The study focused on the Environmental Protection Agency's Black Creek Watershed project in Northeastern Indiana in relation to the farmers attitudes toward environmental innovations, as well as their continued use of such innovations 2.5 years after the project's completion. Data were gathered by 89 interviews at the beginning of the project (January 1974), supplemental interviews to determine adoption rate (February 1976), and final interviews with the 54 respondents left in the area (July 1980). Variables used in the interviews included: (1) farmer's education; (2) perceived need for innovation concerning soil conservation and water pollution; (3) farm size; (4) percent of off-farm employment; (5) leadership score; (6) Amish/non-Amish; (7) agency contacts; (8) advice sought from leaders; (9) orientation toward farming; (10) knowledge of project and persuasion toward it; and (11) use of environmental innovations. Although the research indicated a lack of knowledge concerning factors which explain conservation behavior, it suggested greater emphasis on identifying social, economic, and agronomic factors into a single model which could explain and predict the use of conservation practices. In addition, research indicated more contacts should be made with small farmers, and emphasized the need for formal communication links and education. (AH)