This research aimed to use the cause-and-effect diagram (model) as a method to describe the 15 main factors (for example, awareness, knowledge and motivation of farmers, farmers income, institutional and financial support, condition of the natural environment, healthiness of the population, etc.) leading to soil acidification, their impact on soil health and ecosystem functions, and how soil liming serves as a remedial measure. The cause-and-effect model was developed based on questionnaire studies as a part of the project ‘Opportunities and Barriers to the Use of Soil Liming for Improving the Economic Efficiency of Agricultural Production and Reducing Eutrophication of Surface Waters’ in 2022–2023. The results showed that the effects of soil acidification and liming as well as their interrelationships are multifaceted and affect agricultural production economics, agricultural land and crop prices, environmental health and biodiversity, as well as soil productivity and food security. The causes of this situation can be attributed to social, technological–logistical–technical, and economic factors. To change the existing situation, it is necessary to take effective steps to motivate farmers to lime their soils. The most effective would be (1) offering training courses for farmers to discuss the benefits that a farmer can achieve by maintaining optimum soil pH levels while growing a specific crop species; (2) implementing liming payment programs that will be more attractive and motivating from the farmers’ perspective; and (3) linking agri-environmental payments to the necessity of systematic testing of soil pH levels and maintaining optimal pH levels under specific crops species.

The aim of this research was to identify the key factors determining the level of soil liming in Poland. Spatial analyses were conducted using data from the 2020 National Agricultural Census. The study presents regional variations in selected parameters that characterise agricultural production quality and structural features, including the market connections of farms. The Classification and Regression Trees (C&RT) method was employed to identify the factors that most significantly influence the intensity of liming in the examined districts. These factors include the share of permanent grasslands, labour inputs, the percentage of farms engaged in commercial production, farm size, and the level of mineral fertilisation (NPK). The results indicate that regions with larger farms and higher NPK fertilisation tend to apply more lime. In contrast, areas with a higher share of permanent grasslands and labour-intensive activities show lower levels of liming. These findings suggest that improving agricultural practices, particularly in regions with small farms and limited fertilisation, could enhance soil liming efforts and align them with the European Green Deal's goals for sustainable agriculture.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to diagnose attitudes and consumption behaviors among the young adults, regarding food consumption in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: 483 respondents took a part in the research. They were students of three Cracovian universities, representing all voivodships in Poland. The research instrument consisted of two types of questions: traditional closed survey questions and a series of projection questions, based on fictional characters, which the respondents had to assess and determine the degree of identification with the attitudes and behaviors described. Findings: The research revealed some akrasia. The relatively high level of awareness regarding the effects of unsustainable production and consumption of young adults did not translate into consumption behavior of a sustainable nature. The curiosity regarding origin of the product and its composition turned out to be low, as was the feeling of responsibility for their own decisions. There was a tendency to expect the transition of responsibility to food producers and the institutional environment. Young adults pay special attention to food prices and easy access to shopping. Local marketplaces are a niche shopping place. The majority of food is purchased in large-area stores, where consumers are not informed about the place of origin of food. The respondents group is characterized by high outside-diagonality, solutions forcing more sustainable behavior, for example, the payment for plastic bags, the need for recycling of waste meet with wide acceptance. Originality/value: The research revealed enforcing proecological behaviors by institutions seems to be a more effective than building consumer awareness.