Soil Fertility and Biodiversity
in Organic Farming
Paul Mader,1* Andreas Fliebbach,1
David Dubois,2 Lucie Gunst,2
Padruot Fried,2 Urs Niggli1
Abstract
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.
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Environment Information System Centre - microorganims,envis,environment
management, microorganisms, microbes, pollution control, toxic chemicals,
central and offshore ecology, environmentally sound and appropriate technology,
bio-degradation of wastes.
