analysis model were employed to measure the residual film management capacity from five dimensions: human capital, use behavior, management skills, public policy, and willingness. The entropy-weighted composite index results showed that residual film being harmful to the environment had the highest overall rate of 0.0745, followed by the effectiveness of mulch film, which was 0.0715. The results of the grey correlation analysis model showed that willingness to use biodegradable mulch film had the highest correlation of 0.8960, followed by educational level of the laborers, which was 0.8824. We found that residual film being harmful to the environment, effectiveness of mulch film, willingness to use biodegradable mulch film, and educational level of the laborers were the major factors influencing the residual mulch film pollution knowledge of households. Based on this finding, the government should increase subsidies for promoting biodegradable mulch film and publicize the hazards of residual films using diversified means in multiple channels.

Highlights

  • IntroductionIndividuals subjectively interpret the relationship between the social and physical environments based on their values and beliefs

  • We found less of a difference in the proportion of respondents who extend biodegradable mulch film in the 10 counties, ranging from 12.5% to 33.02%, Xundian county and Xuanwei city recorded higher proportions—40.14% and 44%, respectively

  • The results showed that removing mulch film before harvest was a better indicator of whether the farmer was using mulch film properly

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Summary

Introduction

Individuals subjectively interpret the relationship between the social and physical environments based on their values and beliefs. When confronted with an environmental issue, individuals act on these interpretations [1]. The Chinese government increased their attention on environmental issues. The President of China, Xi Jinping, advocates for clear waters and lush mountains as invaluable assets, and the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, striving for green and sustainable development [2]. Mulch film pollution is a major concern for the agricultural production environment. Identifying the social factors affecting mulch film use would be helpful for working toward agricultural sustainability

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