Chapter 1.2 - Sustainable Land Use by Organic and Integrated Farming Systems

Abstract

The interaction of different farm sections is of utmost importance for the success of the organic farming system. Cycles of matter and nutrients are arranged in a way that results in a sufficient nitrogen supply to the arable crops and good yields from livestock and fields. Inside the integrated farming system, the supply can be assured by import of mineral fertilizer. This chapter emphasizes sustainable land use by organic and integrated farming systems and summarizes the methods of soil conservation—nonturning tillage and direct seeding. The achievement of objectives in the two farming systems is followed by different parameters in the project. Grassland and fodder legumes provide the food for livestock in the organic farming system as a part of the crop rotation. The yield level of these legumes and the grassland were on the regional level over the investigation period of 10 years and did not show any trend. After the change from lupin to a second field of lucerneclover- grass, the fodder volume increased and the livestock could be increased also. For this reason a higher amount of manure was available for the crops. The results of the two farming systems at the research station in Scheyern have shown that the goals of the project can be achieved. The yields reached the region typical level and at the same time the environmental achievement was improved significantly.