Farmers' Willingness to Grow Cover Crops: Examining the Economic Factors of Adoption in Alabama

The inclusion of cover crops in cropping systems brings both direct and indirect costs and benefits. The literature has shown that cover crops can improve soil conservation and productivity, potentially improving cash crop yields and decreasing cash crop production costs. Farmers will adopt cover crops if the net economic benefit of utilizing them is positive. This study examines farmers’ willingness to grow cover crops as a soil conservation practice and to examine the socio-economic factors affecting their decision. Survey data collected in 2007-8 from Alabama farmers about cover crop adoption and management is utilized to estimate a cover crop adoption model.