Greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions are an increasingly important point of emphasis in intensive agricultural systems. Nitrogen (N) fertilizer application reductions can play a key role in the mitigation of agriculture-related GHG emissions by reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. However, implementing new strategies for these reductions often presents challenges to farmers whose N fertilizer management decisions are influenced by conflicting factors. Understanding the socio-economic influences of farmer decision-making regarding N fertilizer application is an important component in the effort to mitigate environmental impacts of intensive agriculture. This qualitative study explores the perceptions of 40 farmers and 6 agriculture company representatives in southwest Michigan regarding the associations of N fertilizer with environmental quality and the ability to reduce N application. The findings highlight a limited understanding of the associations between N fertilizer application and N2O emissions. Farmers perceived their ability to reduce N fertilizer as limited but some respondents noted that economic incentives could be an effective mechanism to encourage practice changes. Worldviews, perceived risks, and structural influences were identified as barriers to participation in N fertilizer reduction programs. These findings provide insight for the continued efforts to balance agricultural production with environmental integrity.
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