Mäder, Paul; Fliessbach, Andreas; Dubois, David; Gunst, Lucie; Fried, Padrout and Niggli, Urs (2002) Soil Fertility and Biodiversity in Organic Farming. Science, 31 May 2002 (296), pp. 1694-1697.
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Summary
An understanding of agroecosystems is key to determining effective farming systems. Here we report results from a 21-year study of agronomic and ecological performance of biodynamic, bioorganic, and conventional farming systems in Central Europe. We found crop yields to be 20% lower in the organic systems, although input of fertilizer and energy was reduced by 34 to 53% and pesticide input by 97%. Enhanced soil fertility and higher biodiversity found in organic plots may render these systems less dependent on external inputs.
| EPrint Type: | Journal paper |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Soil > Soil quality > Soil biology Environmental aspects > Biodiversity and ecosystem services Soil > Soil quality |
| Research affiliation: | Switzerland > FiBL > Soil Sciences Switzerland > Agroscope |
| Deposited By: | Fliessbach, Dr. Andreas |
| ID Code: | 4756 |
| Deposited On: | 09 Feb 2006 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Aug 2009 16:26 |
| Document Language: | English |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Peer-reviewed and accepted |
| Additional Publishing Information: | German translation available at http://orgprints.org/302/ |
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