Agricultural tenancy is increasing, as is soil degradation and erosion. Theory suggests that these trends may be correlated, yet empirical findings are ambiguous. This paper broadens the perspective on mental models influencing farmers’ soil management and disentangles assumed relationships with agricultural land tenancy. Results of a survey of farmers (n=344) in Austria reveal that tenure is less important for understanding farmers’ soil management practices than items of mental models. The study sheds new light on the assumption that farmers’ soil management practices depend on ownership status and planning horizons, as often suggested by agricultural economic theory.