Florida Producers’ Perceptions of Nutrient Agricultural Best Management Practices Profitability

Abstract

Agricultural best management practices (BMPs) have public and private benefits. Public benefits include maintaining or improving water quality, while private benefits include reducing agricultural inputs or increasing yields. BMPs that help improve fertilizer use efficiency and reduce leaching events can have direct impact on both water quality and farm profitability. The dynamics of crop growth and the nutrient cycle make timely and adequate applications of fertilizers important. Though cost share exists for BMP adoption, producers largely absorb the cost and risks of using BMPs. We conducted a statewide survey of Florida producers to learn their perceptions of nutrient BMPs profitability and barriers to use. The survey examined agronomic crops, citrus, and fruits and vegetable producers’ use of controlled release fertilizer, calibrating fertilizer equipment, and cover crops. We found that an average of 73%, 65%, and 40% of agronomic crops, citrus, and fruits and vegetable producers agree that these BMPs are profitable. Also, an average of 31%, 16%, and 14% of respondents reported that they are not implementing BMPs because the practices are too expensive, not applicable on their farms, and they do not expect a yield benefit. We found that BMP use varies by crop category. Interestingly, we also found that few respondents think that they do not have enough time to learn about new practices. Understanding producers’ perceptions of BMP profitability and barriers to adoption is important to designing effective conservation programs.