Using a randomized controlled trial to develop conservation strategies on rented farmlands

Addressing the environmental impacts of large-scale agriculture requires innovative approaches to conservation program design and evaluation. We used a randomized controlled trial sample 2225 landowners in Mississippi River Basin test new that targets growing but overlooked population—nonoperating (NOLs). To spur adoption practices on farmland rented out by NOLs, provided NOLs with ready-to-use lease language financial incentive. The program's was informed field work, behavioral science literature, social literature barriers farmland. cannot detect an effect from or take-up rate for incentive one-tenth expected based NOL responses hypothetical offer survey. results underscore importance assessing performance rigorously testing programs real settings.