Organic Farming Systems Research Articles

Cabbage pest population in the uninterrupted cultivation seasons

The current research aimed to gather information of pests’ population in cabbage crops that were cultivated using the organic and conventional farming system in three consecutive months. Cabbages were planted every month for 3 consecutive months from March to May 2020 in the Margahayu Research Station, Lembang, West Java and the pests’ population was observed throughout the time of plant growth. Data shows the fluctuation of cabbage pests’ population including Plutella sp., Spodoptera sp, and Myzus sp. during those three planting seasons. The findings are particularly important in deciding effective control techniques to use and determining the right time to apply those control techniques.

Efficacy of ethanolic seed extracts of Annona spp. against Aphis glycines

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is an important pest that can cause significant economic damage to soybean. Synthetic insecticides are currently employed as the main management strategy to control A. glycines; however, over-use of these products has stimulated research in the development of alternative management methods, including botanical derivatives. In this study, we evaluated the bioactivity of Annona mucosa and A. muricata seed extracts and a formulation based on acetogenins (Anosom® 1 EC, 10,000 ppm) compared to the pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II®) on A. glycines. Initially, the insecticidal effect was assessed in vial bioassays and the concentration-response curves were estimated (LC50/LC90 for A. muricata 305.721 ppm/1290.3 ppm and A. mucosa 134.229 ppm/487.890 ppm, respectively). In the systemic effect bioassay, the same extracts were used (at 100, 500, 1,000, 5000 and 10,000 ppm), showing a reduction in the number of insects on the trifoliates. Both extracts at LC50 and LC90 were used in a behavior test, indicating that they are repellent and Warrior II® was attractive for the insects. The LC90 rates were also used in lethal time (LT) and in greenhouse bioassays. The LT50 for A. mucosa and A. muricata extracts was around 20 h. All treatments showed insect mortality rates above 65%, reaching 100% for Warrior II®, followed by the LC90 of A. mucosa (92.1%). The results demonstrate the potential of Annona spp. derivatives for the management of A. glycines in soybean, and these Annonaceae-derived seed extracts could likely serve as an additional IPM tool to improve A. glycines control strategies in organic farming systems.

Environmental variables and species traits as drivers of wild bee pollination in intensive agroecosystems—A metabarcoding approach

AbstractWild bees are known to be efficient pollinators of wild plants and cultivated crops and they are essential ecosystem service providers. However, wild bee populations have been suffering from significant declines in the last decades mainly due to the use of agrochemicals. Within this framework, we aimed to characterize wild bees' pollination spectrum (i.e., the community of pollinated flowering plants) in intensive agroecosystems, and describe the environmental variables and wild bee species traits influencing the pollination. To do this, we conducted metabarcoding analyses of pollen loads from wild bees collected in sunflower crops in the French region of Nouvelle‐Aquitaine. Our study revealed that wild bees visited flowering plants corresponding to 231 different operational taxonomic units, classified into 38 families of which Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, and Apiaceae were the most visited and more than 90% of the visited taxa turned out to be wildflowers. We also analyzed the potential effect of environmental variables and wild bee species traits in governing their choice of pollinated plants. The community composition of pollinated plants varied depending on the flowering stages of the sunflower and the farming system. Our results also show that pollination niche breadth (alpha diversity) varied depending on the flowering stages of the sunflower but was not different between organic and conventional farming systems. Regarding wild bee species traits, the community composition of pollinated plants varied in relation to wild bees' body sizes and sociality levels. Our results are consistent with previous studies, suggesting that solitary bees are more specialist when it comes to flower selection than social bees, which are more generalist. The metabarcoding of pollen loads enabled us to draw a global picture of plant–wild bee interactions in an intensive agroecosystem. Our findings support the hypothesis that a higher diversity of weeds may increase wild bee diversity in intensive agroecosystems.

Efficacy of a Homeopathic Complex (Masta-forte+Actino Cure) and Antibiotics in Treatment of Bovine Clinical Mastitis

The present study was aimed to treat bovine mastitis with homeopathic remedies Masta-forte+Actino Cure along with antibiotic therapy. A total 160 animals suffering from clinical bovine mastitis were used for study. All the animals were categories according to their physical condition of udder as redness, oedematous, fibrosis, bloody milk, white clot in milk, and watery milk. All the animals were group in to two groups A (n=80) and (n=80). All the animals were basically treated with higher antibiotics. In group A animal were treated with homeopathic medicine (2 ml. Masta-Forte+2 ml Actino Cure) orally with syringe bid for 20 days along with antibiotic therapy were as group B only treated with antibiotic therapy. Out of 160 animals 124 animals recovers with reduce normal milk. Among group A animals were recovery rate 90.00% (N=80) where as group B recovery rate 65.00% (n=80) animal. In group A animals having no fibrosis, where in group B animals having affected quarters were hard and fibrotic in nature. Homoeopathy drugs may be used as alternate therapy in organic farming system might be one of the preferred treatment methods.

Refining life cycle nutrient modeling in organic pig production. An analysis focusing on feeding strategies in organic Danish pig farming

Organic pig farming systems are associated with considerable ammonia losses, nitrate leaching in sow pasture concepts, and dependency on imported protein feed components, such as soybean cake. Furthermore, in environmental nutrient modeling approaches, there is a lack of data on emission factors and models that account for nutrient balances concerning organic production systems. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze feeding strategies in organic pig farming by using refined nutrient modeling approaches.A cradle-to-farm-gate life cycle approach was used to analyze six feeding scenarios: reduced crude protein content in feed rations for sows (S1) and sows and fattening pigs (S3), alternative protein sources and reduced protein in feed rations for sows (S2) and sows and fattening pigs (S4), and reduced compound feed intake for sows (S5) and sows and fattening pigs (S6). Danish average production data were collected and specific data regarding organic production (N content in manure, emission factors for ammonia for the paddock and housing) were identified. Six sub-systems (paddocks with sows and piglets on grass-clover, weaners, fattening pigs, feed, manure, and manufacturing of inputs) were considered and balanced out. Five environmental impact categories, climate change (including soil carbon changes), eutrophication potential, acidification potential, abiotic depletion of fossil fuels, and land occupation, were assessed.It was found that the feeding strategies had considerably higher effects when including both sows and fattening pigs compared to only including sows. The highest reductions for most of the analyzed environmental impacts (13% for eutrophication and acidification, 11% for climate change, and 8% for land occupation) were estimated due to reduced amount of compound feed to both sows and fattening pigs (S6). For abiotic depletion of fossil fuels, a decrease of 33% was determined by the use of locally grown protein sources (S4), which decreased the contribution of transportation. In terms of methodological refinements, an approach for nutrient modeling at the paddock level, where crop rotation and associated effects were also considered, was identified. Furthermore, adapted emission factors for indoor housing with access to outdoor runs were suggested.

Quality Research of the Beetroots (Beta vulgaris L., ssp. vulgaris var. conditiva Alef.) Grown in Different Farming Systems Applying Chemical and Holistic Research Methods

For consumers who care about food sustainability, sustainable food seems to be at least organic, local, and seasonal food. Our research aimed to compare the differences between beetroots grown conventionally and organically using chemical and electrochemical research methods demonstrating life processes in products. Three beetroot (Beta vulgaris L., ssp. vulgaris var. conditiva Alef.) cultivars, ‘Joniai’, ‘Jolie’ H, and ‘Grenade’ H, were grown using organic and conventional farming systems. The total yield, diameter, and root length were measured after harvesting. The main chemical composition and color coordinates were determined. Holistic electrochemical research methods were applied to demonstrate the vitality of the products. It was found that the yield of conventionally grown vegetables depending on cultivars was from 4 to 19% higher than that of organically grown vegetables, and the dependence of the chemical composition on the farming system was ambiguous. Although the higher amounts of DM (13.70–15.90%), TSS (10.50–12.20%), and sugars (8.47–8.98%) were found in organically grown beetroots, higher contents of betalains (647–1408 mg kg−1 fw) were accumulated by conventionally grown plants. The highest amount in the fresh weight of Ca (310 mg kg−1) and Mg (470 mg kg−1) was accumulated in conventionally grown cv ‘Joniai’; only organically grown cv ‘Jolie’ H beetroots accumulated the highest amount of Fe (17.40 mg kg−1). However, lower values of the electrochemical parameters rH and P showed a better quality of ecologically grown beetroot, better vitality, and better suitability for human consumption.

Consortia of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Selected Catch Crops for Increasing Microbial Activity in Soil under Spring Barley Grown as an Organic Farming System

In order to protect and remediate soils, organic farming methods have grown in popularity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of rhizobacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Pseudomonas fluorescens) and catch crops (undersown red clover alone, undersown Italian ryegrass alone and a mixture of clover and ryegrass) on the microbiological activity of the soil under organic spring barley. In 2019–2021, a field experiment was carried out on an organic farm, randomly in eight variants, each in three repetitions. The following parameters were analyzed: enzymatic activity of dehydrogenases (DHA), acid phosphatase (PAC) and catalase (CAT), soil fertility index (BIF), and a number of selected physiological groups of microorganisms (molds, bacteria, and actinomycetes). Compared to the control variant (without catch crops and bacteria), the values of DHA, CAT, and BIF increased significantly in the variant in which rhizobacteria and catch crops were used simultaneously. The highest BIF, of 32, was obtained in 2019, after the application of red clover catch crop + Italian ryegrass + rhizobacteria. PAC activity dropped significantly after the application of the bacterial consortium alone and was lower than the control by an average of 30%.

An integrated organic farming system: innovations for farm diversification, sustainability, and livelihood improvement of hill farmers

IntroductionOrganic farming is a promising solution for mitigating environmental burdens related to input-intensive agricultural practices. The major challenge in organic agriculture is the non-availability of large quantities of organic inputs required for crop nutrition and sustaining soil health, which can be resolved by efficient recycling of the available on- and off-farm resources and the integration of the components as per the specific locations.MethodsAn integrated organic farming system (IOFS) model comprising agricultural and horticultural crops, rainwater harvesting units, livestock components, and provisions for nutrient recycling was developed and disseminated in the adopted organic villages Mynsain, Pynthor, and Umden Umbathiang in the Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, India, to improve the income and livelihood of farmers. Harvested rainwater in farm ponds and Jalkunds was used for live-saving irrigation in the winter months and diversified homestead farming activities, such as growing high-value crops and rearing cattle, pigs, and poultry.ResultsMaize, french bean, potato, ginger, tomato, carrot, and chili yields in the IOFS model increased by 20%−30%, 40%−45%, 25%−30%, 33%−40%, 45%−50%, 37%−50%, and 27%−30%, respectively, compared with traditional practices. Some farmers produced vermicompost in vermibeds (made of high-density polyethylene) and cement brick chambers, generating 0.4−1.25 tons per annum. Two individual farmers, Mr. Jrill Makroh and Mrs. Skola Kurbah obtained net returns (without premium price) of Rs. 46,695 ± 418 and Rs. 31,102 ± 501 from their respective 0.27- and 0.21-ha IOFS models, which is equivalent to Rs. 172,944 ± 1,548/ha/year and Rs. 148,105 ± 2,385/ha/year, respectively. The net returns obtained from the IOFS models were significantly higher than those obtained from the farmers' practice of maize-fallow or cultivation of maize followed by vegetable (~30% of the areas). It is expected that, with the certification of organic products, the income and livelihood of the farmers will improve further over the years. While Mr. Jrill Makroh's model supplied 95.1%, 82.0%, and 96.0% of the total N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively, needed by the system, Mrs. Skola Kurbah's model supplied 76.0%, 68.6%, and 85.5% of the total N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively.DiscussionThus, IOFS models should be promoted among hill farmers so that they can efficiently recycle farm resources and increase their productivity, net returns, and livelihood while reducing their dependence on external farm inputs.

Weed control in a pesticide‐free farming system with mineral fertilisers

AbstractNegative impacts of pesticides on the environment and human health, the risk of pesticide residues in the food chain, and the problems with herbicide‐resistant weed biotypes support the need for alternative cropping systems. The objective of this study was to investigate weed populations, weed management and crop yield in a pesticide‐free cropping system with the use of mineral fertilisers. Conventional‐, organic‐ and mineral‐ecological cropping systems (MECS) with 6‐year crop rotations including winter wheat, maize, winter triticale or winter rye, soyabean or spring pea, and spring barley were established in a randomised complete strip plot design with four repetitions. Experiments were conducted at four locations in Germany. Preventive and sensor‐guided mechanical weed management strategies were applied in all crops in the organic system and in MECS. Herbicide were applied in the conventional farming system. Weed densities, weed species composition, weed control efficacy (WCE) and crop yield were analysed over 2 years in 2020 and 2021. Conventional farming had the highest WCE and 1–7 weeds m−2 (2.7% weed coverage) after herbicide application. In the organic cropping system and MECS, up to 27 weeds m−2 were counted after camera‐guided weed hoeing. Weed coverage in MECS (9.7%) was higher than in the organic cropping system with 7.7%. Crop yield in MECS was equal to the conventional farming system and 20% higher yield than in the organic farming system. MECS represents a promising new and productive cropping practice if an effective integrated weed management strategy is applied.

Predicting Long-Term Effects of Alternative Management Practices in Conventional and Organic Agricultural Systems on Soil Carbon Stocks Using the DayCent Model

Recently, many countries have introduced policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing synthetic nitrogen fertiliser and promoting diversified crop rotation. While such management changes might represent an opportunity for the agricultural sector to mitigate the impacts of climate change through carbon (C) sequestration in soils, there are still uncertainties due to the scarcity of reliable long-term data to prove this assumption. In this study, we applied the DayCent model using empirical data from a farm-scale study and an experimental trial study at Nafferton farm in the UK, to assess the long-term effects of contrasting agricultural systems (conventional vs. organic), grazing regimes (non-grazed vs. grazed), arable systems with ley phases, mineral vs. compost fertility sources and conventional vs. organic crop rotation on soil C stocks (0–0.20 m depth). The simulations showed that grazing and higher ley time proportions can increase soil C stocks for a period of at least 30 years, regardless of the agricultural system used (average increase in rates of 0.25 ± 0.02 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Compost fertiliser promoted soil C accumulation for the same period (average increase in rates of 0.3 Mg ha−1 yr−1), but its magnitude was dependent on the choice of crops in the rotation. However, ley time proportions higher than 40% of the full crop rotation did not improve soil C accumulation further. We conclude that the DayCent model can be used to identify the quantity of and the effective period for which management practices can be used to target mitigation efforts, but the balance between sustainability and productivity aspects warrants further research.

Field inoculation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi with contrasting life-history strategies differently affects tomato nutrient uptake and residue decomposition dynamics

PurposePlant microbial biostimulants, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), enhance nutrient concentration in fruits, including tomato. However, field studies on tomato AMF inoculation are scarce. AMF species belonging to Gigasporaceae and Glomeraceae families known to vary in life-history strategies may determine differential effects on plant nutrient benefits and residue decomposition. Despite this, the effect of different life-history strategies on nutrient acquisition of tomato fruits has not been investigated yet.MethodsWe studied the effect of inoculation of two tomato varieties with four AMF species belonging to Glomeraceae and Gigasporaceae. Fungal colonization, yield, fruit nutrient concentration, litter decomposition, and bacterial and fungal abundances in soil were assessed in the field under organic agriculture.ResultsOverall Gigasporaceae promoted the concentration of nutrients in tomato fruits compared to Glomeraceae. A variability in AM fungal colonization and fruit nutrient concentration was detected within Glomeraceae. Scutellospora pellucida increased the yield (+ 27%) of var. Rio Grande with respect to Gigaspora gigantea. In var. Rio Grande, inoculation with Funneliformis mosseae did not change litter decomposition as compared to non-inoculated controls, whereas it was lower than in Sclerocystis sinuosa and Gigasporaceae species, which showed the highest decomposition rates. AMF inoculation promoted soil total bacterial and fungal abundance and fungal:bacterial (F:B) ratio compared to controls, and members of Gigasporaceae had the highest F:B ratio.ConclusionThese findings pointed at the inclusion of AM fungal life-history strategy within the selection criteria for the development of biofertilizers able to enhance the nutritional value of vegetables under organic farming systems.

Rice paddy field on Gentungan, Karanganyar: Soil C Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid, and Stock as Affected by Period of Organic Practices

Carbon sequestration (CS) is an essential strategy for mitigating climate change caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs in the atmosphere). Agriculture provides greenhouse gas effects, one of which is in wetland agriculture (rice fields). The research aims to evaluate organic, semi-organic, and conventional farming systems in rice fields on the levels of humic acid, fulvic acid, and carbon stock. The research method is descriptive, explorative, survey, and laboratory analysis. The research was conducted in Gentungan, Karanganyar Regency, Indonesia. Organic farming (4,7, and 10 years), semi-organic and conventional. The results showed no significant difference in the levels of humic acid, fulvic acid, and carbon stock between organic, semi-organic, and conventional farming systems. Organic farming systems increase the humic acid, fulvic acid, and carbon stock in paddy fields compared to semi-organic and conventional.

Rice genetic resources for organic agriculture under hill ecology: evaluation and usefulness

AbstractRice cultivation in hills is challenged by sub-optimum weather conditions, low soil fertility, low temperature and moisture stress which impedes in attaining high productivity. To address this, four studies were carried out at ICAR Sikkim Centre, Gangtok, India to evaluate relative performance of local organic cultivars and conventionally bred varieties under an organic farming system. Conventionally bred varieties yielded significantly higher (45%) than local cultivars under recommended timely sown conditions whereas local cultivars showed superiority in grain yield under late sown conditions coinciding with low temperature during flowering to grain filling. Genotypes did not show significant interaction when organic or conventional production conditions were compared. For grain yield, there was a significant variation for variety × year interaction under organic system. Local organic cultivars had reduced grain yield and associated traits under rainfed upland conditions. Panicles per unit area had a significant positive association with grain yield in all production environments (organic lowland, organic upland, conventional lowland and conventional upland). Overall, the study indicates using local cultivars as donors for specific stress tolerance traits in background of high yielding genotypes to enhance rice yields sustainably under organic system in hills.

Hygienic-sanitary quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and arugula (Eruca sativa) produced in an organic farm system in Cuiabá, MT, Brazil

Demand for organic food has increased as a result of awareness of the health risks posed by the presence of chemical residues. In this context, this study aimed to verify the safety of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and arugula (Eruca sativa) produced organically in the metropolitan region of Cuiabá, MT, Brazil, and identify the main microbiological contamination sources of this production system. Fifty-five samples, 10 lettuces and 10 arugula, were collected in a farm and supermarket, in addition to five samples of each agricultural adjuvant used in the production system (irrigation water, vegetable and animal fertilizers). No Salmonella spp. was detected, although thermotolerant coliforms above the maximum acceptable limit established by the Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (ICMSF) were observed in 90% (9/10) and 50% (5/10) of the farm arugula and lettuce samples, 20% (2/10) and 10% (1/10) of the supermarket arugula and lettuce samples, 60% of animal and vegetable fertilizers (6/10) and 40% (2/5) of irrigation water samples. Over half of the vegetable samples analyzed herein were, thus, unfit for consumption, indicating the relatively high influence of system inputs on the hygienic-sanitary quality of the arugula and lettuce produced in the investigated organic farm.

Modelling organic farming suitability by spatial indicators of GIS integrated MCDA in Golestan Province, Iran

Organic farming suitability can improve the health of environment, agroecosystems and humans, quality of products, and local economy. Organic agricultural system is not very much evolved in Iran. In this paper a model is proposed to identify the suitable zones in 14 counties of Golestan Province, northeast of Iran, for the development of organic farming using spatial indicators, spatial analysis and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). In this model, some important criteria such as climatic variables, topographic factors, soil characteristics, ecological variables, environmental variables and developmental variables were evaluated and considered as spatial indicators. The thematic layers were classified based on agronomical requirements tables of organic farming and were overlaid based on Weighted Overlay Analysis (WOA) in ArcMap software. Final maps were separately generated and classified to five classes of suitability degree for spring and winter crops. According to the results of model, development of organic farming is possible for up to 14.72 and 17.76 percent of the current lands of Golestan Province in Iran for organic spring and winter cropping, respectively. In this research, we developed a land suitability model for organic farming based on the evaluation of spatial variables in Geographic Information System (GIS) and MCDA. Results provided useful information that can be used as decision support tools in the development of organic agriculture in Golestan Province, other similar regions in Iran and other countries in the world.

Breeding Bread-Making Wheat Varieties for Organic Farming Systems: The Need to Target Productivity, Robustness, Resource Use Efficiency and Grain Quality Traits.

Agronomic protocols (rotation, tillage, fertilization and crop protection) commonly used in organic and conventional crop production differ significantly and there is evidence that modern varieties developed for conventional high-input farming systems do not have the combination of traits required for optimum performance in organic farming systems. Specifically, there is evidence that prohibition on the use of water-soluble, mineral N, P and K fertilizers and synthetic pesticide inputs in organic farming results in a need to revise both breeding and selection protocols. For organic production systems, the focus needs to be on the following: (i) traits prioritized by organic farmers such as high nutrient use efficiency from organic fertilizer inputs, competitiveness against weeds, and pest and disease resistance, (ii) processing quality parameters defined by millers and bakers and (iii) nutritional quality parameters demanded by organic consumers. In this article, we review evidence from variety trials and factorial field experiments that (i) studied to what extent there is a need for organic farming focused breeding programs, (ii) investigated which traits/trait combinations should be targeted in these breeding programs and/or (iii) compared the performance of modern varieties developed for the conventional sector with traditional/older varieties favored by organic farmers and/or new varieties developed in organic farming focused breeding programs. Our review focuses on wheat because there have been organic and/or low-input farming focused wheat breeding programs for more than 20 years in Europe, which has allowed the performance of varieties/genotypes from organic/low-input and conventional farming focused breeding programs to be compared.

Effect of Planting Patterns and Mulch Types on Weed Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn and Red Bean

This study aimed to determine the best cropping pattern and type of mulch in the intercropping system of sweet corn and red beans in organic farming systems. The research was conducted in Air Duku Village, Bengkulu at 1054 m above sea level. The experimental design was RCBD with two factors. The first factor was cropping patterns consisted of monocultures of sweet corn, monocultures red bean, and intercropping of sweet corn and red beans. The second factor was organic mulch types consisting of rice straw, coffee husk, rice husk mulch, and control (without mulch). Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α= 5%). The treatment means were separated by LSD. Plant height, plant dry weight, husked cob weight, unhusked cob weight, cob husked weight per plot was measured for sweet corn plants, while red bean plants were assessed for plant height, the number of seeds, seed weight, seed weight per plot, and weeds were observed for weight dry. Study resulted intercropping can suppress weeds on red beans but not in sweet corn. Sweet corn-red bean intercropping suppressed weed growth, and mulch application of rice straw and rice husks effectively controlled weeds. The growth and yield of sweet corn planted in intercropping are equivalent to that grown in monoculture. Red-beans has higher yield in monoculture than intercropping even though the growth is not different between the two crops. This result is important in weed manejemen in organic farming practice.

Effects of Exogenously Applied Copper in Tomato Plants’ Oxidative and Nitrogen Metabolisms under Organic Farming Conditions

Currently, copper is approved as an active substance among plant protection products and is considered effective against more than 50 different diseases in different crops, conventional and organic. Tomato has been cultivated for centuries, but many fungal diseases still affect it, making it necessary to control them through antifungal agents, such as copper, making it the primary form of fungal control in organic farming systems (OFS). The objective of this work was to determine whether exogenous copper applications can affect AOX mechanisms and nitrogen use efficiency in tomato plant grown in OFS. For this purpose, plants were sprayed with ‘Bordeaux’ mixture (SP). In addition, two sets of plants were each treated with 8 mg/L copper in the root substrate (S). Subsequently, one of these groups was also sprayed with a solution of ‘Bordeaux’ mixture (SSP). Leaves and roots were used to determine NR, GS and GDH activities, as well as proline, H2O2 and AsA levels. The data gathered show that even small amounts of copper in the rhizosphere and copper spraying can lead to stress responses in tomato, with increases in total ascorbate of up to 70% and a decrease in GS activity down to 49%, suggesting that excess copper application could be potentially harmful in horticultural production by OFS.

Evaluation of savory (Satureja hortensis L.) under organic farming system

Growing herbs and spices using organic methods are supported and encouraged in Egypt. This study was conducted on summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) throughout the growing seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The research was carried out on a plantation that adheres to organic farming practices to ascertain the impact of chitosan and bio-fertilizer EM on the crop. The study was designed with a split-plot as the layout. For the main plots, it was recommended to use rates for chitosan spray that were 0, 5, and 10 liters/hectare. For the subplots, it was recommended to use bio-fertilizer EM, either with or without. Our findings indicated that applying chitosan spray to plants at 10 liters/hectare while using bio-fertilizer produced the highest growth, herbage yield, and improved volatile oil characteristics. The volatile oil constituents were dominated by γ-terpinene and carvacrol. The highest levels of γ-terpinene and carvacrol were found in oils extracted from chitosan and biofertilizer-treated plants. These constituents were lower in control.

Comparison of Physicochemical and Biological Soil Properties in Organic and Conventional Upland Fields

Application of organic farming system has been increased recently but change of soil properties due to organic farming system has not been thoroughly studied. The main purpose of this study was to compare physicochemical and biological soil properties between conventional and organic farming system and to identify the most affected soil parameters for two different farming system. Soil samples were collected from upland fields that have been using conventional or organic farming system for over five years. Then, physicochemical and biological soil properties were determined, including bulk density, porosity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil organic matter, total nitrogen (T-N), available phosphorus, soil respiration, and soil enzyme activities. For soil physical perspective, soils from organic farming system had lower bulk density and higher porosity values than conventional farming system. This result indicate that organic farming system had beneficial effect on soil physical properties. In case of soil chemical properties, the available phosphorus content in soil from conventional farming system was higher than in organic farming system probably due to the continuous use of inorganic fertilizers containing phosphorus in the arable area. For soil biological properties, β-glucosidase and phosphatase activities were higher under conventionally managed soils than organic farming system. Overall, physicochemical and biological soil properties can be varied depending on differently managed farming system and long terms of monitoring is necessary for understanding the change of soil properties between organic and conventional farming system.Soil properties including a) bulk density, b) soil organic matter content, c) β-glucosidase activity, and d) urease activity (CF, conventional farming; OF, organic farming).