Applying conservation agriculture practices as a strategy to control soil erosion and carbon sequestration

• Combining the two theories of planned behavior and conservation motivation in order to identify factors affecting the use of conservation agriculture operations. • Considering control variables to closely examine the factors affecting the use of conservation agriculture. • Providing policies and applications in the field of using conservation agriculture operations. Conservation agriculture (CA) is crucial for environmental sustainability and the enhancement of agricultural resilience. By mitigating soil erosion, improving moisture retention, and enriching organic matter, CA plays a significant role in preventing soil degradation. Moreover, this practice reduces water and energy consumption, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions. CA also promotes biodiversity and strengthens local ecosystems, establishing it as a fundamental approach to sustainable farming. Despite its numerous benefits, the adoption of CA by farmers remains limited. This study seeks to explore the factors influencing farmers' intention to adopt CA. The research was conducted in Behbahan County, Khuzestan Province (southwestern Iran), using a combined theoretical framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Protection Motivation Theory. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that the proposed model effectively explains 74.6 % of the variance in farmers' intentions to implement CA practices. Notably, attitude and self-efficacy emerged as the most significant determinants influencing farmers' decisions. The results contribute valuable insights to the existing literature and offer practical recommendations for policymakers seeking to promote CA adoption.