ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the diffusion of conservation tillage among farm audiences has been overestimated in scope due to underestimating the magnitude and complexity of change required. It discusses diffusion of conservation tillage is an evolutionary and not revolutionary process. If the farmers have adopted the tools but not the techniques of conservation tillage, then one can expect a number of farmers who will report adoption even though they are not maintaining adequate residue levels necessary for conservation objectives. Quite clearly there is a significant difference between reported and actual use of conservation tillage among farmers. Adoption involves adaptation. Although one may adopt conservation tillage implements, there is still the need to adapt the implements and one's managerial program to a new set of circumstances. The adoption of conservation tillage is a process in which the operator's abilities, resources, and institutional position all come into play in adapting to changing agronomic, engineering, and ecological constraints.
