Substituting Organic Fertilizer for Chemical Fertilizer: Evidence from Apple Growers in China

This study investigates the key factors affecting farmers’ decisions to use chemical fertilizer and/or organic in Chinese apple production. calculates partial output elasticities and of substitution between fertilizer, using a stochastic frontier production function model data for 2017–2019. Subsequently, it analyzes how different sales channels impact fertilizer. It also examines economic incentives on technical inefficiency levels The empirical results indicate that matter has medium level substitutability with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium Further, an increase total number available incentivizes farms more optimize quantity at expense quality. Contrary, any three most commonly used among growers (dealer door-to-door purchases, enterprise juice pressing, brokers) opposite effect From these findings, subsidized provision educating farmers about ecological benefits sustainable land management measures are suggested. Finally, suggests improve income, management, lowering footprint fertilizers China.