Intérêts, freins et leviers pour optimiser le raisonnement de la fertilisation des cultures en France et en Europe
Abstract
This study explores the dynamics of optimizing crop nutrition and fertilization strategies in Europe, drawing on qualitative interviews with French experts (n=19) and quantitative data from a pan-European stakeholder survey (n=714, including 152 in France). The primary motivations for farmers to improve crop nutrition are economic and agronomic. Increasing yield potential is the most cited driver (76% Europe, 59% France), followed by reducing fertilizer costs (56% Europe, 47% France), highlighting the importance of input management. Enhancing crop quality (42% Europe, 34% France) and improving soil fertility (42% Europe, 67% France) are also significant. While compliance with agri-environmental legislation is a factor (21% Europe, 26% France), it remains less prioritized than direct economic gains. Notably, French respondents place more emphasis on public policies (43% vs. 25% elsewhere). Major obstacles include the high cost of tools and technologies (70% France, 49% Europe) and low farm income (49% Europe). Farm size also limits investment capacity (40% France). A significant knowledge and training gap is apparent (38% France), compounded by the complexity and insufficient interoperability of digital tools, a point frequently raised by French experts. Traditional practices are hard to change, but are minor factors compared to economic and knowledge barriers. Identified needs largely mirror the obstacles. Farmers prioritize training in soil fertility and crop nutrition (43% France, 47% Europe), along with awareness and practical demonstrations of tools. Access to independent research results and cost-benefit information (35% France) is crucial. Funding for tool investment (34% France) and incentives from industry and public support are also sought. Farmers specifically request independent agricultural advice and reliable, economically viable tools that allow them to adapt fertilizer dosages, reinforcing their desire to remain central to decision-making. The discussion emphasizes the strong interdependence between behavioural factors, knowledge dissemination structures (AKIS), and the collective capacity to produce relevant data. Behavioural barriers like perceived risk and economic uncertainty significantly impact technology adoption. The study highlights the need for localized, reliable data, transparent evaluation of digital tools, and co-development approaches. Enhancing knowledge circulation through robust AKIS, continuous training for farmers and advisors, and addressing interoperability issues are vital. Farmers prefer less automated technologies, and while environmental benefits like water quality improvement are recognized, economic and yield considerations often take precedence. The overall conclusion stresses that a multi-faceted approach, emphasizing outcome-based policies rather than prescriptive means, co-construction with farmers, and strengthening the entire innovation ecosystem, is crucial for a successful and sustainable transition in fertilization practices.
Related
BibTeX
@article{degan2026intérêts,
title = {{Intérêts, freins et leviers pour optimiser le raisonnement de la fertilisation des cultures en France et en Europe}},
author = {Francesca Degan and Lionel Jordan‐meille and Enguerrand Burel and Alain Canard and Thibault Debaillieul and Luc Delaby and Caroline Dizien and Jean-Louis Drouet and Thierry Gain and Philippe Gérard and Jérémy Guil and Marc Hervé and Marc Lambert and David Leduc and Raphaël Paut and Amélie Petit and Thibaut Ray and Matthieu Valé and Laurent Varvoux and Alexander Weil and Thibaud Deschamps},
journal = {Agronomie, Environnement \& Sociétés},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.54800/dhl268},
url = {https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05569957v1},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Intérêts, freins et leviers pour optimiser le raisonnement de la fertilisation des cultures en France et en Europe
AU - Francesca Degan
AU - Lionel Jordan‐meille
AU - Enguerrand Burel
AU - Alain Canard
AU - Thibault Debaillieul
AU - Luc Delaby
AU - Caroline Dizien
AU - Jean-Louis Drouet
AU - Thierry Gain
AU - Philippe Gérard
AU - Jérémy Guil
AU - Marc Hervé
AU - Marc Lambert
AU - David Leduc
AU - Raphaël Paut
AU - Amélie Petit
AU - Thibaut Ray
AU - Matthieu Valé
AU - Laurent Varvoux
AU - Alexander Weil
AU - Thibaud Deschamps
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/13
JO - Agronomie, Environnement & Sociétés
DO - 10.54800/dhl268
UR - https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05569957v1
AB - This study explores the dynamics of optimizing crop nutrition and fertilization strategies in Europe, drawing on qualitative interviews with French experts (n=19) and quantitative data from a pan-European stakeholder survey (n=714, including 152 in France). The primary motivations for farmers to improve crop nutrition are economic and agronomic. Increasing yield potential is the most cited driver (76% Europe, 59% France), followed by reducing fertilizer costs (56% Europe, 47% France), highlighting the importance of input management. Enhancing crop quality (42% Europe, 34% France) and improving soil fertility (42% Europe, 67% France) are also significant. While compliance with agri-environmental legislation is a factor (21% Europe, 26% France), it remains less prioritized than direct economic gains. Notably, French respondents place more emphasis on public policies (43% vs. 25% elsewhere). Major obstacles include the high cost of tools and technologies (70% France, 49% Europe) and low farm income (49% Europe). Farm size also limits investment capacity (40% France). A significant knowledge and training gap is apparent (38% France), compounded by the complexity and insufficient interoperability of digital tools, a point frequently raised by French experts. Traditional practices are hard to change, but are minor factors compared to economic and knowledge barriers. Identified needs largely mirror the obstacles. Farmers prioritize training in soil fertility and crop nutrition (43% France, 47% Europe), along with awareness and practical demonstrations of tools. Access to independent research results and cost-benefit information (35% France) is crucial. Funding for tool investment (34% France) and incentives from industry and public support are also sought. Farmers specifically request independent agricultural advice and reliable, economically viable tools that allow them to adapt fertilizer dosages, reinforcing their desire to remain central to decision-making. The discussion emphasizes the strong interdependence between behavioural factors, knowledge dissemination structures (AKIS), and the collective capacity to produce relevant data. Behavioural barriers like perceived risk and economic uncertainty significantly impact technology adoption. The study highlights the need for localized, reliable data, transparent evaluation of digital tools, and co-development approaches. Enhancing knowledge circulation through robust AKIS, continuous training for farmers and advisors, and addressing interoperability issues are vital. Farmers prefer less automated technologies, and while environmental benefits like water quality improvement are recognized, economic and yield considerations often take precedence. The overall conclusion stresses that a multi-faceted approach, emphasizing outcome-based policies rather than prescriptive means, co-construction with farmers, and strengthening the entire innovation ecosystem, is crucial for a successful and sustainable transition in fertilization practices.
SN - 1775-4240
ER -