Soil Health and Biodiversity Is Driven by Intensity of Organic Farming in Canada

Abstract

Organic farming is continuing to expand in Canada, with close to 6,000 producers farming over 2% of all agricultural land. There is insufficient evidence, however, of a trend toward larger average farm size and increasing specialization by these organic farms. This mini-review postulates that a gradient of intensity of farm management exists within organic farming sectors in Canada, with respect to cropping diversity, and tillage and nutrient utilization, and this gradient of intensity is a key determinant of agroecological outcomes. This variation in management approach and intensity reflects producer's individual perspectives on organic farming principles and practices, irrespective of farm scale. By directly influencing farm crop and vegetative diversity and cover, and farm nutrient status and carbon cycling, management intensity determines soil carbon storage and flux, soil health and biodiversity agroecological and ecosystem services, plus farm agronomic resilience. Demographic trends and perspectives of new entrants in organic farming are encouraging signs of an increasingly inclusive and socio-ecologically complex Canadian organic farming sector, which recognizes the agroecological implications of intensity of organic farm management across all production sectors.

Assessment of the prevalence, serotype, and antibiotic resistance pattern of Salmonella enterica in integrated farming systems in the Maryland-DC area

“…Further, there is an additional risk of cross-contamination brought about by produce being grown in proximity to different groups of live animals that often harbor pathogenic bacteria as part of their natural flora that can be transferred to food products, other live animals, handlers, and the surrounding environment ( Park et al, 2012 ). On the other hand, other types of farms, such as organic dairy farms do not have to contend with the risk of contaminating produce, but there is still a significant concern for delivering products free from pathogens, while also properly managing animal waste and maintaining the health of the soil and surrounding environment ( Lynch, 2022 ). Both dairy farm and ICLF systems face similar challenges when it comes to maintaining animal welfare and delivering safe products that are free of pathogens, but as the organic farming sector and organic farming practices grow to meet the demand of consumers, so do the risks of outbreaks, especially within markets consisting of limited agricultural space ( Adl et al, 2011 ).…”