Organic Plots Research Articles

Increase in defense response of biocontrol agents for reduction of Cercospora leaf spot of greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

In addition to the prevalent practice of seed inoculation with nitrogen fixing bacteria, several other biological control agents are also applied to green gram in the form of seed treatment particularly for organic cultivation of green gram. To study the effect of such seed inoculation treatments with biological agents on reduction of cercospora leaf spot disease as well as its component characters, a field experiment was conducted during summer season, 2015 at the organic plot of the Instructional Cum Research (ICR) Farm of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat. Seeds of green gram variety Pratap (SG-1) were treated with microbial formulations of Rhizobium, Bacillus megaterium, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride and their combinations. The seven treatments consisted of-Rhizobium (T1), Trichoderma harzianum (T2), Trichoderma viride (T3), Bacillus megaterium (T4), Trichoderma harzianum + Trichoderma viride + Bacillus megaterium (T5), Rhizobium + Trichoderma harzianum + Trichoderma viride + Bacillus megaterium (T6) and Control (T7). The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with four replications. The unit plot size was 1.5 m x 3 m with a row to row spacing of 30 cm and 10 cm between plants. Seeds treated with combined inoculation of Rhizobium @ 4 g + Bacillus megaterium @ 5ml/1000 ml of water + Trichoderma harzianum @ 5ml/1000 ml of water + Trichoderma viride @ 5ml/1000 ml of water (T6) recorded significantly higher response in terms of reduction of percentage of disease occurance. These results, thus, indicated that the combined inoculation treatment of Rhizobium with other biological agents improves vigour characteristics, seed yield as well as increasing the efficiency of defense response mechanism thereby reducing the occurance of cercospora leaf spot in green gram.

Chemical and biological indicators of soil quality in organic and conventional Japanese plum orchards

ABSTRACT To evaluate the effect of the management system on soil quality, chemical and biological properties were measured in soils (0–20 cm depth) from Japanese plum orchards managed under organic and conventional conditions. The experiment was conducted between 2005 and 2014 in orchards established at the agricultural research station at Alcalá del Río, Seville, Spain. Overall, the soil chemical parameters in the organic orchard showed higher concentrations of soil organic matter, total N, available P and Mg. There was a trend of higher concentrations of K and Na, though for these elements the differences were significant only in two and one years, respectively. Similarly, concentrations of Mn and Zn tended to be higher in the organic plots, whereas contradictory trends were shown for Fe and Cu. No differences were found between the treatments for other physicochemical parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity. Regarding soil biological properties, the organic system was characterised with a significantly greater abundance of bacteria and fungi compared with the conventional system. The rhizobia population and the legume biomass were also higher in the organic orchard and the plants had more nodules. Likewise, the number of earthworms was higher in the organic system. The results showed that long-term organic management, including the use of cover crops and compost, resulted in a significant shift of the chemical and biological characteristics of the soil compared with the conventional management practice, thus improving soil quality and suggesting that organic farming may provide a potential solution to achieve sustainable agricultural systems.

Fertilization regimes affecting nickel phytomining efficiency on a serpentine soil in the temperate climate zone

Phytomining of nickel (Ni) refers to cropping of selected Ni hyperaccumulator plants on Ni-rich serpentine soils. In this study, the effect of different fertilization regimes on the Ni yield of Odontarrhena chalcidica (syn. Alyssum murale) was evaluated within a field experiment on an Austrian serpentine site. Odontarrhena chalcidica was planted in six treatments: control, fertilized by mineral fertilizer, cow manure, pig manure, compost, and planted at higher plant density. A positive fertilization effect was observed: plants treated with NPK and pig manure produced significantly higher biomass (1.9 t ha−1 for both treatments). Nickel yields showed a clear trend for enhancement upon fertilization (cow manure: 22.7 kg Ni ha−1, pig manure: 21.3 kg Ni ha−1, NPK: 20.6 kg Ni ha−1), but were not significantly different from the control. As a result of Ni accumulation in plants, DTPA-extractable Ni pools were significantly lower after harvesting (average 37.3 mg kg Ni-DTPA−1) compared to the time of planting (average 45.6 mg kg Ni-DTPA−1) in organic fertilization treatments and plots of higher plant density. The application of organic fertilizers contributed also to improved soil quality. We conclude that fertilization can increase the phytomining potential of field-grown Ni hyperaccumulator plants in a soil-friendly manner.

Effect of microbial consortia enriched vermicompost on physico-chemical properties of soil and nutrient content and uptake by summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A field experiment was carried out at certified organic plot, Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during summer season of 2018-19 on medium black calcareous soil. The experiment containing 8 treatments was arranged in randomized block design with 3 replications. The results revealed the content of N, P and K in seed and stalk, uptake of N, P and K by sesame, available N, P2O5 and K2O in soil at harvest were significantly higher under RDF (50-25-0 N-P2O5-K2O kg/ha) and being at par with Vermicompost (2 t/ha) + Azotobacter (2 L/ha) + PSB (2 L/ha) + KSB (2 L/ha) + Trichoderma harzianum (3 kg/ha) + Pseudomonas fluorescens (3 kg/ha) + Beauveria bassiana (3 kg/ha). While, significantly higher sulphur, organic carbon, water holding capacity and lower bulk density were recorded under the treatment of FYM (5 t/ha), followed by Vermicompost (2 t/ha) + Azotobacter (2 L/ha) + PSB (2 L/ha) + KSB (2 L/ha) + Trichoderma harzianum (3 kg/ha) + Pseudomonas fluorescens (3 kg/ha) + Beauveria bassiana (3 kg/ha).

Evaluation of different control strategies for the management of redberry disease associated with Acalitus orthomera (Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) in commercial blackberry crops

In Mexico, redberry disease in blackberry (Rubus sp.) was first observed in Tacambaro, Michoacan, in 2011, causing losses greater than 70%. In this study, the eriophyid mite species associated with buds and berries and its association with redberry disease were identified. Based on morphology, the specimens of mites collected from the buds and fruits were identified as Acalitus orthomera (Keifer in Bull Dept Agric State Calif XL(3):93–104, 1951) (Acari: Eriophyidae). The eriophyid mite densities in the buds of fruiting laterals were moderately to highly positively correlated (ρ = 0.6–0.95) with redberry disease incidence at harvest. In the second part of this study, the effects of different management strategies on the density of A. orthomera in fruiting lateral buds and redberry disease incidence were evaluated. Two IPM and organic experimental plots were established during the 2014 and 2016 seasons. Treatments were based on sequential or alternating applications of lime sulfur, plant extracts, soybean oil, the entomopathogenic fungus Hirsutella thompsonii, and acequinocyl, abamectin, and hexythiazox. Treatments were applied either from budbreak or the start of the blooming period. Management programs based on the application of lime sulfur alone or in blocks or alternating with acequinocyl, abamectin, or neem extracts were effective in reducing A. orthomera densities in buds and the incidence of redberry disease when applied either after budbreak or at the beginning of the blooming period; some of these treatment schemes are feasible for use in organic systems. These results will contribute to optimizing the management of redberry disease in blackberry in the context of integrated pest management.

Uticaj organskog i konvencionalnog sistema gajenja i datuma setve na prinos semena i sadržaj ulja i proteina u sortama uljane repice

Rapeseed is one of the major oil crops, grown in various agroecological conditions. Interest in organic rapeseed is rising, with increasing importance to breeders to determine the need for specific organic breeding programs. The objective of this study was to determine the adaptive value of rapeseed cultivars in organic farming environments. Five winter rapeseed cultivars were grown in conventional and organic plots, each with three sowing dates in four replications. The trials were organized using a randomized block design. The effect of cultivar and farming on emergence, percentage of harvested plants, yield, oil and protein content were investigated. Locally recommended agricultural practices were used to keep the fields free from weeds, insects and diseases. In organic field, weeds were removed mechanically while insects were treated using organic insecticide. The seed samples for analysis of oil and protein content were taken during harvest. Considering agricultural practices, it was found that rapeseed can be successfully grown in organic agriculture, but further improvements are needed to increase stability of production. Early sowing date provides enough time for rapeseed growth before the winter and good overwintering. The cultivars had higher oil content in the conventional farming, while there was no significant effect of farming system on protein content. For cultivar Slavica, higher yield was recorded in organic system, while cultivars Banacanka and Nena had high yield in both farming systems. The results suggest that the existing conventional breeding material can be used as a good starting point for further trait improvements in organic farming.

Technique to Determine Water Uptake in Organic Plots

Core Ideas Measurement and theory were combined to determine evapotranspiration.Uncertainty was considered for evapotranspiration determination.Input included meteorological, crop, and minimal soil properties. Methods to determine crop water use may be difficult to implement on numerous research plots. The purpose of this study was to calculate Priestley‐Taylor evapotranspiration (ET) from measured input and to assess uncertainty. Input data included net radiation, air temperature, barometric pressure, green ground cover, total ground cover, the ratio of crop to total green cover, soil texture class, and clay content for each soil layer, and periodic water content measurements with depth (daily for soil surface). The relationship between seasonal water use and yield was similar to literature values for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and oat (Avena sativa L.) dry matter as well as for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield, but the calculated water use was lower (∼80%) than literature values for corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield. Monthly trends in water use reflected the seasonal crop growth. In summary, the proposed technique was useful across multiple plots and cropping treatments, and was more reliable than a water balance approach in areas with lateral and upward flow due to periodic high water tables.

Optimization of a Novel Vegetable Nursery Substrate Using Date Palm Wastes Peat and Indigenous Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

ABSTRACTQuality of vegetable seedlings is affected by nursery management practices, essentially growing media. For sustainable greenhouse horticulture, it is important to characterize biologically based approaches to improve plantlet quality. Here, we investigate the possibility of developing a biotized growth substrate for nursery production using date palm wastes (DPWs) peat as an alternative to commercial sphagnum peat and indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). A greenhouse experiment was established using different rates of DPWs peat to substitute commercial peat in both conventional and organic nursery production systems. Lettuce seedlings were inoculated or not with native AMF isolated from plots with conventional or organic production system (CM and OM respectively). When lettuce plantlets attained commercial size, a microscopic observation revealed that the establishment of mycorrhizal association was successful in all mixtures of growing media. Significant increase in growth parameters (height shoot, number and area of leaves, shoot and root biomass) were observed on plantlets inoculated with indigenous AMF isolated from organic plot compared to those isolated from conventional plot and to control (without AMF). Commercial peat partial substitution with DPWs peat in proportion of 25–50% improves better lettuce performance than complete-peat use. Consequently, these mixtures seem to be an appropriate formulation for sustainable nursery production.

Diversity of spiders as influenced by cultivation techniques in rice

Field studies were carried out in wet seasons of 2014 and 2015 in rice fields of College Farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad to understand the abundance and biodiversity of spiders in varied rice cultivation systems. Design of the experiment was split plot with three main modules, viz., transplanted, broadcasted and drum sown rice and subtreatments under each main module included three plant protection methods viz., organic protection, farmers’ practices and ‘no protection’ practices. Results showed that predator numbers in ‘no protection’ and organic protection plots of all main treatments were more than in farmers’ practices indicating the impact of the chemical pesticides. A total of 22 genera of spiders belonging to 12 families were recorded which comprised of seven guilds based on their hunting strategies and microhabitats. Shannon diversity index ranged between 1.83 and 2.26 and Pielou's evenness index was 0.59–0.72 in two years of study indicating a stable ecosystem and even species distribution in rice crop at Rajendranagar. Study of the guild assemblage indicated that orb-weavers constituted 28.1% of the population, ground runners 23.51%, space web builders 18.38%, sheet-web builders 13.12%, stalkers 8.04% and ambushers made upto 0.38% of the spider population. Understanding the vertical stratification of various spider genera on the plant gave further insight into the prey preferences of these predators.

Conservation tillage and organic farming reduce soil erosion

AbstractThe impact of different arable farming practices on soil erosion is only partly resolved, and the effect of conservation tillage practices in organic agriculture on sediment loss has rarely been tested in the field. This study investigated rainfall-induced interrill sediment loss in a long-term replicated arable farming system and tillage experiment (the FAST trial) with four different cropping systems: (1) organic farming with intensive tillage, (2) organic farming with reduced tillage, (3) conventional farming with intensive tillage, and (4) conventional farming with no tillage. Measurements were carried out under simulated heavy rainfall events with runoff plots in 2014 (fallow land after winter wheat) and 2017 (during maize growth). Organic farming decreased mean sediment delivery compared to conventional farming by 30% (0.54 t ha−1 h−1). This study demonstrated that reduced tillage in organic farming decreased sediment delivery (0.73 t ha−1 h−1) compared to intensively tilled organic plots (1.87 t ha−1 h−1) by 61%. Nevertheless, the combination of conventional farming and no tillage showed the lowest sediment delivery (0.24 t ha−1 h−1), whereas intensively tilled conventional plots revealed the highest delivery (3.46 t ha−1 h−1). Erosion rates were much higher in June during maize growth (2.92 t ha−1 h−1) compared to those of fallow land after winter wheat (0.23 t ha−1 h−1). Soil surface cover and soil organic matter were the best predictors for reduced sediment delivery, and living plant cover from weeds in reduced organic treatments appeared to protect soil surfaces better than plant residues in conventional, no-tillage plots. Soil erosion rates were significantly lower when soil cover was above 30%. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that both organic farming and conservation agriculture reduce soil losses and showed for the first time that reduced tillage practices are a major improvement in organic farming when it comes to soil erosion control.

VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION AND SPATIAL PATTERN OF FINE ROOT DENSITY IN COFFEE – BASED AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS UNDER ORGANIC AND CONVENTIONAL INPUTS

<p>This research shows results on spatial changes of fine roots (<em>d</em> < 2.0 mm) in two <em>Coffea arabica</em>- shade tree associations: coffee shaded by a) <em>Abarema idiopoda </em>(timber and nitrogen fixing tree), and b) <em>Terminalia amazonia </em>(timber tree). These associations were submitted to organic and conventional inputs. In order to identify fine root vertical distribution and using soil cores, coffee and shade tree fine roots were quantified to 50 cm depth. A geostatistical approach was used to quantify the scale of spatial heterogeneity (aggregation patterns) of coffee and shade- tree fine root length density (RLD, cm cm<sup>-3</sup>; 0- 20 cm soil depth). Results about vertical distribution demonstrated that in all the associations the coffee fine roots were concentrated in the upper 20 cm of soil<em>. </em>The significant amount of coffee fine roots in the litter layer demonstrated the importance of including this layer for a real estimation of coffee fine roots in shaded coffee systems. The shade tree fine roots showed marked differences in their vertical distribution and affected the fine root density of coffee plants between 0- 50 cm soil depth; being more abundant when coffee is planted with <em>T. amazonia</em>. The scale of spatial heterogeneity (aggregation patterns) for coffee RLD was longer in the organic plot than in the conventional plot for all of the coffee- tree associations. In the coffee- <em>T. amazonia</em> association, the semivariogram of the coffee RLD under conventional management showed a spatial correlation at a relative short scale (3.5 m); however, in the organic plot, the semivariogram did not show spatial heterogeneity and exhibited a random pattern of coffee RLD at the scale examined. It is concluded that the type of management affects the pattern of spatial aggregation (spatial heterogeneity scale) of <em>C. arabica</em> fine roots. Implying that the ability of coffee roots for the water and nutrient intake change spatially, either vertically or horizontally, depending on the accompanying shade- tree. According to the occupation of the fine roots within the layers of the soil to the depth studied, <em>T. amazonia</em> seems to be the timber species recommended for the establishment of a coffee-based agroforestry system.</p>

Influence of alternative plant nutrition methods on soil microbial characteristics in long-term experiments

The size of the arable land is constantly decreasing all over the world due to severe anthropogenic disorders. Plant production therefore has to be adapted to changing environmental conditions along with the proper selection of crop varieties and the application of sustainable environmental technologies which also consider economic aspects. The investigations were carried out in the Westsik long-term fertilization experiment near Nyíregyháza, East Hungary, which was set up in 1929 (89 years ago). Alternative forms of nutrient supplies (A) (green manure, straw with and without fermentation, organic fertilizer with and without inorganic fertilizer supplements) were used in different crop rotations. The test plant was potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and the soil type sand with a low humus content (Arenosols). A further long-term experiment is located on calcareous chernozem soil (Chernozems) in Debrecen (set up in 1983, 35 years ago). In one part of this experiment, organic farming (OF) has been carried out with a pea, winter wheat and maize crop rotation for over 15 years with no inorganic fertilization. In another block in this experiment, changes in soil properties as a result of the medium and high doses of fertilizers applied in intensive farming (I) were evaluated with a maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture as the test plant. The results obtained with alternative nutrient supplies (green manure, fermented and unfermented straw, farmyard manure, fertilization) proved that the soil organic carbon content increased to varying degrees in humus-poor, acidic sand soil. The organic matter content of the soils increased in response to the treatments, contributing to a significant enhancement in soil microbial parameters (MBC, saccharase, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activities). The carbon dioxide production and saccharase enzyme activity in organic plots (OF) were significantly lower than in intensively farmed (I) soils. At the same time, in the case of organic farming (OF) the microbial biomass carbon, phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity were significantly higher in OF plots than in I plots. Compared to the control soil, MBC was 7-8 times higher in organic plots and 1.3-3.8 times higher in intensive plots. Organic farming on chernozem soil generally resulted in higher microbial activity (MBC, phosphatase, saccharase and dehydrogenase enzyme activity) than in either intensively farmed chernozem or in the case of alternative farming (A) on sandy soil.

Impact of variety and farming practices on growth, yield, weed flora and symbiotic nitrogen fixation in faba bean cultivated for fresh seed production

ABSTRACTThe main objective of this study was to investigate the performance of faba bean landraces originating from different regions of Greece under both organic and conventional farming systems focusing mainly on yield, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), and competitiveness to weeds. Faba bean exhibited a high ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, as indicated by the percentage of N2 derived from the atmosphere which exceeded 75% in all evaluated varieties, and the total amount of biologically fixed N up to full anthesis, which fluctuated from 118.5 to 193.9 kg ha−1 in the various cropping systems and cultivars. The weed density was appreciably higher in the organic plots, without significant differences among the faba bean cultivars, while wild mustard and corn poppy were the most competitive weeds. The application of inorganic starter fertiliser in the conventionally-treated plots had no negative effect on biologically-fixed nitrogen by faba bean plants, while the herbicide pendimethalin had no negative impact on the nodulation process. Protein concentrations in faba bean cultivars fluctuated from 27.3% to 31.4%. The evaluated landraces could be utilised in breeding programmes due to their earliness, and their high performance in terms of protein content, BNF ability, and productivity.

Effect of Nipping at Different Days in Growth and Yield of Field Pea (Pisum Sativum) in Mid Hills of Nepal

Research on effect of nipping at different days in sweet pea (Pisum sativum) was carried out in research field of HASERA Agriculture Research and Training Center, Nepal during winter of 2016/17 with the aim of finding profitable stage of nipping. Total of seven treatments with three replications were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design. Research was carried out in organic plots using organic practices. Out of seven different treatments applied, (T5) nipping at 30DAS+40DAS gave the best result in yield and nodulation. Nipping at 20DAS, 25DAS, 25DAS+40DAS and 30DAS were at par with both superior treatment (T5) and control treatment (Without nipping). Controlled treatment and nipping at 35DAS gave the inferior results in yield and nodulation. Significant reduction in height was seen in nipped plots than controlled.

The role of pollinators, pests and different yield components for organic and conventional white clover seed yields

A high and stable seed production of both organic and conventional white clover (Trifolium repens L.) is needed to meet market requirements. Seed yields of white clover are, however, known to vary greatly, and organic yields are often considerably lower than conventional yields. Our aim in this study was to estimate the roles of pollinators, pests and different yield components for organic and conventional white clover seed yields. We surveyed pollinators (honey bees, bumble bees and solitary bees), reared the main insect pests (Protapion fulvipes Geoffroy and Hypera spp. weevils) from flowers and measured the yield components (inflorescences per area, flowers per inflorescence, seeds per flower and weight per seed) in organic, conventional untreated and conventional insecticide treated plots in 27 white clover seed fields over two years in southernmost Sweden. Unexpectedly, densities of bees other than honey bees were higher in insecticide treated plots compared to organic plots, but pollinator densities were not related to seed set. The lower pollinator visitation in organic plots might have been caused by pest damage to the flowers, as P. fulvipes and Hypera spp. weevils were more common in organic plots than in conventional insecticide treated plots. The abundances of both P. fulvipes and Hypera spp. weevils were negatively related to seed set, with P. fulvipes being most damaging for seed set. Seed yield was considerably lower (42%) in organic plots compared to conventional insecticide treated plots, and this was driven by a lower (36%) seed set. Taken together, our results indicate that pollinator densities are not limiting yields in either conventional or organic white clover seed production, whereas P. fulvipes crop damage is an important factor limiting organic yields via negative effects on seed set. Research efforts to raise white clover seed yield with minimized environmental impacts should include a focus on integrated pest management of P. fulvipes, including the development of control methods accepted in organic farming.

Yield, quality and soil health under organic vs conventional farming in taro

Growing concerns regarding food safety, environmental degradation and human health have generated interest in alternative agricultural systems like organic farming. This study aimed to compare growth, biomass, yield, proximate composition and mineral contents of tubers, physico-chemical properties and microbial population of soil under organic vs conventional farming in taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.). Field experiments were conducted in split plot design over five seasons at ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, India, with three varieties (Sree Kiran, Sree Rashmi and local) in main plots and three production systems in sub plots. Organic system (10.61tha−1) performed similar to that of conventional (11.12tha−1), with slight yield reduction (−5%). Both elite and local varieties responded equally well to organic management, which lowered the bulk density slightly and improved the water holding capacity (+19%) and porosity (+3%) of soil. Cormel quality was better under organic management, with higher dry matter, starch, sugars, P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Organic plots showed significantly higher pH (+1.2 unit) and available P and higher soil organic C (+39%), exchangeable Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu status. On-station developed technology involving farmyard manure, green manure, neem cake, biofertilizers and ash were on-farm validated at seven locations in southern India. The yield under organic management at farm level was higher by 29 per cent. Organic farming proved to be an eco-friendly alternative to conventional farming in taro for stable yield and quality cormels as well as for maintaining soil health.

A long-term trial to determine variations in the yield and quality of a processing type pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Yalova yağlık-28) in organic and conventional farming systems

This study was conducted to determine the long-term performance under two farming systems of Capia pepper, a summer vegetable in high demand, consumed fresh, as paste, dried, or roasted. The trial was conducted for 9 years on certified organic and conventional plots of Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. In both farming systems, pepper was the main summer crop, but the preceding crop varied between the farming systems and over the years. Certified organic seeds and seedlings of Yalova yaglik-28, an open pollinated variety, were used for Capia pepper production. Yields were statistically similar in the conventional (45,217 kg ha−1) and organic (43,645 kg ha−1) systems; however, significant yield variations occurred with respect to the annual conditions. The farming system significantly influenced fruit quality. The average fruit weight was 99.7 g in the conventional plots compared with 88.8 g in the organic. The fruit pericarp was thicker in the organic (5.1 mm) than in the conventionally grown ones (4.5 mm). The L-ascorbic acid content was (73.4 mg 100 g−1) higher in the conventional fruit, whereas the total soluble solids (7.7%) and red pulp color, determined by a chromameter, as a*/b* (2.0), were more pronounced in fruit from the organic plots. The long-term trial showed that organic management helped to improve the soil organic matter content and fruit quality, especially from the perspective of processing.

English

As a sustainable method of agriculture, organic agriculture aims to increase the soil organic matter through the use of crop rotation, legume cover crop, animal green manure, and organic compost. These practices add organic residues with high organic Carbon (C) which results in a higher soil organic matter content over time primarily due to the no-tillage practices. However, different soil tillage systems, such as conventional tillage and reduced tillage are also used in organic agriculture, and therefore the accumulation of organic matter does not follow similar trends. The studies under conventional tillage have shown that soil tillage influences negatively the organic matter accumulation in organic agriculture plots, while the results from different studies on organic agriculture showed the potential benefits of reduced or zero tillage for organic matter accumulation. Key words: Sustainability, soil quality, management systems.

Popularization of organic chilli cultivation in the Eastern Ghat high land zone of Odisha, India

The present study was conducted in the Koraput district of Odisha in India during 2012-13 and 2013-14 under National Horticulture Mission for popularization of organic chilli cultivation through frontline demonstrations.The green chilli yield of hybrid Guntur Hope varied from 5.0 t/ha to 6.67 t/ha in different FLD organic plots, where as it varied from 5.75 t/ha to 6.83t/ha in inorganic plots (Farmers Practice). The average yield in organic plots was 6.29 t/ha in comparison with average yield 6.52 t/ha of inorganic plots in farmers practice. The average cost of cultivation per ha of chilli on FLD plots was Rs.46, 100/- as against Rs. 43,400/- on inorganic plots (Farmers Practice). The cost of chilli cultivation in organic farming was comparatively higher than the conventional practice because of use of bio inputs in the field. However, the averages net return of Organic chilli in different FLD plots was Rs. 58,167/- in contrast to Rs. 43,107/- in inorganic chilli. The organic farming recorded higher net return than that of the Farmers Practice. The B:C ratio was found to be 1: 2.28 in Organic chilli and 1: 2.00 in Inorganic chilli. Organic chilli growers were highly satisfied with their organic production and economic return. Chilli farmers were advised to switch over to organic farming which can give high return and minimize environmental degradation.

Experimentation of grapevine cultivation in organic system, on five different Romanian vineyards

In five Romanian vineyards, in 2013-2014 period was experimented organic system growing on grape varieties for wine representative for each area, here are applied organic growing technology in parallel with the conventional (control). White varieties studied are: Chardonnay (Murfatlar and Valea Calugareasca), Sauvignon blanc and Muscat Ottonel(Tarnave), Feteasca regala (Tarnave, Bujoru and Copou-Iasi). Red varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon (Murfatlar and Valea Calugareasca) and Merlot (Bujoru).Concerning evolution of main climatic factors for the years 2013-2014 it is show that the annual average air temperature increase compared with the average of the years 1991-2010; is observed an increasing in mean annual temperature, mean temperature during the growing season and the value of sum of sunshine hours. The water regime was kept constant, registering values close to the annual average, both during the growing season and at entire year. The weeds spectrum is represented both by dicotyledonous as knotweed (Polygonum aviculare), Veronica (Stellaria media), news (Amaranthus retroflexus), bindweed (Convolvurus arvensis) and monocotyledonous as grass thick (Cynodon dactylon).Concerning the phytosanitary status, at Murfatlar were registered problems with oidium attack, with all main disease at Dealu Mare and with downy mildew at Bujoru. In all areas the pest has been found are: grape mouth (Lobesia botrana) and spiders (Tetranichus sp.). Schemes of treatments focused generally on substances bassed on copper and sulfur to combat diseases and for pests have been used pheromonal traps or other certified organic products.The grapes harvest was lower in organic plots with till 25%; their quality being close at both growing variants.