Conventional Farming Methods Research Articles

Land-use intensity and the effects of organic farming on biodiversity: a hierarchical meta-analysis.

Summary The benefits of organic farming to biodiversity in agricultural landscapes continue to be hotly debated, emphasizing the importance of precisely quantifying the effect of organic vs. conventional farming.We conducted an updated hierarchical meta‐analysis of studies that compared biodiversity under organic and conventional farming methods, measured as species richness. We calculated effect sizes for 184 observations garnered from 94 studies, and for each study, we obtained three standardized measures reflecting land‐use intensity. We investigated the stability of effect sizes through time, publication bias due to the ‘file drawer’ problem, and consider whether the current literature is representative of global organic farming patterns.On average, organic farming increased species richness by about 30%. This result has been robust over the last 30 years of published studies and shows no sign of diminishing.Organic farming had a greater effect on biodiversity as the percentage of the landscape consisting of arable fields increased, that is, it is higher in intensively farmed regions. The average effect size and the response to agricultural intensification depend on taxonomic group, functional group and crop type.There is some evidence for publication bias in the literature; however, our results are robust to its impact. Current studies are heavily biased towards northern and western Europe and North America, while other regions with large areas of organic farming remain poorly investigated. Synthesis and applications. Our analysis affirms that organic farming has large positive effects on biodiversity compared with conventional farming, but that the effect size varies with the organism group and crop studied, and is greater in landscapes with higher land‐use intensity. Decisions about where to site organic farms to maximize biodiversity will, however, depend on the costs as well as the potential benefits. Current studies have been heavily biased towards agricultural systems in the developed world. We recommend that future studies pay greater attention to other regions, in particular, areas with tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean climates, in which very few studies have been conducted.

Iodine content in bulk tank milk samples in relation to dairy farm size

The aim of this study was to compare the iodine content in raw milk from organic and conventional dairy farms of different sizes. Milk samples were collected between 2012 and 2013, and the iodine content was determined by a Sandell-Kolthoff reaction after dry alkaline digestion of the milk samples. Comparing the iodine content in raw milk samples from small sized dairy farms (116.76 ± 46.29 μg/l) and large sized dairy farms (173.70 ± 35.42 μg/l), a significant difference in iodine content was observed (P ≤ 0.05). The lowest values were found in small and medium dairy farms, 45.30 μg/l and 40.46 μg/l, respectively. High variability (112.92 ± 94.74 μg/l) in the iodine content was detected in raw milk from medium sized dairy farms. When considering milk samples from organic dairy farms (119.29 μg /l ± 40.37) vs. conventional dairy farms (136.55 μg/l ± 42.91), no significant difference was detected. These results indicate higher iodine content in milk from large dairy farms regardless of conventional or organic farming methods.

Productivity and efficiency analysis of maize under conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe

This study assesses the productivity and efficiency of maize production under conservation agriculture (CA). The analysis is based on a three year (2008–2010) panel sample of small holder farming households across 15 rural districts in Zimbabwe. We make a comparison of CA with alternative conventional farming methods. Our empirical strategy consists of two methods. First, using a fixed effects model, we estimate maize production functions and derive technical change estimates under CA and conventional farming. Second, we estimate a joint stochastic production frontier to compare productivity and technical efficiency between CA and conventional farming. Under CA, technical progress has been land-saving but seed and fertilizer-using, while it has been land-using but seed-saving in conventional farming. Lastly, the results of the efficiency analysis show that that farmers produce 39% more in CA compared with conventional farming, but technical efficiency levels are essentially equal in both technologies. Overall, the results show significant yield gains in CA practices and significant contributions to food production. CA is land-saving, and this is an important issue for land constrained farmers because they can still have viable food production on smaller area. However, high labor and fertilizer demands in CA present some problems in adoption amongst resource-constrained farmers.

A comparison of kiwi fruit from conventional, integrated and organic production systems

Hayward kiwis, grown in the same geographical area of Galicia (N.W. Spain) by organic, conventional and integrated farming methods, were compared by physicochemical and sensory methods.Significant differences were found with respect to the physicochemical variables weight, equatorial diameters, CIELab color parameters (a*, b*, a*/b*, C* and H), soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity (TA), ripeness (°Brix/TA), fructose, glucose, citric acid, dry matter content, and ash content, though not with respect to length, minor/major equatorial diameter ratio, firmness, saccharose, total phenols, vitamin C, oxalic, quinic and malic acid contents. For sensory analysis, a group of 12 tasters, previously trained and tested its performance, was used. The kiwis of the three origins differed significantly, as regards panel ratings, for sweetness and juiciness. The evaluation of kiwis by 193 consumers only showed significant rating differences with respect to flavor and subjective overall acceptability (in both cases in favor of conventional production).In conclusion, conventionally grown kiwis were larger and heavier than the others; had the greatest soluble solids, glucose and fructose contents; were sensorially sweeter and more juicy than those grown by integrated farming methods; and were judged by consumers to taste somewhat better than the others.

Assessing crop yield benefits from in situ rainwater harvesting through contour ridges in semi-arid Zimbabwe

Rainwater harvesting through modified contour ridges known as dead level contours has been practiced in Zimbabwe in the last two decades. Studies have shown marginal soil moisture retention benefits for using this technique while results on crop yield benefits are lacking. This paper presents results from a field study for assessing the impact of dead level contours on soil moisture and crop yield carried out from 2009 to 2011 within the Limpopo River Basin. The experiments were carried out on two study sites; one containing silt loam soil and another containing sandy soil. Three treatments constituting dead level contoured plots, non-contoured plots and plots with the traditional graded contours were used on each site. All the three treatments were planted with a maize crop and managed using conventional farming methods. Planting, weeding and fertiliser application in the three treatments were done at the same time. Crop monitoring was carried out on sub plots measuring 4m by 4m established in every treatment. The development of the crop was monitored until harvesting time with data on plant height, leaf moisture and crop yield being collected. An analysis of the data shows that in the site with silt loam soil more soil moisture accumulated after heavy rainfall in dead level contour plots compared to the control (no contours) and graded contour plots (P<0.05). However the maize crop experienced an insignificantly (P>0.05) higher yield in the dead level contoured treatment compared to the non-contoured treatment while a significantly (P<0.05) higher yield was obtained in the dead level contoured treatment when compared with a graded contoured treatment. Different results were obtained from the site with sandy soil where there was no significant difference in soil moisture after a high rainfall event of 60mm/day between dead level contour plots compared to the control and graded contour plots. The yield from the dead level contoured treatment and that from the graded contoured treatment were comparable and both not significantly (P>0.05) higher than that from the non-contoured treatment. This suggests that adopting dead level contours as an in situ rainwater harvesting technique results in crop yield benefits in fields with soil type conditions that enable runoff generation but is not likely to have benefit in soils with low runoff generation.

영농방법에 따른 논에서의 배출부하량 모의

논은 지역이나 토양, 기후 특성, 오염원 종류, 관개 및 시비 등의 경작방법에 따라 배출 양상이 다양하다. 특히, 시비방법 개선, 효율적인 물관리 등 영농방법 개선을 통한 비점부하 저감이 중요하다. 본 연구에서는 담수논을 대상으로 물꼬높이, 시비량, 관개수 수질에 따른 배출부하량 저감효과를 평가하기 위해, 시험포장의 물수지 및 물질수지 분석자료를 이용하여 CREAMS-PADDY 모형을 보정과 검정을 하고, 영농관리 시나리오를 적용하여 그 결과를 평가하였다. 영농관리 시나리오는 선행연구를 조사하여 배출부하량 저감을 만족하는 동시에 벼의 수확량 저하를 초래하지 않도록 4개의 시나리오로 개발하였고, 대조군은 관행농업을 반영하여 구성하였다. CREAMS-PADDY 모형과 HOMWRS 모형을 연계하고, 과거 기상자료를 이용하여 1981~2010년 영농기의 배출부하량 모의가 가능하도록 모형을 구축하였다. 모형의 보정 및 검정을 위하여 서울대학교 이동저수지 관개논 시험포장에의 물수지 및 물질수지 분석 자료를 이용하였고, 보정 결과 논물 총질소 및 총인의 결정계수는 0.95, 0.84, 모형의 효율지수는 0.95, 0.73으로, 검정 결과 논물 총질소 및 총인의 결정계수는 0.97, 0.85, 모형의 효율지수는 0.91, 0.84로 비교적 높게 나타났다. 영농관리 시나리오 적용 결과 중간낙수 이후 물꼬를 50 mm 증가시켰을 때 배출부하량은 대조군 대비 T-N 1~34%, T-P 5~21% 저감되는 것으로 나타났고, 100 mm 증가시켰을 때 대조군 대비 T-N 5~62%, T-P 8~37% 저감되는 것으로 나타났다. 관행시비량에서 표준시비량으로 시비량을 삭감시 배출부하량은 대조군 대비 T-N 0~16%, T-P 0~9% 저감되는 것으로 나타났으며, 배출부하량 저감양상은 시비직후 강우의 발생유무에 따라 크게 달라지는 것으로 나타났다. 관개수 수질을 호소수 수질환경기준인 4등급을 초과하는 수준으로 관개하는 경우 배출부하량은 대조군 대비 T-N 9~65%, T-P는 9~47% 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 영양물질의 농도가 높은 관개수가 유입될 경우 논은 수질을 정화하는 경향을 보였다. 시나리오를 종합하면 영농초기의 물꼬높이를 낮게 유지하고, 중간낙수 이후 물꼬를 높게 유지하며, 비료는 강우가 발생하지 않는 시기에 표준시비량으로 시비하고, 호소수 수질환경기준인 4등급을 만족하는 관개수를 이용하였을 경우 논에서의 비점오염 관리에 가장 효과적인 것으로 나타났다. 하지만 고농도의 영양물질이 함유된 관개수를 농업용수로 이용할 경우 수계 전체의 배출부하량에 저감에 있어 효과적인 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구는 현장 실험 이전의 기초 자료로 사용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. BACKGROUND: For Non-Point Source(NPS) loads reduction, pollutant loads need to be quantified for major farming methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate impacts of farming methods on NPS pollutant loads from a paddy rice field during the growing season. METHODS AND RESULTS: The height of drainage outlet, amount of fertilizer, irrigation water quality were considered as farming factors for scenarios development. The control was derived from conventional farming methods and four different scenarios were developed based combination of farming factors. A field scale model, CREAMS-PADDY(Chemicals, Runoff, and Erosion from Agricultural Management Systems for PADDY), was used to calculate pollutant nutrient loads. The data collected from an experimental plot located downstream of the Idong reservoir were used for model calibration and validation. The simulation results agreed well with observed values during the calibration and validation periods. The calibrated model was used to evaluate farming scenarios in terms of NPS loads. Pollutant loads for T-N, T-P were reduced by 5~62%, 8~37% with increasing the height of drainage outlet from 100 mm of 100 mm, respectively. When amount of fertilizer was changed from standard to conventional, T-N, T-P pollutant loads were reduced by 0~22%, 0~24%. Irrigation water quality below water criteria IV of reservoir increased T-N of 9~65%, T-P of 9~47% in comparison with conventional. CONCLUSION(S): The results indicated that applying increased the height of drainage after midsummer drainage, standard fertilization level during non-rainy seasons, irrigation water quality below water criteria IV of reservoir were effective farming methods to reduce NPS pollutant loads from paddy in Korea.

Color, anthocyanin pigment, ascorbic acid and total phenolic compound determination in organic versus conventional strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch, cv Selva)

The CIEL*a*b* and sensory color and anthocyanin, ascorbic acid and total phenolic contents were determined in strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa Duch, cv Selva) grown in the same geographical area of Galicia (NW Spain) under organic and conventional farming methods. The cultivation system was significant for all of the CIEL*a*b* surface color parameters. The color of the organic fruits was darker, less vivid and frequently redder (lower L*, C* and H values). These differences were consistent with the higher scores given by assessors in the external color evaluation for organically grown strawberry. Furthermore, the organic strawberries had a significantly higher level of anthocyanins (19.3±6.8 versus 9.8±1.8μg/gfreshwt (fw) for Cyn-3-glu; 332.3±66.5 versus 254.1±33.6μg/gfw for Pgd-3-glub) and ascorbic acid (86.4±12.7 versus 71.2±4.9mg/100gfw); in contrast, the cultivation system (organic or conventional) did not affect the total phenolic content. The organic strawberries have a higher nutritional value, in terms of antioxidant compounds, which is also reflected in better sensory color characteristics.

Comparison of Twelve Organic and Conventional Farming Systems: A Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Perspective

Given the growing importance of organic food production, there is a pressing need to understand the relative environmental impacts of organic and conventional farming methods. This study applies standards-based life cycle assessment to compare the cradle-to-farm gate greenhouse gas emissions of 12 crop products grown in California using both organic and conventional methods. In addition to analyzing steady-state scenarios in which the soil organic carbon stocks are at equilibrium, this study models a hypothetical scenario of converting each conventional farming system to a corresponding organic system and examines the impact of soil carbon sequestration during the transition. The results show that steady-state organic production has higher emissions per kilogram than conventional production in seven out of the 12 cases (10.6% higher overall, excluding one outlier). Transitional organic production performs better, generating lower emissions than conventional production in seven cases (17.7% lower overall) and 22.3% lower emissions than steady-state organic. The results demonstrate that converting additional cropland to organic production may offer significant GHG reduction opportunities over the next few decades by way of increasing the soil organic carbon stocks during the transition. Nonorganic systems could also improve their environmental performance by adopting management practices to increase soil organic carbon stocks.

Comparative study of potato cultivation through micropropagation and conventional farming methods

A trial was carried out to evaluate the productivity of Solanum tuberosum L. cultivated through conventional farming and micropropagation method. Survival rate, biomass and tuber yield of both micropropagated and tuber propagated potatoes was evaluated. Survival percentages of potatoes were 90% for conventional propagation and 85% for micropropagation. The survival rate of micropropagated plants were maximum of 79% in vermicompost and minimum of 50% in the soil. The average shoot length, number of leaves and leaf area was greater in tuber propagated plants compared to the micropropagated plants. Tuber propagated plants yielded 1.360 kg/plant which was 0.370 kg/plant more than micropropagated plant. Keywords: Conventional farming, micropropagation, potatoes, tuber propagation

Assessing the vulnerability of Stellenbosch's food system and possibilities for a local food economy

Food insecurity is high in Stellenbosch, despite a strong agricultural context. While the causes are complex, it is clear that the situation will be worsened by the effects of climate change and the end of cheap oil on the unstable global food system. This research compiled existing statistical information to present an overview of the current status of food production, distribution and consumption in Stellenbosch to determine key vulnerabilities and opportunities to strengthen resilience. The region produces predominantly wine grapes and fruit for export, while relying on imported produce for consumption. Key vulnerabilities of the food system were identified as: focus on wine production for export, dominance of large-scale commercial agriculture, proliferation of conventional farming methods, long value chains, dominance of national retailers, food insecurity and poor nutrition. Suggestions are made for increasing the localisation of the food system to address inequities and increase resilience to the polycrisis.

Organic versus conventional – a comparative study on quality and nutritional value of fruit and vegetable juices

The study presents a comparison of some nutritional values of juices made from organic and conventional apple, pear, blackcurrant, carrot, beetroot and celery. Higher soluble solids content (SSC) for organic juices than for conventional ones was recorded for blackcurrant (14.9% and 12.5%, respectively) and beetroot (12.3% versus 8.3%). The highest organic acids content was noted for blackcurrant (3.7 g malic acid 100 g− 1), whereas the lowest was for celery (0.57 g 100 g− 1 on average). Higher organic acids content was shown in apple, pear, and especially blackcurrant grown organically. Amounts of juice NH4-N content were lower in organic vegetable juices than in conventional ones. The conventional farming method favoured greater NO3-N accumulation for beetroot (846 mg NO3-N kg− 1 f.w.) than for organic juice (229 mg NO3-N kg− 1 f.w.). The data showed the organic juices to have polyphenols and ascorbic acid contents similar to, and antioxidant activity slightly higher than, conventional juices.

Energy Input Use in Environmentally Friendly Farming Systems: A Comparative Analysis between Organic and Conventional Dried Fig Production

Energy efficiency in organic farming has been the subject of various investigations. Overall, these studies indicate that diverse organic farming systems have higher energy efficiency compared with conventional farming systems, primarily because no mineral N fertilizers are used. The investigations also show, however, that there is considerable potential for improvement. Dried fig production by conventional farming methods averaged 26% higher energy inputs and only 5% higher yields per hectare than fig produced by organic farming methods. The economic costs averaged 6% less per hectare for conventional fig production than for organic fig production, using a standard accounting procedure.

Managing salinity in the Indus Basin of Pakistan

Waterlogging and salinity have plagued irrigated agriculture in the Indus Basin for the past 30–40 years. Approximately 6 million ha (35–40% of total irrigated area) experience these twin problems. As a result, the production potential of the Indus Basin has been reduced by 25%. Over the last 40 years, the Government of Pakistan has adopted engineering, reclamation, and biological measures to address these problems. Part of the engineering solution involved large‐scale Salinity Control and Reclamation Projects (SCARPs) in all four provinces. The program covered 8 million ha and cost approximately US$2 billion. Two big disposal projects were also initiated to solve the drainage disposal problems. To address the saline soil problem, some of the measures tested include leaching of salts by excess irrigation, use of chemicals (such as gypsum and acids), and addition of organic matter and biological measures (such as salt‐tolerant plants, grasses, and shrubs). The success of these initiatives has been limited: 35–40% of irrigated land still suffers from high water tables and moderate to severe salinity. Lack of coordination among federal and provincial governments, research institutes, and national and international organizations; conventional farming and irrigation methods used by farmers; limited attention to reclamation and saline agricultural approaches; and lack of resources are some of the reasons for the low success rate. A more concerted effort that includes a greater focus on saline agriculture, capacity building of farmers, and promotion of local interventions to improve self‐reliance is necessary for the management of salinity in the Indus Basin. A sustainable solution would also require coordination among different provinces and strengthening of federal and provincial government agencies.

Reduced likelihood of bovine coronavirus and bovine respiratory syncytial virus infection on organic compared to conventional dairy farms

The prevalence of antibodies to bovine coronavirus (BCV) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infections was studied in 20 conventional and 20 organic dairy herds. The organic farms had produced ‘certified’ milk for at least 2 years. On two occasions, with a 1-year interval, 699 serum samples from 624 peri-parturient cows were tested by ELISA for antibodies to BCV and BRSV. Accompanying data relating to the sampled animals were collected in order to identify potential factors associated with increased antibody prevalence. The antibody prevalence was high at both sampling times with approximately 85% and 80% of animals positive for antibodies to BCV and to BRSV, respectively. Conventional herds had a significantly higher mean antibody prevalence to BCV and BRSV than the organically managed herds (P < 0.01). Animal age was significantly associated with increased antibody prevalence (P < 0.001). The findings of this study suggest that organic farm management may be effective in reducing the seroprevalence of these viruses relative to conventional farming methods.

Intended and actual behavior of organic farmers in Austria after a five-year commitment period

Organic farmers throughout Austria were asked in 1999 if, once the first agri-environmental program (ÖPUL) ends, they intended to commit themselves to a further five-year period of organic farming. The study presented here addresses those farmers who expressed in the survey the intention to end their participation in organic farming under ÖPUL, or who were undecided at that time. The aim was to compare and analyze the intended behavior with actual behavior. The research was based on material from, and analyses of, the 1999 survey and the survey conducted in 2002. Additional information regarding the reasons for abandoning (or continuing) organic farming and the decision-making process itself was collected through a series of telephone interviews in 2004. The comparison revealed a connection between actual behavior and the intentions expressed in the 1999 survey. However, there were no clear differences in terms of the reasons given in 1999 for potentially discontinuing with organic farming between those farms that remained organic and those that reverted to conventional farming methods. There were differences between those reasons given in the 1999 survey for potentially leaving organic agriculture and the reasons that determined the actual decision, as cited in telephone interviews in 2004. In the 1999 survey, economic issues were the main reasons for potentially ceasing to farm organically. When it came to the actual decision, problems concerning organic guidelines and inspections were more prominent. The environmental attitudes and the social embedding of the farmers within organic agriculture played a decisive role on those enterprises that chose to continue farming organically. The analysis indicates that the presence of a successor is also a stabilizing factor for organic farming.

Chemical and biological indicators of soil quality in organic and conventional farming systems in Central Italy

Abstract In the past decade, there has been increased scientific interest in the so-called organic farming, especially in comparison with conventional agriculture. Many recent studies compare these two fundamentally different systems for soil properties, in different regions of the world. In this study, two adjacent fields in Central Italy, one managed according to organic, and the other according to conventional farming methods, were studied to determine the effects of these two agricultural systems on soil quality indicators at the farm level. Chemical and microbiological properties were chosen as indicators of soil quality and were measured at soil depth intervals of 5–20 and 20–35 cm, after 7 years of organic certified and conventional management methods. The field under organic management showed significantly better soil nutritional and microbiological conditions; with increased level of total nitrogen, nitrate and available phosphorus, and an increased microbial biomass content, and enzymatic activities (acid phosphatase, protease and dehydrogenase). No consistent increase in total organic carbon was observed. Results of the study suggest that, over the period of 7 year, organic management method strongly affects soil quality indicators. Large differences between the two soils were found in terms of microbiological properties, which are sensitive soil indicators of changes occurred under the different farming systems.

Economic Aspects of Winter Wheat and Sunflower Production Under Organic Farming Methods

On the basis of data from selected organic crop producing farms around Hortobagy and a significant conventional agricultural enterprise, the efficiency calculation of two important crops, winter wheat and sunflower were compared to each other, according to the organic and the conventional farming methods. The analysis was carried out on the basis of data of the year 2002, helped by the calculation and the comparison of the efficiency indexes. According to the results, the organic winter wheat was more highly profitable in 2002 than the conventional one, and this is because the price ratio of the two was quite high, however the yields and the production costs per hectare were almost on the same level. Considering the sunflower, organic farming was less productive than the conventional one in 2002, as the average yield in the examined organic farms was significantly lower than under the conventional farming method, and this was not compensated by the extra price for the organic crop product.

The spatial and temporal pattern of carabid beetles on arable fields in northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) and their value as ecological indicators

Ground beetles have been often used as indicators for agricultural practices in ecological studies, but little is known about the spatial and temporal variation independent from the agricultural practices. Between 1985 and 1995 the ground beetles (Carabidae) of 53 fields in Schleswig-Holstein (northern Germany) were investigated using three replicate pitfall traps at each site. One field was studied over a period of 9 years from 1988 to 1996, and in addition two adjacent fields subjected to ecological or conventional farming methods were investigated in 1999 using 12 pitfall traps each. Overall, five assemblages of ground beetles could be differentiated, primarily by sand content of the soils and field size. The separation of the assemblages was weak (eigenvalue of 1st axis: 0.39) compared to natural ecosystems. The most common assemblage on loamy soils was dominated by Pterostichus melanarius. On both sandy soils and loamy soils in small fields the species Poecilus versicolor and Platynus dorsalis, Bembidion lampros, respectively, dominated. Eight ecologically differentiated groups of ground beetles were found. Most species correlated positively with the sand content of the soils. Only two species, P. melanarius and Loricera pilicornis showed a positive correlation with the field size. A higher species richness was observed on fields which have practised for 30 years ecological farming. Comparing the two adjacent fields with ecological and conventional farming, no difference in species richness was detected. Four species showed higher abundance on the field with ecological farming. In this analysis of a long-term dataset ground beetles did not respond to the cultivated plants, but only to the yearly climate conditions.

Critical Impact Assessment of Organic Agriculture

Based on its productionguideline, organic agriculture has set foritself the goals of minimizing all forms ofpollution and maintaining sustainability of thefarming system. By striving for these goals,organic farming meets the demands of anincreasing number of consumers who are criticalof conventional production methods. This papergives an overview of the present state of theart in the different issues. Possibilities ofand limitations in performing the self-aimedgoals under the basic standards of organicagriculture are discussed. Concerningenvironmental protection, in general, the riskof adverse environmental effects is lower withorganic than with conventional farming methods,though not necessarily so; with reference tosoil fertility and nutrient management, organicfarming is suited to improve soil fertility andnutrient management markedly on the farm level;regarding biodiversity, comparison studies showthat organic farming has more positive effectson biodiversity conservation; in relation toproduct quality, under the basic standards oforganic farming, there is no sufficientevidence for a system-related effect on productquality due to the production method.

Arsenic in groundwater affected by phosphate fertilizers at São Paulo, Brazil

This paper studies metalloid mobility in soils produced by conventional farming methods. The mobility of arsenic in soils depends on several factors including redox potential, soil mineralogy, pH, and the presence of other anions that compete with As for soil retention sites, for example, phosphate. Phosphate enhances the mobility of As in soils by competing for adsorption sites. Arsenic may accumulate in soil through the application of fertilizers. Ingestion of inorganic arsenic contained in drinking water is known to cause cancer. Studies were carried out in an area of Jundiai, Sao Paulo in Brazil with high arsenic levels in natural water from domestic wells. The mobility of arsenic in the soil of Jundiai was studied in the period 1998–2001. The application of phosphate fertilizers on a wide scale is a common agricultural practice. Based on data from the field and laboratory experiments, the deterioration of soil and groundwater quality is a result mainly of fertilizer use due to excessive P application, overdosing of soil with phosphate, and undesirable additions of arsenic in P fertilizers.