Organic versus Conventional Cropping Sustainability: A Comparative System Analysis

Fess, Tiffany L.; Benedito, Vagner A.

doi:10.3390/su10010272

Cited by 79 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 127 publications

(112 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Cover crop termination methods can also impact microbial diversity in perennial systems. The most common cover crop termination strategies are employed chemically by application of herbicides [72], naturally by frost, and mechanically by rolling the cover crops with a roller crimper [14,73]. The termination of cover crops with herbicides reduced the abundance and diversity of bacterial communities compared with a nonherbicide treatment in olive orchards [53].…”

Section: Cover Crops Increase Soil Microbial Diversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Cover Crops on the Soil Microbiome of Tree Crops

Castellano‐Hinojosa

Strauss

2020

Microorganisms

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Increased concerns associated with interactions between herbicides, inorganic fertilizers, soil nutrient availability, and plant phytotoxicity in perennial tree crop production systems have renewed interest in the use of cover crops in the inter-row middles or between trees as an alternative sustainable management strategy for these systems. Although interactions between the soil microbiome and cover crops have been examined for annual cropping systems, there are critical differences in management and growth in perennial cropping systems that can influence the soil microbiome and, therefore, the response to cover crops. Here, we discuss the importance of cover crops in tree cropping systems using multispecies cover crop mixtures and minimum tillage and no-tillage to not only enhance the soil microbiome but also carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling compared to monocropping, conventional tillage, and inorganic fertilization. We also identify potentially important taxa and research gaps that need to be addressed to facilitate assessments of the relationships between cover crops, soil microbes, and the health of tree crops. Additional evaluations of the interactions between the soil microbiome, cover crops, nutrient cycling, and tree performance will allow for more effective and sustainable management of perennial cropping systems.

show abstract

Section: Cover Crops Increase Soil Microbial Diversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of Cover Crops on the Soil Microbiome of Tree Crops

Castellano‐Hinojosa

Strauss

2020

Microorganisms

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Organic farming technology is frequently regarded as the solution to environmental problems that are related to agriculture as well as food safety [10]. It usually has "zero impact on the environment" [4,9,11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Organic Farming Practices among Livestock and Fish Farmers in Southern Nigeria

Atoma¹,

Adesope²,

Familusi³

2020

Multifunctionality and Impacts of Organic and Conventional Agriculture

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

To provide solutions to the issues of climate change, food insecurities, environmental degradation, food safety and sustainability in production, organic farming was developed as opposed to the conventional method of farming which involved the use of synthetic fertilizers and other agro-chemicals. The objectives of the study was to determine the level of awareness of organic farming practices and to determine the use and level of use of organic farming practices among livestock and fish farmers in the study area. Multistage sampling techniques were employed. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire. Sample size comprised of 115 fish farmers and 99 livestock farmers which made a total of 214 rural farmers. Results showed that fish farmers were more aware of organic farming practices relative to livestock farmers. Also, fish farmers used more of organic farming methods for fishing activities than livestock farmers. However, the level of awareness and level of use of organic farming practices was low for both farmers. Therefore, it was recommended that extension campaign on organic farming sensitization should be increased.

show abstract

“…Organic agricultural management practices range from small to large scale production (Reganold & Wachter, 2016) and are generally based on farming practices that enhance soil quality through rotation of crops, inclusion of cover cropping and organic inputs, and reduced tillage (Fess & Benedito, 2018). Soil enriched with nutrients from sources other than those which have undergone industrial transformations during their production can help to counteract climate change by enhancing soil carbon sequestration (Cong et al, 2005).…”

Section: Options For Soil Nutrient Management In Certified Organic Famentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Effective nutrient management in organic farming systems needs to address immediate nutrient requirements, while maintaining and improving soil fertility in the longer term (Shepherd et al, 2006). This involves facilitation of complex inter-connected biological and physiochemical soil functions leading to a gradual supply of nutrients (Wortman et al, 2017) in contrast to focusing on nutrient provision at sowing (Fess & Benedito, 2018). Changes in soil properties can vary with climatic conditions, soil type, crop rotation, and the duration of the amendment period (Clark et al, 1998).…”

Section: Options For Soil Nutrient Management In Certified Organic Famentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Characteristics of healthy soil in organic farming systems: structural factors and tactical management strategies diversify organic systems to sustain organic soil characteristics (Reganold & Wachter, 2016;Schonbeck et al, 2017) Nitrogen supplied via biological fixation is generally more common in organic systems than under conventional practices (Niggli & Fliessbachn, 2008). Organically managed soils can be characterized by an increased pool of potentially mineralizable nitrogen compared to soil under conventionally managed practices (Fess & Benedito, 2018). The combination of soil characteristics enhanced through organic management can result in a more tightly coupled nitrogen-cycle leading to reduced nitrogen losses via denitrification and leaching.…”

Section: Options For Soil Nutrient Management In Certified Organic Famentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Soil Fertility Management Based on Certified Organic Agriculture Standards – a Review

Sapinas¹,

Abbott²

2020

SAR

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In certified organic agricultural systems, soil nutrient status relies primarily on incorporation of organic matter and other specific inputs to meet requirements for phosphorus and micronutrients. Nutrient management strategies based on defined standards seek to maintain sufficient nutrient availability while minimizing potential losses. Although organic systems may result in lower levels of production than conventionally managed systems, sound soil nutrient management practices can minimize this gap. Certified organic standards are widely established globally, but traditional farming practices that resemble organic systems are also commonly used without adherence to a certified scheme. There is considerable debate about the efficiency of bio-amendments for use in organic farming due to their variability. Questions also persist about the sustainability of organic soil fertility management practices. The relevance of global variations among organic certification standards has not been a major consideration in research. Most soil improvement strategies focus on assessing the impact of particular amendments with less attention to a more holistic approach which integrates all components of the agricultural system. Research on implementation of practices based on certified organic standards highlights potential for multi–disciplinary, in-depth studies that identify combined impacts of organic management practices at a local scale. Standards developed at national level may not fully account for the breadth of soil types and environmental conditions. While soil improvement based on certified organic standards can contribute to socio-economic development and ecosystem services, local soil characteristics need to be considered in parallel with potential new avenues for sourcing nutrients, including organic matter management.

show abstract

Organic versus Conventional Cropping Sustainability: A Comparative System Analysis

Cited by 79 publications

References 127 publications

Impact of Cover Crops on the Soil Microbiome of Tree Crops

Impact of Cover Crops on the Soil Microbiome of Tree Crops

Organic Farming Practices among Livestock and Fish Farmers in Southern Nigeria

Soil Fertility Management Based on Certified Organic Agriculture Standards – a Review

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About