The effect of noncognitive abilities on promoting the adoption of soil testing and formula fertilization technology by farmers: empirical insights from Central China

The promotion of soil testing and formula fertilization technology (STFF) among farmers holds significant implications for China's agricultural sustainability. However, existing studies have yet to explore the influence of noncognitive abilities and risk appetite on farmers’ adoption of this type of intertemporal agricultural technology. Based on the theory of new human capital, a theoretical model is constructed to examine the relationship between noncognitive abilities, risk appetite, and farmers’ STFF adoption. Using the Big Five model and the survey data of 1114 farmers in Hubei and Henan provinces, the influence and mechanism of noncognitive abilities and their five characteristics on farmers’ STFF adoption are examined. The results indicate that, first, noncognitive abilities, extraversion, and openness positively impact farmers’ adoption behavior. Further, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism do not show a significant influence. Second, heterogeneous analysis reveals that noncognitive abilities affect farmers’ STFF adoption and that this effect exhibits notable intergenerational differences. While noncognitive abilities, extraversion, and openness have significant effects on young farmers’ STFF adoption, those characteristics do not affect older farmers. Gender differences are minor in this relationship, with male and female farmers differing only in their levels of openness. Third, risk appetite plays an intermediary role between farmers’ noncognitive abilities and their adoption behavior regarding STFF. The traits of extraversion and openness enhance farmers’ adoption behavior by improving their risk appetite. These findings provide policy implications for promoting STFF in developing countries. Graphical abstract