Impact of social networks on fertilizer use efficiency in China: How does green fertilization technology work?

Abstract

Abstract Improving fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) is an effective way to reduce the fertilizer use and non-point source pollution in agriculture production in China. Existing research related to fertilizer use efficiency ignores the impact of famers’ social networks, which can significantly affect the fertilizer use and its efficiency. This study examined how farmers' social networks and adoption of green fertilization technology mediate the impact FUE in kiwifruit production in Shaanxi province, China. The results show that the kiwifruit production had a low FUE, with an average value of 0.333. Social networks positively influenced FUE, with network trust and learning having the greatest impact. Adoption of green fertilization technology mediated the social network's influence on FUE, mainly promoted by network trust and learning. Farmers’ experience in agricultural production, joining cooperative society, the quantity of village agricultural supply points had a significant positive impact on FUE, while age and gentle of the head of household had a significant negative impact of FUE. Planting scale had a U-shape impact on FUE. Policies aimed at improving FUE and reducing non-point source pollution should, therefore, focus on strengthening social networks and encouraging green fertilization technology adoption, are essential for reducing non-point source pollution and promoting sustainable agricultural production.