Factors affecting adoption of conventional and conservation tillage practices in Ohio

Data were collected in 1982 from 918 farmers living in 9 randomly selected Ohio counties to examine adoption of conventional and soil conservation tillage practices. Relatively few of the adoption behaviors could be explained with the variables included in the analysis, but the best predictors were factors associated with scale of farming operation. Diffusion-type variables were shown to be of very little value in understanding adoption of soil erosion control practices. Alternative theoretical perspectives are suggested for future research.