Study on the Influence of Policy Guidance and Market-Driven Factors on Farmers’ Behavior Regarding Black Soil Protection

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This study, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and the "Attitude-Context-Behavior" theory, analyzes the influencing mechanisms of farmers' black soil conservation behavior from both government policy guidance and market-driven perspectives. It addresses the shortcomings of the existing literature's single perspective and makes an important contribution to promoting farmers' active participation in black soil conservation and preventing soil quality degradation. However, the following deficiencies remain:

 1. The paper employs the Theory of Planned Behavior and the "Attitude-Context-Behavior" theory, but the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior in the formulation of research hypotheses is insufficient. It is recommended to further elaborate on the relationship between the Theory of Planned Behavior and the proposed research hypotheses.

2. Standardize the expression of hypotheses. Hypotheses generally do not directly state whether the influence is positive or negative.

3. “This study obtained a total of 687 valid questionnaires, excluding invalid samples, resulting in 676 valid questionnaires, with an effective rate of 98.40%.” If there were 687 valid questionnaires, why is there a step to exclude invalid samples?

4. The paper only mentions using SPSS15 software, but structural equation modeling requires the use of AMOS software. Was this omitted?

5. In section 3.1(1), "indirect effect" and "indirect effect value" are used interchangeably.

6. The paper mentions that "under policy guidance and market-driven conditions, farmers of different operational scales exhibit different black soil conservation behaviors." It is suggested that the authors analyze the operational scale nodes, which would be significant for targeting key groups in information dissemination and policy promotion.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

A small amount of language needs to be corrected

Author Response

In accordance with the reviewers' suggestions, the article has been revised item by item, with changes made in revision mode. Due to the extensive nature of the modifications, a separate document detailing the changes has been prepared. For specific details on the modifications, please see Attachment: Response Letter-1.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

An interesting article describing both institutional-political and market factors affecting the protection of black soils in China. A positive aspect is the well-planned and executed study. However, there are numerous limitations that require correction. Detailed comments in the text.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Author Response

In accordance with the reviewers' suggestions, the article has been revised item by item, with changes made in revision mode. Due to the extensive nature of the modifications, a separate document detailing the changes has been prepared. For specific details on the modifications, please see Attachment: Response Letter-2.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript has been sufficiently improved to warrant publication in Land.