Effect of Biofertilizer and nurse plants on mycorrhizal status, soil fertility, and date palm productivity under organic farming system

The debate on the relative benefits of conventional and organic farming systems has in recent time gained significant interest. So far, global agricultural development has focused on increased productivity rather than on a holistic natural resource management for food security. Thus, developing more sustainable farming practices on a large scale is of utmost importance. However, information concerning the performance of farming systems under organic and conventional management in tropical and subtropical regions is scarce. This study presents agronomic and economic data from the conversion phase (2007–2010) of a farming systems comparison trial on a Vertisol soil in Madhya Pradesh, central India. A cotton-soybean-wheat crop rotation under biodynamic, organic and conventional (with and without Bt cotton) management was investigated. We observed a significant yield gap between organic and conventional farming systems in the 1st crop cycle (cycle 1: 2007–2008) for cotton (−29%) and wheat (−27%), whereas in the 2nd crop cycle (cycle 2: 2009–2010) cotton and wheat yields were similar in all farming systems due to lower yields in the conventional systems. In contrast, organic soybean (a nitrogen fixing leguminous plant) yields were marginally lower than conventional yields (−1% in cycle 1, −11% in cycle 2). Averaged across all crops, conventional farming systems achieved significantly higher gross margins in cycle 1 (+29%), whereas in cycle 2 gross margins in organic farming systems were significantly higher (+25%) due to lower variable production costs but similar yields. Soybean gross margin was significantly higher in the organic system (+11%) across the four harvest years compared to the conventional systems. Our results suggest that organic soybean production is a viable option for smallholder farmers under the prevailing semi-arid conditions in India. Future research needs to elucidate the long-term productivity and profitability, particularly of cotton and wheat, and the ecological impact of the different farming systems.

This book reports on long-term comparative organic farming systems' research trials carried out over the last 5 years in the Southern Cape of South Africa, as well as research into the successes and failures of the organic sector and the technical tools required for sustainable development in South Africa, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. It includes 24 chapters organized into 4 parts. Part 1 (Chapters 1-6) discusses the historical development of organic farming systems, examines the global issues which confront us, and develops some concepts showing a progression in small-scale farmer development and how this can be supported with appropriate training and policy. The difference between national food self-sufficiency and household food security is examined, and the organic sector is introduced. Part 2 (Chapters 7-14) deals with capacity building and climate change. Holistic systems, inclusive participatory approaches, institution building and experiential learning are examined. Organic food production, farmer training, value chains, impact of drought on food prices and food availability, and urban water and energy use efficiency are described. Part 3 (Chapters 15-22) presents evidence on how to support organic farmers. It starts with 2 case studies on the well-developed organic sector in Uganda and the developing one in Zambia. The following chapters discuss soil carbon determination, comparison of organic and conventional farming systems, pest and disease control (e.g., chemical, holistic and biological control), soil fumigation, soil microbiology in organic and conventional systems, soil fertility changes and crop yield. Part 4 (Chapters 23-24) makes strategic suggestions about how to upscale organic farming and organic food systems in Southern Africa. This book is a vital resource for all stakeholders in organic agriculture.

Soil organic carbon is affected by organic amendments, conservation tillage, and cover cropping in organic farming systems: A meta-analysis

Allophane is a characteristic of Andisols whose presence can absorb soil organic matter. One of soil organic matter fractions called the “labile fraction” is currently an appropriate indicator in determining soil quality. However, there is limited information concerning the relationship between allophane and the labile fraction. This study assessed the content of allophane by selective dissolution methods and calculated the labile fraction of particulate organic matter and microbial activity related to the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) soil cycles in organic and conventional vegetable farming systems of two depths (0–25 cm and 25–50 cm). The content of the labile fractions of C and N in organic farming systems is higher than in conventional farming systems, which is also higher in the upper layer compared to the lower layer. However, the availability of allophane in the upper layer and organic system tends to be low. Therefore, allophane has a strong negative correlation with the labile fractions of carbon and nitrogen. The results of this study estimate that phosphorus (P) sorption is higher in soils containing quite high allophane. Hence, an organic farming system that has low allophane content will result in higher P availability for plants.

Agriculture is a contributor of nitrate to natural waters and there is concern about the excess nitrogen burden loadings from agriculture on natural waters. Agricultural practices that reduce nitrate leaching from arable land are needed. It is postulated by certain groups that organic farming practices reduce nitrate leaching among other environmental benefits. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to compile, summarize and critically analyse information about NO3-N leaching from farming systems that were managed according to organic farming principles; (2) to compare NO3-N leaching from organic farming systems with that from conventional systems. This review consists of several parts. The available literature on leaching of NO3-N from organic farming and conventional farming systems was analysed. Leachable amounts of NO3-N in soils from two types of farming systems were compared. Finally NO3-N leaching from animal manure versus inorganic fertilizer was examined. In all studies we found in the literature, both the sequence and type of crops grown, and the input intensity of N was different in organic and conventional systems. Organic farming systems had on average a lower N input and more legumes in rotation. Average leaching of NO3-N from organic farming systems over a crop rotation period was somewhat lower than in conventional agriculture. If the different input intensities of N between organic and conventional systems were taken into account and corrected for, no differences in leaching losses between systems were found. However, a proper comparison of leaching between the two types of systems should take the yield into account. Attempting to do this in this review, we found only two studies which provided data for this. In both studies, specific conditions of the soil—a high organic matter content resulting in a high N mineralization at one site and a heavy clay texture resulting in very small leaching losses at the other site—did not enable us to come up with a clear-cut answer. Nevertheless, we could not find any evidence that nitrate leaching will be reduced by the introduction of organic farming practices, if the goal is to maintain the same crop yield levels as in conventional farming systems. Reduction of nitrate leaching is not a question of organic or conventional farming, but rather of introduction and use of appropriate counter- measures. This insight should guide our thinking when developing environmentally friendly and sustainable cropping systems.

Organic maize and bean farming enhances free-living nematode dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa

Comparative biodiversity of insects and mites was studied in organic and conventional farming systems (FS) of tomato at certified organic farming unit of ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry (ACHF) and conventional farm of N. M. College of Agriculture (NMCA), Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat during 2018 – 2020, respectively. Total 1016 insect and mite individuals belonging to 9 insect and 1 mite orders, 14 insect and 2 mite families of 20 species of insects and 2 mites were recorded at organic farm (FS) against 967 individuals belonging to 8 insect and 1 mite orders, 13 insect and 2 mite families containing 17 insect and 2 mite species at conventional farm (FS). The diversity of insect and mites was higher in organic as compared to conventional FS. Higher species richness (22), species abundance (1016), species evenness (J= 0.76), species richness index (R= 3.03) and Shannon diversity index (H= 2.36) was observed at organic FS against lower species richness (19), species abundance (967), species evenness (0.69), species richness index (2.62) and Shannon diversity index (2.04) in conventional FS. Insect order Hemiptera and mite order Acarina were more represented at conventional farm (49.63 and 30.50 %) as compared to organic farm (46.99 and 24.17 %). Insects of Coleoptera order were more abundant at organic FS as compared to conventional FS. Relative abundance of herbivores was higher (82.10 %) with lower species evenness (0.71), species richness (1.20) and Shannon diversity index (1.55) in conventional FS as compared to lower relative abundance (69.68 %) with higher species evenness (0.74), species richness (1.37) and Shannon diversity index (1.71) in organic tomato FS. Similarly, 288 insect and mite predators were recorded at organic farm as compared to 161 individuals of insect and mite predators in conventional tomato FS. The relative abundance of predators was higher (28.30 %) with higher species evenness (0.70), species richness (1.59) and Shannon diversity index (1.64) at organic farm whereas, relative abundance (16.55 %), species evenness (0.67), species richness (1.59) and Shannon diversity index (1.64) remained lower at conventional farm. Similarly, higher parasitoids (21), relative abundance (2.02 %), species evenness (0.96), species richness (0.37) and Shannon weiner index (0.67) was observed in organic FS as compared to conventional FS (15, 1.52, 0.91, 0.34 and 0.63). In the present investigation, no pollinators were observed in both the farming systems.

Phosphorous (P) is strongly adsorbed by soil components, such as soil organic matter and soil amorphous minerals in Andisols, which have been identified as an influential factor in adsorption and release of soil P. The aim of this study was to characterize the pattern of soil P adsorption and release in both organic and conventional vegetable farming systems in Merbabu Mountain area, Indonesia. Soil samples were collected from soil layers (0 cm to 20 cm and 20 cm to 40 cm) in organic and conventional farming systems. The result showed that the highest adsorption rate was found in organic farming systems at a depth of 20 cm to 40 cm. The lowest adsorption rate was found in conventional farming systems with low input of organic matter at a depth of 20 cm to 40 cm. A higher rate of P release was also found in organic farming systems with a low input of organic matter. It can be concluded that vegetable soils in organic farming systems are not only highly capable of adsorbing P but also capable of releasing P rapidly.

Farming systems based on high input energy materials (fossil materials), such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides, can damage soil properties and will ultimately reduce soil productivity in the future. Alternative agricultural systems using low input energy (LEE) are believed to be able to maintain soil fertility and environmental sustainability while at the same time maintaining or increasing soil productivity. Organic farming systems prioritize the use of organic materials and the recycling of waste. This research reveals how changes have occurred in the physical and chemical properties of soils that have carried out organic farming systems several times. The study uses a method of sampling farmers' land that has been studied to treat organic and non-organic farming systems. Two soil samples were taken from 2 different locations to represent organic soil farming systems and 4 soil samples were taken from 4 different locations to represent non-organic farming systems. Soil sampling was carried out at a depth of 20 cm. The results showed significant differences in the chemical properties of the soil (CEC, pH H2O, available P, available K, total N, carbon content, humic acid and fulfat) between the soil with organic and inorganic agriculture systems that showed better values ​​in the organic farming system

O crescimento do mercado de alimentos livres de agrotóxicos vem gerando interesse de agricultores em sistemas orgânicos de produção. Os adeptos deste sistema promovem mudanças substanciais de seus métodos de produção, adquirindo conhecimentos técnicos e empíricos associados. São necessários, portanto, estudos para avaliar o sistema orgânico neste contexto, comparando-o com o modo de produção convencional, no que diz respeito aos aspectos socioeconômicos e ambientais. Este estudo teve como objetivo o diagnóstico regional desses aspectos em sistemas orgânicos e convencionais do distrito de Sussuanha, município de Guaraciaba do Norte, e do município de São Benedito, no estado do Ceará. Foram entrevistados sete agricultores orgânicos e 21 agricultores convencionais, caracterizando o meio social e as mudanças de qualidade de vida ocorridas com o tempo. As interações agricultor-meio ambiente, no sistema de produção orgânico, geraram melhoria da qualidade de vida das famílias. No sistema convencional, caracterizado pelo uso intensivo de agrotóxicos e grande dependência de adubos químicos, constatou-se que prevalece o interesse em obter a máxima produção sem preocupação com o ambiente. Esta condição se reflete no contato contínuo com agrotóxicos, além das margens de lucros restritivas, o que pode comprometer o uso do solo pelas futuras gerações, pois há uma inerente redução da fertilidade natural dos solos cultivados sob este sistema.

Agricultural systems based on high input energy materials (fossil materials) such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides can damage soil properties and will ultimately reduce soil productivity in the future. Alternative agricultural systems that use low input energy (low input energy) are believed to be able to maintain soil fertility and environmental sustainability while at the same time maintaining or increasing soil productivity. Organic farming systems prioritize the use of organic materials and waste recycling. This research reveals how changes have taken place in the physical and chemical properties of soils that have carried out organic farming systems for several times. The study uses a sampling method on farmer’s land that has been studied to treat organic and non-organic farming systems. Two soil samples were taken from 2 different locations to represent soil organic farming systems and 4 soil samples were taken from 4 different locations representing non-organic farming systems. Soil sampling was carried out at a depth of 20 cm. The results showed significant differences in the chemical properties of the soil (CEC, pH H2O, available P, available K, total N, carbon content, humic acid and fulfat) between the soil with organic and inorganic farming systems which showed better values ​​in the agricultural system organic.

Agricultural systems based on high input energy materials (fossil materials) such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides can damage soil properties and will ultimately reduce soil productivity in the future.Alternative agricultural systems that use low input energy (low input energy) are believed to be able to maintain soil fertility and environmental sustainability while at the same time maintaining or increasing soil productivity. Organic farming systems prioritize the use of organic materials and waste recycling. This research reveals how changes have taken place in the physical and chemical properties of soils that have carried out organic farming systems for several times.The study uses a sampling method on farmer’s land that has been studied to treat organic and non-organic farming systems. Two soil samples were taken from 2 different locations to represent soil organic farming systems and 4 soil samples were taken from 4 different locations representing non-organic farming systems. Soil sampling was carried out at a depth of 20 cm.The results showed significant differences in the chemical properties of the soil (CEC, pH H2O, available P, available K, total N, carbon content, humic acid and fulfat) between the soil with organic and inorganic farming systems which showed better values in the agricultural system organic.

Agricultural systems based on high input energy materials (fossil materials) such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides can damage soil properties and will ultimately reduce soil productivity in the future. Alternative agricultural systems that use low input energy (low input energy) are believed to be able to maintain soil fertility and environmental sustainability while at the same time maintaining or increasing soil productivity. Organic farming systems prioritize the use of organic materials and waste recycling. This research reveals how changes have taken place in the physical and chemical properties of soils that have carried out organic farming systems for several times. The study uses a sampling method on farmer’s land that has been studied to treat organic and non-organic farming systems. Two soil samples were taken from 2 different locations to represent soil organic farming systems and 4 soil samples were taken from 4 different locations representing non-organic farming systems. Soil sampling was carried out at a depth of 20 cm. The results showed significant differences in the chemical properties of the soil (CEC, pH H2O, available P, available K, total N, carbon content, humic acid and fulfat) between the soil with organic and inorganic farming systems which showed better values ​​in the agricultural system organic.

Agricultural systems based on high input energy materials (fossil materials) such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides can damage soil properties and will ultimately reduce soil productivity in the future.Alternative agricultural systems that use low input energy (low input energy) are believed to be able to maintain soil fertility and environmental sustainability while at the same time maintaining or increasing soil productivity. Organic farming systems prioritize the use of organic materials and waste recycling. This research reveals how changes have taken place in the physical and chemical properties of soils that have carried out organic farming systems for several times.The study uses a sampling method on farmer’s land that has been studied to treat organic and non-organic farming systems. Two soil samples were taken from 2 different locations to represent soil organic farming systems and 4 soil samples were taken from 4 different locations representing non-organic farming systems. Soil sampling was carried out at a depth of 20 cm.The results showed significant differences in the chemical properties of the soil (CEC, pH H2O, available P, available K, total N, carbon content, humic acid and fulfat) between the soil with organic and inorganic farming systems which showed better values in the agricultural system organic.

Productivity, profitability and partial nutrient balance in maize-based conventional and organic farming systems in Kenya