Andersson, L. (2004) Finding 1

When using predictive models to aid farmers in making a nutrient application decision:

  • confirm that predictive models have been tested with satisfactory results against field experiments.
  • confirm that the models show detectable reductions of nutrient leaching, as a consequence of implemented remedies.
  • provide results that consider the total environmental impact of a suggested measure, in order to show a more realistic evaluation of sources of nutrient load (e.g. provide results demonstrating the combined impact of all potential nutrients, rather than results predicting application impacts of one nutrient at a time).
  • provide simulations that are based on a specific climatic variable, such as air temperature, rather than general seasonal timing (early fall).
  • develop a system for presenting model uncertainties appropriate to use in stakeholder dialogues.

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Andersson, L. (2004) Finding 2

Present nutrient application simulations to farmers in a group, to give farmers an opportunity to learn what practices others are using and how they weigh aspects when making decisions about nutrient management.

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Fedler, A. J. (Ed.) Finding 5

In designing outreach programs that strive to link environmental concern with recreational behaviors, attend to:

  • social factors that influence the choice of activity and the interpretation given the recreational experience

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Grudens-Schuck, N. (2000) Finding 2

Facilitate farmer-led program design and implementation that leads to:

  • Farmer developed reasons for taking charge of environmental protection
  • Peer development of solutions
  • Peer assessment of potential hazards of current practices
  • Farmers rather than technical experts complete environmental assessment and Action Plan
  • Farm plan and data evaluation via peer review

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Siemer, W. F., & Knuth, B. A. (2001) Finding 2

To increase ownership and empowerment, design programs with a strong emphasis on:

  • Combining: a) field activities; b) curriculum activities; c) family and community involvement
  • Multi-faceted experiences, which are more likely to lead to an increase in skills, knowledge and motivation than education which includes only one of the above elements.

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