Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 1
Written by Oana ABRUDAN (RADU), Camelia OROIAN, Claudia BALINT, Antonia ODAGIU
Sustainable plant nutrition is essential for maintaining soil fertility and minimizing environmental impacts. This study evaluates farmers’ perceptions, challenges, and adoption of sustainable fertilization practices through a structured questionnaire. Results indicate that crop rotation is the most preferred method, while a combination of chemical and organic fertilizers is widely used. Despite moderate effectiveness, concerns about environmental impact are high, yet adoption of mitigation measures remains limited. Financial constraints, particularly the high cost of organic fertilizers, are the main barriers to sustainability. Most respondents rely on fertilizer manufacturers for information, with lower engagement in scientific research. Strong interest in training exists, though accessibility issues persist. Spearman correlation analysis highlights links between fertilization practices, awareness, and sustainability actions. Principal Component Analysis identifies key factors influencing farmers' decisions, including financial support and knowledge accessibility. The findings emphasize the need for subsidies, expert collaboration, and improved information dissemination to promote sustainable fertilization.
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