Agri-environmental decision-making of Chinese farmers

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Over the past 30 years, China's intensive agricultural practices and nitrogen overuse have caused significant environmental issues. Farmers, often risk-averse due to past experiences, face uncertainty about adopting better technologies. The challenge lies in implementing effective agricultural training that encourages the adoption of optimized practices. Successful local policy implementation is closely linked to individuals' social and cognitive preferences, prompting this study to connect socio-psychological theory with economic behavior models. Focusing on the Chinese context, particularly farmers' agri-environmental attitudes, fundamental values, and personal guanxi relationships, the study explores how mental decision-making is influenced by cultural, institutional, and historical factors. Empirical evidence was gathered through a comprehensive survey in Shandong Province, revealing the economic, environmental, and structural challenges in Chinese agriculture. Excessive nitrogen use and low production efficiencies, coupled with decreasing profitability, highlight the dire situation of small-scale farms. As opportunity costs for labor rise, especially among younger family members, farms are diversifying income strategies. Overall, Chinese agriculture suffers from inadequate structural conditions and future prospects, alongside ineffective extension systems. The study proposes policy recommendations in education, political