Dennis Baffour-Awuah presented research titled Understanding Specialty Crop Growers’ Needs and Communication Preferences for Peat Alternative Adoption at the 2026 International Association for Society and Natural Resources (IASNR) Conference. Concerns about the impacts of peat harvests on climate, biodiversity, and water systems raise questions about sustainability. Researchers and industry stakeholders explore strategies to reduce dependence on peat by developing sustainable alternatives. The research examined U.S. specialty crop growers’ experiences, concerns, research needs, and communication preferences regarding the adoption of peat alternatives using a mixed-method approach.
The findings showed that growers were generally open to adopting peat alternatives but emphasized that adoption depends on practical considerations rather than sustainability alone. They identified cost, reliable supply, and confidence that alternative substrates perform well under real production conditions as the primary factors influencing their adoption decisions. Growers emphasized the importance of applied research showing how peat alternatives influence irrigation, soil fertility, and crop yields. They also preferred both in-person and digital communication methods for information about substrate research.
This study emphasizes the need to go beyond just sharing the environmental benefits of peat alternatives. Instead, researchers and Extension professionals should offer practical, evidence-based information that reflects growers’ realities and economic considerations. Also, tailoring communication to growers’ preferred learning methods and decision-making processes can help reduce uncertainty and facilitate the successful adoption of more sustainable growing substrates.
The project, funded by USDA – SCRI Award #2024-51181-43290, of which the Lamm Lab leads the social science and communication research component.
