Nonlinear relationship between digital literacy and Farmers' Straw Incorporation Behavior: evidence from rural China

Background Ecological security of cultivated land is crucial for the sustainable development of a nation's society and economy. Methods Utilizing the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS) database, organized by the Rural Development Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, this study employs nonlinear regression, mediating effect, and moderating effect models to explore the intrinsic relationship between digital literacy and farmers' adoption of straw return practices. Results Digital literacy exhibits a U-shaped effect on straw return behavior among farmers, with a threshold value of 0.5. Digital literacy influences straw return in a U-shaped manner by facilitating capital accumulation. Neighborhood interaction delays the inflection point at which digital literacy begins to inhibit straw return, thereby strengthening its suppressive effect and steepening the U-shaped relationship. Conclusions Governments should enhance regional digital infrastructure, increase internet accessibility, and focus on improving farmers' financial literacy through targeted training programs to expand their financial knowledge.