Oelofse, Myles ; Jensen, Lars Stoumann and Magid, Jakob (2011) The implications of phasing out conventional nutrient supply in organic agriculture: Denmark as a case. Organic Agriculture, , - . [Submitted]
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Summary
Soil fertility management in organic systems, regulated by the organic standards, should seek to build healthy, fertile soils and reduce reliance on external inputs. The
use of nutrients from conventional sources, such as animal manures from conventional farms, is currently permitted, with restrictions, in the organic regulations. However, the
reliance of organic agriculture on the conventional system is considered problematic. In light of this, the organic sector in Denmark has recently decided to phase out, and
ultimately ban, the use of conventional manures and straws in organic agriculture in Denmark by 2021. Core focal areas for phasing out conventional nutrients are 1) amendments to crop selection and rotations, 2) alternative nutrient sources (organic wastes), and 3) increased cooperation between organic livestock and arable farmers.
Using Denmark as a case, this article discusses the background and implications of the decision to ban conventional manure and straw, and explores possible solutions to the challenge of ensuring a sustainable nutrient supply to organic systems. Alternative strategies to ensure nutrient supply will require a tapestry of small solutions. One element of this tapestry is to review the volume and type of nutrient sources available in alternative, non-farm organic waste streams, and consider their suitability for use in organic systems.
EPrint Type: | Journal paper |
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Keywords: | organic agriculture, soil fertility management, organic fertilizers, nutrient management, organic waste |
Subjects: | Soil > Soil quality Crop husbandry > Composting and manuring Food systems > Recycling, balancing and resource management Soil > Nutrient turnover Farming Systems > Farm nutrient management Values, standards and certification > Evaluation of inputs |
Research affiliation: | Denmark > Organic RDD 1 > RoCo Denmark > KU - University of Copenhagen Denmark > KU - University of Copenhagen > KU-LIFE - Faculty of Life Sciences |
Deposited By: | Jensen, Dr. Lars Stoumann |
ID Code: | 19839 |
Deposited On: | 01 Dec 2011 15:03 |
Last Modified: | 01 Dec 2011 15:03 |
Document Language: | English |
Status: | Submitted |
Refereed: | Submitted for peer-review but not yet accepted |
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