Unravelling the effects of straw return on rice production in central China: Evidence for future policy‐making

• DOI: 10.1111/sum.13118
• Publication Date: 2024-10-14T10:29:28Z
• Authors: Xue Shen; Shan Jin; Zhihui Liang; Rongjun Ao

Abstract The practice of straw return represents an effective and sustainable approach to recycling reusing agricultural residues, thereby significantly contributing the circular economy within agri‐food sector. Although this holds significant promise for enhancing soil quality mitigating pollution resulting from burning, realization these substantial benefits depends on extent which farmers are willing embrace practice, a decision closely tied anticipated economic it offers. present study aimed explore effect rice production in terms yield net using representative household survey 1752 central China. results showed that there exist threshold effects years both income, decline as increase below thresholds, then linearly above thresholds. Overall, after implementing took average about 3.5 observe positive yields 7.5 see income. estimates were robust regression, Lasso regression random forest methods. Nonetheless, provision essential technical guidance via cooperatives could contribute expediting associated with practices. imply current incentive mechanism at diffusing should be fine‐tuned by considering time required generate specific contexts, ensuring better compensation initial losses. Interventions shorten needed realize benefits, such providing additional training farmers, implemented. Furthermore, uncertainty regarding frame benefit communicated clearly effectively farmers.