Agricultural stakeholders' understanding of declining soil quality in southeast Norway

Abstract

There has been declining soil quality in southeast Norway in the later years. This master’s thesis explored agricultural stakeholders’ understanding of causes and potential solutions to the problem and factors supporting and hindering such solutions in southeast Norway. Q-methodology, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, was applied to provide detailed descriptions of the subjectivity that exists among stakeholders on the topic.

Both consensus and contrasting views on causes and solutions to soil quality decline in southeast Norway were found. Not all respondents considered there to be declining soil quality, while results showed possible ignorance–knowing gaps and knowing–doing gaps. The social relation between stakeholders, the role of the extension service, and a productivity focus are all vital forces influencing respondents’ understanding of problems and solutions. Raising awareness on the complexity of factors leading to soil quality decline is essential to increase stakeholders’ understanding. A participatory, holistic approach and collaboration between agricultural stakeholders is needed for new solutions to arise to improve soil quality in southeast Norway.