Selected Properties of Soils for Long-Term Use in Organic Farming

Marcin Niemiec,Zofia Gródek-Szostak,Maciej Chowaniak,Anna Szeląg-Sikora,Jakub Sikora,Monika Komorowska

doi:10.3390/su12062509

Marcin Niemiec, Zofia Gródek-Szostak + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062509

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Abstract

The goal of organic farming with respect to plant production is to create high-quality products while minimizing human impacts. The aim of this paper was to assess soil properties in selected organic farms in terms of the achievement of general and specific objectives of organic farming. Fifty five (55) organic farms were selected for the research; twenty five (25) of those farms additionally had conventional animal production with cattle breeding. Soil samples were collected from each farm and, the following parameters, deciding about the suitability for agriculture were determined: pH, content of organic carbon, available phosphorus and potassium, mineral nitrogen, and Total nitrogen content. The content of available phosphorus and mineral nitrogen was very low or low in most of the studied soils, which can lead to disturbance of homeostasis of agroecosystems. Potassium content in these soils was high. The properties of the studied soils indicate a high risk of chemical and biological degradation. Without implementing actions that control the pH and increase the content of nitrogen and phosphorus elements, the degradation will increase. Soil properties in the group of farms with animal production were more beneficial from the point of view of crop production, compared with farms that do not breed animals.

Highlights

Soil is one of the most important components of the environment
One very important element is the social aspect of organic farming, which has been highlighted by Carlsson [13]
In the European Union, organic farming is implemented within the framework of agricultural-environmental programs

Summary

Introduction

Soil is one of the most important components of the environment. With respect to its functions in biomass production, carbon sequestration, organic matter decomposition, sorption and storage of mineral as well as organic compounds, it has a multifaceted effect on the natural and cultural environment [1]. Human activity associated with crop production leads to changes in soil properties, and these changes could deteriorate soil quality by hindering the productivity and functioning of natural ecosystems. Among negative aspects of agricultural intensification, attention is most often drawn to acidification, loss of organic matter, decrease in nutrient content, erosion, soil compaction, and the accumulation of xenobiotics. Despite the reduced potential of agro-ecosystems, organic farming can contribute to the improvement of physicochemical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Extensive agricultural production contributes to increasing the biodiversity of ecosystems This is achieved by establishing a sustainable management system in agriculture that takes into account nature’s systems and cycles, using resistant cultivars. The use of organic fertilizers, and in special cases mineral fertilizers obtained from natural minerals are essential for maintaining soil fertility, long-term stability of plant yielding, and for balancing nutrients on a farm. The following criteria were selected as the assessment parameters: pH, organic carbon content, total nitrogen, and available forms of phosphorus and potassium

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