Soil fertility and biodiversity in organic farming

Science. 2002 May 31;296(5573):1694-7. doi: 10.1126/science.1071148.

Abstract

An understanding of agroecosystems is key to determining effective farming systems. Here we report results from a 21-year study of agronomic and ecological performance of biodynamic, bioorganic, and conventional farming systems in Central Europe. We found crop yields to be 20% lower in the organic systems, although input of fertilizer and energy was reduced by 34 to 53% and pesticide input by 97%. Enhanced soil fertility and higher biodiversity found in organic plots may render these systems less dependent on external inputs.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture / methods*
  • Animals
  • Arthropods
  • Biomass
  • Crops, Agricultural / growth & development*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Fertilizers
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Manure
  • Pesticides
  • Phosphorus / metabolism
  • Poaceae / growth & development
  • Soil Microbiology
  • Soil*
  • Solanum tuberosum / growth & development
  • Switzerland
  • Triticum / growth & development

Substances

  • Fertilizers
  • Manure
  • Pesticides
  • Soil
  • Phosphorus