2.2.2. Structural and Farming Practice Data

Structural and material factors can be directly measured using closed Likert scales and multiple-choice questions. We captured farm characteristics using indicators such as area, soil type and slope. We also asked about general agronomic practices such as crop sequences, the type of maize grown, percentage of maize in the crop sequence and the use of tillage. We recorded farmers' personal characteristics using indicators such as age, level of education and experience with maize production. Finally, we focused on irrigation practices, including the equipment used, duration of irrigation and the volume of water per irrigation period. Indeed, we assumed that these elements could influence the date of first irrigation. For example, if there is little equipment, irrigation time would be extended, and the farmer would therefore need to start the irrigation campaign earlier. To identify the date of first irrigation, we developed a maize-cropping scenario for a typical year in the temperate climate of the Occitanie region of France and without water restrictions. The interviewer showed temperature, rainfall and evapotranspiration graphs to the farmers and asked them which day they would start irrigating.
