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Perception of tools for assessing on-farm nutrient losses and mitigation options

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posted on 2021-12-07, 13:41 authored by Rogers, Maggie

This research focuses on the prominent issue of degraded water quality in New Zealand caused by the intensification of agricultural land use, resulting in increased levels of diffuse pollutants such as sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways (Duncan, 2017). Degraded water quality is a critical issue that needs to be addressed both socially and scientifically. It needs to be addressed socially as human behaviour is influencing this degradation, and the science is needed to further our understanding and implementation of the best mitigation solutions.  The aim of this study was to evaluate how information surrounding potential nutrient mitigation measures provided by decision support tools is understood and interpreted by farmers facing tightening environmental regulations and a changing social outlook on environmental sustainability. To achieve this aim, the following activities were conducted: (i) A review of current theories and tools available to understand and encourage pro-environmental behaviour. (ii) A case study using the Land Utilisation Capability Indicator (LUCI) model to determine stakeholder engagement was carried out through interviews with 6 farmers in the Mangatarere Catchment.  The review showed that while information alone does not drive behaviour change, it is an essential component that when used in collaboration with other methods and incentives, can be very successful (Kennedy, 2010; Mackenzie-Mohr, 2000; Stern, 2000). From this review a method that was identified as having huge potential in terms of managing water quality was the use of land use models alongside targeted on-farm advice (Bouraoui & Grizzetti, 2014).  To understand the stakeholder perception and uptake of the information this method provides a case study was carried out using the LUCI model with 6 farmers in the Mangatarere Catchment. The results showed that LUCI proved to be a valuable tool for both the case study farmers and the wider farming community. Farmer feedback highlighted the importance of ensuring that information provided by such tools is communicated in a consolidated manner. This thesis shows that land use models such as LUCI have the potential to be a beneficial method of engaging stakeholders in prominent issues such as degrading water quality.

History

Copyright Date

2018-01-01

Date of Award

2018-01-01

Publisher

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Rights License

Author Retains Copyright

Degree Discipline

Physical Geography

Degree Grantor

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Degree Level

Masters

Degree Name

Master of Science

ANZSRC Type Of Activity code

3 APPLIED RESEARCH

Victoria University of Wellington Item Type

Awarded Research Masters Thesis

Language

en_NZ

Victoria University of Wellington School

School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences

Advisors

Jackson, Beth; De Roiste, Mairead; Palomino-Schalscha, Marcela