Soil fertility and biodiversity in organic farming.
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.
Mäder
Paul
P
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland. paul.maeder@fibl.ch
Fliessbach
Andreas
A
Dubois
David
D
Gunst
Lucie
L
Fried
Padruot
P
Niggli
Urs
U
D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods; D018533:Biomass; D018556:Crops, Agricultural / Q000254:growth & development*; D017753:Ecosystem; D005308:Fertilizers; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008372:Manure; D010575:Pesticides; D010758:Phosphorus / Q000378:metabolism; D006109:Poaceae / Q000254:growth & development; D012987:Soil; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D011198:Solanum tuberosum / Q000254:growth & development; D013557:Switzerland; D014908:Triticum / Q000254:growth & development
D005308:Fertilizers; D008372:Manure; D010575:Pesticides; D012987:Soil; D010758:Phosphorus