Determinants of soil liming in Poland : economic, social and behavioral drivers

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify the economic, social, and behavioral determinants of soil liming practices among Polish farmers.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The analysis is based on a survey conducted in 2022 among 443 farmers from four regions of Poland. A CHAID classification tree model was used as an exploratory analytical tool to identify factors differentiating three main liming strategies: systematic liming, sporadic liming, and the abandonment of liming practices.

FINDINGS: The results indicate that the primary determinant of liming strategies is the share of farm income in total household income. Technological orientation of farms, farmers’ knowledge of soil pH, and the influence of the local farming environment also play important moderating roles.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In Poland, soils classified as acidic or very acidic account for more than 40% of agricultural land. Despite this, the level of lime application remains far below recommended levels, with some regions reporting annual application rates of only several tens of kilograms per hectare.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The findings highlight the importance of economic incentives, advisory services, and knowledge transfer mechanisms in promoting sustainable soil management practices.