Farmers' Decisions in the Use of Fertilizer

Abstract

5M/ ANAGERIAL decisions relating to the use of chemical fertilizer are becoming more important, since the increased use of fertilizer has been one of the main features of the technological revolution in agricultural production. Information on how farmers make decisions relating to one production practice should be helpful in understanding the decision making process itself. A study designed to look at only one kind of the many decisions farmers make has obvious limitations. However, it is felt that a limited study such as the one described here can supplement work being done elsewhere in adding to knowledge of the managerial process.' This paper is based on a study of farmers' attitudes toward the use of fertilizer.2 The National Plant Food Institute (NPFI) has the over-all objective of encouraging the proper use of fertilizer, consistent with agricultural colleges' programs and activities. We have felt the need to know more about farmers' behavior as related to fertilizer use, so that our efforts could be made more effective. This study was designed to provide the Institute staff and member companies with information that would help in selecting those activities that appear to offer the best means of achieving our overall objective.