Impact of organic and inorganic farming on soil quality and crop productivity for agricultural fields: A comparative assessment

Abstract

This study systematically investigates the comparative impacts of organic and inorganic farming on soil quality and crop yield in four distinct agricultural fields located in Dehradun and Jalandhar, India. Organic farming, characterized by the use of environmentally benign fertilizers such as manure, is contrasted with inorganic farming, employing chemical fertilizers. Our findings reveal noteworthy variations in nutrient profiles. Organic farms exhibit elevated concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, whereas inorganic farms manifest higher levels of potassium. Additionally, organic farming practices engender increased levels of organic carbon and organic matter, indicative of a positive influence on soil organic content. In terms of crop productivity, inorganic farms generally outperform organic counterparts initially. However, a compelling narrative emerges post-conversion of inorganic farms to organic methodologies. Despite an initial decline in production, the consistent application of organic manure, complemented by effective pest and weed management, precipitates a substantial rebound in productivity. Notably, over a 15-year temporal span, organic farms demonstrate a twofold increase in productivity. Economic valuation and the life cycle cost analysis reveal that the net profit from organic farming is 43.91 % higher than that of inorganic farming. This corroborates the long-term economic and environmental viability of organic farming, emphasizing its inherent capacity to foster nutrient-rich soil and promote sustainable agricultural practices.