Impacts of training on farmers' nitrogen use in maize production in Shandong, China

Inorganic fertilizer plays an important role in increasing Chinese food production. However, recent studies showed that Chinese farmers have been significantly overusing nitrogen (N) fertilizer. The overall goal of this study is to investigate the impact of delivering information and knowledge regarding appropriate N fertilizer use in maize production. Based on an experimental study, which provided training to farmers in maize production in the North China Plain, the present study finds that training does have a positive impact on farmer practices. Indeed, the training was effective in reducing overall N fertilizer use by 22%, though the N application after training was still higher than the level recommended by scientists. These findings have important implications for China's extension system, as well as its efforts to reduce nonpoint pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.