Dataset derived from publications on organic crop yields compiled in project OrganicYieldsUP WP3

Summary in the original language of the document

This dataset is part of the database compiled as an outcome of Work Area 1 in project OrganicYieldsUP. Variable definitions can be found here: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15276082
Work Package 3 (WP3) of the OrganicYieldsUP project focused on compiling off-site data from peer-reviewed scientific literature to complement the on-site experimental data gathered in WP2. The goal was to identify, extract, and structure data on yield-enhancing strategies under organic management across Europe and comparable climate zones. This process was essential for broadening the project’s evidence base and informing subsequent analysis and modelling activities in WP4 and WP5. WP3 followed a systematic approach aligned with PRISMA methodology to ensure transparent and consistent literature screening. A total of 751 publications were initially identified based on defined search criteria. After applying inclusion and exclusion filters, 170 studies passed the first screening phase. From these, data were successfully extracted from 60 scientific publications and entered into the standard WP2/WP3 data template developed in WP1.
The screening of published scientific papers focused on papers published between 2009 and 2024. This time frame was chosen to ensure the use of the most current and relevant studies reflecting recent developments in organic farming methods, data quality standards, and policy frameworks. The screening prioritized English-language publications to maintain consistency in terminology and ensure broad understanding across project partners. Only original peer-reviewed research articles were considered, including case study reports where applicable. The search excluded reviews, editorials, and opinion papers due to the risk of duplicating data already included in WP2. Studies needed to focus explicitly on the impact of organic crop management strategies on yields. Only field trials, long-term experiments, and case studies were included, while pot experiments and single-year studies were excluded to avoid misleading conclusions caused by seasonal anomalies or short-term effects. All included studies had to come from Europe or similar climate zones such as North America or North Africa. During initial screening, titles, abstracts, and keywords had to contain terms related to "yield" and "organic" to be considered relevant. Full-text screening followed, using specific keywords aligned with the WP1 database. Only studies containing the obligatory data fields identified in WP1 were accepted. Publications that had already been included in the WP2 analysis were not considered again in WP3.