Volume 2 · Issue 4 (2025)
Analysis of the Impact of Automatic Seeding and Fertilization Technology Application on Land Output Rate and Cost Structure of Family Farms
Yangshi Liu
Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
Abstract: This paper examines the effects of automatic seeding and fertilization technology on the land output rate and cost structure of family farms. Using the activity-based costing approach, it develops a theoretical framework of "technology application - operational efficiency - cost driver" and performs an empirical analysis with micro-data from 326 family farms. The study reveals that this technology substantially enhances the cost structure of family farms via labor cost reduction, mechanical cost substitution, and precise material cost management. The labor cost share declines from 38.7% to 21.3%, while the mechanical cost proportion rises from 12.4% to 18.6%. Additionally, fertilizer efficiency increases from 35% to 58%, and seed wastage decreases from 18% to 3%. Moreover, the impact of technology application differs based on scale and crop type. When the farm area surpasses 300 mu, the substitution effect of mechanical costs is notably strengthened; the cost optimization effect for food crops outperforms that of cash crops. The study offers a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for family farms to adopt refined cost management.
Keywords: Automatic seeding and fertilization technology; Family farms; Cost structure; Land output rate; Activity-based costing; Scale effect; Crop type difference
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