%A Paul M?der
%A Andreas Fliessbach
%A David Dubois
%A Lucie Gunst
%A Padruot Fried
%A Urs Niggli
%J Science
%T Soil Fertility and Biodiversity in Organic Farming
%X An understanding of agroecosystems is a 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.
%K DOC-trial, soil, efficiency, long-term trial, farming system, Bodenfruchtbarkeit, DOK
%P 1694-1697
%V 296
%D 2002
%L orgprints5514