Incorporation of organic broiler production in barley cultivation: the effects on crop performance and soil properties

Summary

The intensive and specialized agricultural production systems and the increasing food demand pose challenges in the food security and the long - term sustainability of the agricultural systems. Thus, there is need of strategies which will promote the ecological processes and the biodiversity while ensuring sufficient production. There is a renewed interest in reintegrating crops and livestock which could foster diversity, utilize animal manure and consequently lead to higher yields. The current study aimed to unravel potential interactions, synergies and trade - offs of a fully combined crop - poultry system in barley cultivation. For this purpose, the interactive effects between two different broiler introduction dates (early vs. late) and the different distances from the hen house (1 - 11, 11 - 21, 21 - 31 or control) on the crop growth, soil properties and yield were assessed.