Organic Farming Systems Research Articles

A multi-stakeholder perspective on the use of digital technologies in European organic and agroecological farming systems

A multi-stakeholder perspective on the use of digital technologies in European organic and agroecological farming systems

No-tillage intercropping with a robotic mower: Advancing a high productivity, low-carbon and energy-efficient organic farming system

No-tillage intercropping with a robotic mower: Advancing a high productivity, low-carbon and energy-efficient organic farming system

Smart and Organic Agriculture System Using IOT and AI

Abstract- Agriculture is the most traditional activity of human civilization. With the growth of population and demand for resources, water shortage is a threat to agriculture. Identifying soil fertility also offers several advantages such as data collection, crop selection, Bio-image sensor, pH sensor, soil humidity, soil temperature, soil moisture, precision farming, and Green home automation. This proposal is based on two concepts Smart Intelligence and Organic farming. To enhance the quality and quantity of crops and minimize soil degradation, save water fulfil the requirement of the desired crop, and save the eco-system there are soil crops due to which underground water tape level goes down such as happening in Punjab due to mainly single crop farming such as wheat. The Crop selection system will help the farmer select the crop appropriate to the soil so that the underground water level will be saved. Natural fertilizers and automated farming techniques including IoT sensors provide information about crop yields, pest infestation, and soil nutrition. IoT offers precise data that can be utilized to better improve farming techniques. Hence, this project proposes an innovative smart solution using a "Smart Agriculture System based on proper IoT and AI" which can run on IoT and AI, cloud computing platforms and address all the above-mentioned issues. It is the combination of natural manure, and herbs useful as insecticides and pesticides and also beneficial for the next growing crop it has no chemicals no side effects, and maintains the nutrient value of the crop which is the main goal of micro-proposed. Keywords—Arduino mega, Temperature sensor, pH sensor, Humidity sensor, Moisture sensor, Mint, Essential Oil, Kutik, etc.

Biodiversity of insects and mites in organic and conventional farming systems of Okra

Biodiversity of insects and mites in organic and conventional farming systems of Okra

Issues and Opportunities for the Development of Organic Agriculture in West Bengal and India

This review aims to examine the issues and concerns related to the increasing adoption of organic farming practices in West Bengal and India. In West Bengal and throughout India, organic farming has a long history; nevertheless, crop production using contemporary organic management techniques is still in its infancy. The primary barriers to the widespread adoption and conversion of current crop production practices to an organic farming system are low premium prices, high conversion costs, a high rate of illiteracy, subsistence farming, fragmented holdings, the current land tenure system, farmers' and consumers' lack of awareness, lower yield during and after conversion, a lack of dedicated organic marketing channels and markets, and a costly and intricate organic certification system. The varied agroclimatic conditions that support the growth of numerous high-value crops, such as medicinal plants and herbs, as well as the nearly traditionally farmed long tracts of hilly regions, tribal-dominated areas of southern red laterite zones, and coastal and saline regions, offer an opportunity for organic conversion with ease and little effort. Both the government and non-governmental organizations can play an important role in developing policies that promote and develop organic farming, building marketing facilities, introducing an affordable organic certification system that is farmer-friendly, and offering sufficient incentive packages to encourage producers. The local and global markets' rapidly increasing desire for organic food has created a new avenue for agricultural growth, and the state and the nation can become global leaders in the manufacturing and distribution of organic products in the future if these issues are properly addressed.

Selection of New Field Pea Varieties for the Organic and Conventional Farming Systems in the Nemoral Climatic Zone

Field pea (Pisum sativum L.) is one of the most important grain legumes in European agriculture, having many benefits for agro-ecosystems and also one of the lowest carbon footprints of any crop. However, this crop has many more drawbacks when grown organically as opposed to conventionally. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the performance of newly bred field pea varieties and to test their differences of adaptivity to organic and conventional farming systems. Our study evaluated productivity, as well as the biological and nutritional parameters of the following four new field pea varieties: Lina DS, Egle DS, Ieva DS and Jura DS, all cultivated in the Nemoral climatic zone, where field peas are widely produced. The performance was compared with the long-term standard field pea variety Ingrid. Our study showed that all investigated new varieties had higher productivity compared to the long-term standard Ingrid. The organic cropping system limited the grain yield of field pea, and different varieties tended to respond differently to this type of crop management. Therefore, different varieties should be selected and suggested for organic and conventional cropping systems. Furthermore, with various different responses to the precipitation level, different varieties could be suggested for farming in different regions. The nutritional value (content of proteins and amino acids) also responded significantly to the management system and the selection of field pea variety. Newly bred variety Egle DS demonstrated the highest grain yields, and the highest content of proteins and essential amino acids in the seeds of field pea grown in an organic farming system. Egle DS accumulated 30 percent higher content of arginine compared to the standard variety.

Mineral Concentration in Spring Wheat Grain Under Organic, Integrated, and Conventional Farming Systems and Their Alterations During Processing.

Common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a key cereal in the global economy, providing essential nutrients for human and animal health. The European Union promotes less intensive farming systems as part of its sustainable development strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different farming systems on the concentration of macronutrients-potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium (K, P, Mg, and Ca)- and micronutrients-iron, zinc, manganese, and copper (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu)-in wheat grain, as well as the effect of grain processing on the distribution of these nutrients in bran, flour, and bread. This study included four spring wheat cultivars (Harenda, Kandela, Mandaryna, and Serenada) grown under organic (ORG), integrated (INT), and conventional (CONV) systems at the Osiny Experimental Station (Poland; 51°27' N; 22°2' E) between 2019 and 2021. The P concentration was determined using the colorimetric method, while the other nutrients were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The grain from the CONV system exhibited higher macronutrients concentrations, whereas grain from less intensive systems had higher micronutrients concentrations, except for Fe. The Fe concentration in grain from the INT and CONV systems was comparable. An interaction effect between cultivars and farming systems on P, Ca, Mn, Zn, and Cu concentrations in the grain was observed. In all research material, the highest concentrations of minerals were found in bran, followed by grain, with the lowest concentrations observed in flour and bread.

The Effect of Newly Developed Microbial Biopreparations on the Chemical Composition of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Fruit Grown in an Organic Farming System

Non-chemical methods of fertilisation and protection have been gaining importance in recent years. This trend is closely linked to current European Union (EU) agricultural policy and the growing consumer awareness of the impact of nutrition on health. Newly developed biopreparations have to be tested for their agricultural efficiency alongside a quality assessment of the resulting food. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of newly developed microbially enriched fertilisers in organic strawberry cultivation had an effect on fruit chemical composition and heavy metal accumulation. In the research, five biopreparations (K2–K6 combinations) containing selected Bacillus strains and plant extracts were tested in 2021 and 2022 on three strawberry cultivars: ‘Honeoye’, ‘Rumba’, and ‘Vibrant’. After the vegetation period, the collected fruit samples were frozen, freeze-dried, and subjected to chemical analyses to determine the total carbon and nitrogen content, as well as the concentration of microelements (Mn, Fe), macroelements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, P) and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn). The application of the tested biopreparations did not significantly impact the total carbon content of strawberry fruit. For most of the tested traits, cultivars reacted differently to the tested preparations. A higher total nitrogen content was found for treatments treated with biopreparations, especially for the ‘Vibrant’ cultivar—ranging from 15.2 g·kg−1 K2 (BacilRoots) to 16.3 g·kg−1 K3 (BacilRoots + BacilExtra) and K5 (BacilRoots + BacilExtra + BacilHumus)—being about 10–18% higher than on the control object (K1). The content of sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium did not change significantly under the influence of biopreparations. The use of the K3 and K5 treatment resulted in significantly lower iron contents when compared to those of the control (strawberries sprayed with water with no biopreparations added)—respectively, by 16.1% and 17.9%. ‘Vibrant’ treated with water (control treatment) showed the highest contents of iron, copper, and zinc when compared to those treated with biopreparations. No exceedances of the permissible heavy metal content were found in the samples tested.

Comparative Study of Organic Farming using IoT and Machine Learning Techniques

Agriculture is a fundamental industry that supports economic growth and sustains human life. However, the excessive use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers has led to severe health and environmental concerns, necessitating a shift toward organic farming. The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach to enhance productivity, quality, and sustainability. IoT-based smart farming allows farmers to monitor real-time environmental parameters such as soil moisture and temperature at a minimal cost, enabling efficient decision-making and resource optimization. This research focuses on developing an IoT-based organic farming system that automates irrigation, recommends optimal vermicompost application, and ensures better crop growth through real-time data analysis. IoT comprises interconnected devices with sensors, cloud computing, and analytics that assist farmers in reducing manual labour while improving efficiency. The study highlights how IoT enhances agricultural practices by providing insights into soil fertility, water management, and environmental conditions, fostering a sustainable and eco-friendly farming ecosystem. By leveraging IoT, modern farming can mitigate the adverse effects of chemical usage while ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.

Exploring the Benefits of Greek Tomato Landraces for Development of High Yield and Quality Hybrids in Organic Farming Systems

Nowadays, there is a lack of high-performing genetic materials specifically developed to thrive under low-input conditions and meet the demands of organic agriculture. This study aims to evaluate seven improved Greek tomato landraces and their (F1) hybrids designed for low-input farming systems as a potential solution to the shortage of superior varieties for organic farming in specific environments. This evaluation focuses on yield components and fruit quality parameters. According to the results, experimental genetic material matches or exceeds the performance of the commercial (F1) hybrid Formula and outperforms the control variety cv. Macedonia (pure line), indicating that selected inbred lines (S.I.L.s) originated from landraces that developed under low-input conditions and are better suited to organic farming systems. For instance, the improved line (S.I.L.) from landrace Pantaroza pink has only a 13% lower total yield compared to (F1) commercial hybrid Formula, whereas the (F1) hybrid between Pantaroza pink × Kardia vodiou surpasses it, by 23%. In conclusion, tomato landraces are an important gene pool for seed development for organic or low-input farming systems, especially under the circumstances of climate change, presenting increasing challenges. Improving these local genetic materials using mild breeding approaches under low-input conditions leads to the production of new selected pure lines (S.I.L.s) along with their (F1) hybrids, which could ensure high-quality products with satisfactory yield and low requirements, offering an innovative pathway toward sustainable agriculture.

Integrated organic fish + poultry + horticulture farming systems for sustaining the income for small and marginal farmers in tropical and sub-tropical India

ABSTRACT Inland aquaculture has great potential in India, but high feed costs is often a challenge for rearing fish. However, fish-based integrated organic farming systems (IOFS) can reduce production costs and sustain fish production. A four-year study explored sustainable fish-based IOFS in Coimbatore, India. The study utilised three existing ponds (each 300 m2) in an organic farming area to rear fish, poultry birds in cages above the ponds, and to grow horticultural crops on the dykes of the pond (40 m2). The investigation examined three fish-based IOFS models: Fish + Japanese quails + horticultural crops (Model 1), Fish + ducks + horticultural crops (Model 2), and Fish + Desi chickens + horticultural crops (Model 3). The results revealed that Model 1 showed the best performance in terms of production and income from the fish, while Model 3 showed higher production and income from the poultry and horticultural crops. The overall system performance indicators, including gross return (INR 50,872 unit−1 year−1), net return (INR 38,319 unit−1 year−1), benefit–cost ratio (3.05), fish equivalent yield (339.2 kg unit−1 year−1), production efficiency (1.13 kg day−1), economic efficiency (INR 127.7 day−1), and sustainable value index (0.82) were highest in Model 3. Therefore, integrating fish with Desi chickens and horticultural crops in an organic production system was recommended as a sustainable option for increasing farmers’ income in tropical and sub-tropical India.

Productivity, profitability and trade-offs in organic farming-based agricultural systems: Global trends and role in shaping new agri-food systems

Organic farming is emerging as an alternative sustainable agri-food system globally both in developed and developing nations. In India, organic farming offers a promising alternative to conventional farming and may contribute significantly to mitigate climate change by improving soil health, fostering biodiversity, and enhancing carbon sequestration. Lower yields, higher production costs and market access barriers, particularly for smallholder farmers are significant challenges for scaling up of organic farming practices on small farmers’ fields. However, growing opportunities for premium market prices for organic products, reduced input costs over time and improved soil resilience need to be addressed. This paper examines global and national trends, highlighting India’s position as a major player in the organic food ecosystem with a growing area, organic food products market and organic production technologies. It also delves into the productivity and profitability of organic farming systems, acknowledging the trade- offs between environmental benefits and economic costs. The trade-off is evidenced in terms of long-term ecological advantages such as improved soil structure, nutrient cycling and reduced pesticide residues, thus ensuring healthier food system and sustainable farming practices. Government policies, institutional support and market incentives are crucial in accelerating the adoption of organic practices. For scaling up of organic farming, the role of policy recommendations is also vital and significant to contribute to food security and environmental sustainability. The key to achieving improvements in organic farming is adopting diversification into several different crops for direct human consumption and services for the community. Profitability in the market and promoting demand for products that would improve the sustainability of farm and beyond will increase the food security of the global food system at the farm-level, ultimately leading to greater sustainability and resilience in agri-food systems.

Evaluation of soil health under conventional and integrated organic farming systems models for upper Gangetic plain zone

The study was carried out during 2021–2024 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh to evaluate the impact of Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) and Integrated Farming System (IFS) on soil biological properties namely microbial population, enzyme activities, and glomalin levels across cereal, vegetable, fruit and fodder crop systems. IOFS consistently demonstrated superior performance with respect to soil health indicators as compared to IFS. Higher microbial populations (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) were observed under IOFS, particularly in vegetable crops. Soil under cereal crops (food system) showed around 41% increase in bacterial population in IOFS model compared to IFS model. Similarly soils under vegetable system showed 32% increase in fungal population in IOFS model. Enzyme activities, including dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase, were significantly higher in IOFS, with notable improvements in fruit and vegetable crops. Fodder system showed greater improvement in dehydrogenase (36.8%) and β-glucosidase (34.7%) under IOFS as compared to IFS. IOFS also showed increased levels of Easily Extractable Glomalin (EEG) and Total Glomalin (TG). Vegetable system showed 32% and 14% improvement in EEG and TG respectively, indicating enhanced arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi activity and potential for carbon and nitrogen sequestration. These findings highlight the benefits of organic nutrient and pest management practices in promoting soil fertility and sustainability.

Factors to scale out innovative organic farming systems: A case study in Flanders region, Belgium

Factors to scale out innovative organic farming systems: A case study in Flanders region, Belgium

Understanding Japanese rice farmers’ preferences for adopting organic agricultural system and uptaking innovative machinery using best-worst scaling method

Understanding Japanese rice farmers’ preferences for adopting organic agricultural system and uptaking innovative machinery using best-worst scaling method

Enhancing Passion Fruit Resilience: The Role of Hariman in Mitigating Viral Damage and Boosting Productivity in Organic Farming Systems.

This study investigates the molecular mechanisms by which Hariman mitigates damage and productivity losses caused by Cucumber Aphid-Borne Mosaic Virus (CABMV) in the passion fruit genotypes 'FB300' and 'H09-110/111' under greenhouse and field conditions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Hariman treatment induced the upregulation of key defense genes and phytohormones in response to CABMV infection, enabling treated plants to counteract virus-induced developmental impairments effectively. The relative accumulation of CABMV and disease severity were significantly reduced, with treated plants showing no decline in growth parameters such as height, leaf count, flower production, or fruit set. Over 18 months, total productivity increased by 65.7% and 114% for 'FB300' and by 44% and 80% for 'H09-110/111' after one and two applications of Hariman, respectively. Notably, infected plants treated with Hariman outperformed healthy plants grown under similar conditions, underscoring the biofertilizer's dual role in promoting plant growth while enhancing resistance to biotic stressors. These findings indicate that Hariman stimulates robust growth and induces the expression of the defense-related genes PR-3, SOD, POD12, PAL, and LOX2 alongside the expression of the phytohormone-associated genes SAUR20 and GA2ox across different passion fruit genotypes. The adoption of these sustainable technologies holds significant potential for enhancing passion fruit productivity in the face of diseases that severely threaten this crop.

A comparative study on phytochemical composition, yield, morphological, and physiological characteristics of Mentha spicata (L.) across conventional, organic, and agroecological farming systems

A comparative study on phytochemical composition, yield, morphological, and physiological characteristics of Mentha spicata (L.) across conventional, organic, and agroecological farming systems

Social and Environmental Trade-Offs and Synergies in Cocoa Production: Does the Farming System Matter?

Although cocoa production addresses the livelihoods of several rural households, there is a global concern about its negative impact on the physical environment. How does this trade-off play out in different farming systems? This paper examined the social and environmental trade-offs and synergies of organic and conventional cocoa farming systems. Using the ‘SMART Farm-tool’ and principal component analysis approach, data collected from 398 cocoa farmers in five communities in the Atwima Mponua District of Ghana were analysed. We found that social and environmental trade-offs in the organic cocoa farming system are labour-related (EV = −0.38). The social and environmental trade-offs in the conventional cocoa farming system are health and safety and biodiversity-related (EV = −0.64). The organic farming system recognises indigenous knowledge in promoting biodiversity conservation and land degradation reduction (EV = −0.57). There can be more synergy than trade-off in both systems if support for capacity building and credit is provided and indigenous knowledge sharing is prioritised among low-income and vulnerable farmers. In this way, the labour conditions, biodiversity conservation, and health and safety-related concerns will be addressed. Addressing labour concerns in organic cocoa farming involves improving efficiency and working conditions. Strategies include training programs for organic techniques, introducing technology for tasks, and adhering to fair labour standards. This ensures labour concerns are addressed across the supply chain.

The Effect of Farming Systems and Cultivars on the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition of Bioactive Compounds in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Triticum aestivum L. subsp. spelta (cv. Rokosz) and common winter wheat Triticum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum (cv. Arktis, Belissa, Estivus, Fidelius, Hondia, Jantarka, KWS Ozon, Linus, Markiza, Ostka Strzelecka, Pokusa) grown in an organic farming system were analyzed and compared. Furthermore, the productivity of four common wheat cultivars (cv. Fidelius, Hondia, Jantarka, KWS Ozon) grown under four different (organic, conventional integrated, and monoculture) farming systems was compared. Using UPLC-DAD-MS, UPLC-PDA-MS/MS, and TLC-DPPH•, nine phenolic acids, nine alkylresorcinols, and their antiradical activity were identified and quantified. In the organic farming system, the highest yield was observed for T. aestivum L. subsp. aestivum cv. Fidelius (4.17 t/ha). Infections of wheat cultivars were low or at a medium level. The highest resistance to Fusarium fungi was shown by cv. Fidelius, which also exhibited the highest alkylresorcinol content and antioxidant capacity. The total phenolic acid content was highest in cv. Rokosz (1302.3 µg/g), followed by common winter wheat cultivars cv. Linus (1135.1 µg/g) and cv. Markiza (1089.6 µg/g). The potential of winter wheat cultivars for human health and their suitability for cultivation in different production systems was determined, showing significant differences in bioactive compounds depending on cultivars, systems, and years.

Effects of cover crops on organic lettuce grown in a no-tillage system in the southern brazil amazon

ABSTRACT The combination of organic farming and no-tillage systems can be effective for sustainable food production, particularly in the Amazon biome. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of using cover crops in a no-tillage organic production system of lettuce, grown during the summer season in Alta Floresta Mato Grosso, Brazil. The experiment was conducted on a commercial organic vegetable production farm. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments with different combinations of cover crops: Crotalaria ochroleuca (T1); C. ochroleuca + Pennisetum glaucum (T2); C. ochroleuca + Poa annua (T3); Crotalaria spectabilis (T4); C. spectabilis + Pennisetum glaucum (T5); C. spectabilis + P. annua (T6), P. glaucum (T7); P. annua (T8); weeds (spontaneous vegetation) (T9); and bare soil (T10). Two lettuce cycles were monitored: the first November–December and the second December–January. In the first cycle, no-tillage lettuce grown on residue of C. ochroleuca, C. ochroleuca + P. glaucum, C. ochroleuca + P. annua, C. spectabilis, C. spectabilis + P. glaucum, C. spectabilis + P. annua, or P. glaucum provided productive gains in the lettuce yields. Due to the intense degradation of organic matter, in the second cycle, the growth of lettuce in treatments with cover crops was equivalent to that in no-tillage with bare soil, indicating the need for re-sowing the cover crops to ensure yield gains. The combination of C. ochroleuca and C. spectabilis with P. glaucum and/or P. annua showed promise for establishing organic no-tillage systems for lettuce in the Amazon region.