Analysis of Factors Affecting the Reduction in Fertilizer Use to Achieve Sustainable Saffron Production (Case Study: Gonabad County)

The use of chemical inputs seriously threaten the sustainability of crop production due to the erosion and destruction of soil health, in such a way that it has been always put into question and concerns for it have been growing. The current study was conducted to investigate the factors influensing the application of chemical fertilizers in saffron farms in Gonabad County. To this end, the descriptive-correlation research method was used. The study statistical population consisted of all saffron farmers in Gonabad. Proportional random sampling procedure was used in which 105 saffron farmers were selected. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that its. Face validity  was confirmed by the professors of agricultural economics. Also, the reliability of questions related to attitude towards sustainable agriculture was evaluated by conducting a pilot study in which the Cronbach’s alpha was calculated as 0.698. Afterwards, a two-stage Heckman model was carried out to investigate factors affecting the use of chemical fertilizers. Based on the results, the coefficient of attitude towards sustainable agriculture in both stages was negative and significant, which represents that improvement of farmers' attitude effectively reduces the use of chemical fertilizers. While the coefficients of variables of farmers' income, age, education level, and agricultural insurance are positive and significant in both stages and increase the probability and amount of using fertilizers by farmers. Based on the findings, adopting appropriate strategies for familiarizing saffron farmers with sustainable agricultural practices, luding trust of reliable and experienced farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, and reforming the structure of agricultural insurance system plays a decisive role in improving the farmers’ consumption pattern of chemical fertilizers.