Showing papers on "Organic farming published in 2000"

Environmental impacts of organic farming in Europe

Abstract: Organic farming has become an important element of European agri-environmental policy due to increasing concern about the impact of agriculture on the environment. This book describes in detail the environmental and resource use impacts of organic farming relative to conventional farming systems, based on a set of environmental indicators for the agricultural sector on a European level. The policy relevance of the results is also discussed in detail.

The Effects of Agricultural Practices on Carabidae in Temperate Agroecosystems

Abstract: Ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) occur in all temperate agroecosystems, and have been implicated as predators of many pests, including aphids, lepidopterous larvae, and slugs. Most are polyphagous, and some are primarily spermophagous. The species assemblage present in any particular crop is determined by multiple factors, but usually comprises a limited number of abundantly active species, which may be common to many crop types. Abiotic soil factors, especially soil type and moisture status are important in determining the species present. Crop type affects the carabid assemblage indirectly through cultivation practices and microclimatic changes. Any soil cultivation affects the carabid assemblage, but studies comparing ploughing with reduced tillage have shown varying results, according to local conditions. Pesticides, especially insecticides have a localised and short-term effect, as many carabids rapidly re-invade sprayed crops. The long-term effect of pesticide usage at a landscape scale is, however, more difficult to predict, and may have contributed to the observed decline in carabid diversity in the wider countryside. Whilst fertiliser application is generally beneficial to carabids, comparisons of conventional and organic farming systems suggest that localised short-term variations in species’ abundances are more important than the overall farming system used. Non-crop habitats are very important to Carabidae, as many use adjacent hedges and field margins for shelter, breeding or dispersal. But other features such as roads may act as barriers to dispersal. It is concluded that further measures need to be taken if Carabidae are to realise their potential in integrated pest management systems.

Arbuscular mycorrhizae in a long-term field trial comparing low-input (organic, biological) and high-input (conventional) farming systems in a crop rotation

Abstract: Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) root colonization was studied in a long-term field trial in which four farming systems currently in use in Switzerland were continuously applied to a randomized set of plots at a single field site from 1978 till 1993. There were two low-input farming systems (organic and bio-dynamic) and two high-input (conventional) farming systems (according to Swiss guidelines of integrated plant production with and without farmyard manure). The systems had an identical 7-year crop rotation and tillage scheme and differed essentially only in the amount and type of fertilizer supplied and in plant protection management. The percentage of root colonization by AM fungi was determined in field samples 2–3 times over the growing season in crops in the rotation, namely in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Sardona), vetch-rye and grass-clover. We found the percentage of root length colonized by AM fungi to be 30–60% higher (P≤0.05) in the plants grown in soils from the low-input farming systems than in those grown in conventionally farmed soils. Approximately 50% of the variation of AM root colonization was explained by chemical properties of the soils (pH, soluble P and K, exchangeable Mg), the effect of soluble soil P being most pronounced. The potential of the field soils from the differently managed plots to cause symbiosis with AM fungi was tested in a glasshouse experiment, using wheat as a host plant. Soils from the low-input farming systems had a greatly enhanced capacity to initiate AM symbiosis. The relative differences in this capacity remained similar when propagules of the AM fungus Glomus mosseae were experimentally added to the soils, although overall root colonization by AM fungi was 2.8 times higher.

Economic Performance of Organic Farms in Europe

Abstract: Economic aspects are increasingly determining the acceptance and further expansion of organic farming in Europe. Drawing on data and studies from the 15 EU member states and three non-EU countries (Norway, Switzerland and Czech Republic), this book provides a comprehensive overview of the economic performance of organic farms in Europe. The analysis of yields, costs, prices and support payments offers an insight into the profits of organic farms of various types and in different countries. Specific attention is paid to the impact of the 1992 CAP reform on the profitability of organic farming. This book is aimed at policy makers, the private sector, researchers and students in the field of organic farming.

Organic farming: challenge of timing nitrogen availability to crop nitrogen requirements.

Abstract: Groundwater has become increasingly degraded by NO 3 , and this degradation has been partially attributed to the use of commercial inorganic N fertilizers. Conversion from conventional fertilizer management to organic farming has been proposed as a means to reduce groundwater degradation. Matching soil inorganic N supply with crop N requirement on a temporal basis is important to achieve high yield and low water degradation. Dynamics of N mineralization from two manures and N-uptake dynamics for two crops were derived from published data, and multi year simulations were done using the ENVIRON-GRO computer model, which accounts for N and irrigation management effects on crop yield and N leaching. The temporal N-mineralization and N-uptake curves did not match well. The potential N uptake for corn (Zea mays L.) exceeded the cumulative mineralized N during a significant period that would cause reduced yield. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has a low and flat N-uptake peak, so that the cumulative mineralized N met N demand by wheat during the growing season. A crop with a very high maximum N-uptake rate, such as corn, would be difficult to fertilize with only organic N to meet peak demands without excessive N in the soil before and after crop growth. In order to satisfy crop N demand, a large amount of manure, which would leave much N or subsequent leaching, must be applied. It took two or more years after conversion to organic sources of N to reach maximum yield because of carryover of unmineralized manure and accumulation of mineralized N after crop uptake which was not completely leached during the winter. High initial applications to build up the organic pool followed by reduced inputs in subsequent years would be appropriate.

Organic and Biodynamic Management Effects on Soil Biology

Abstract: Biodynamic agriculture is a unique organic farming system that utilizes, in addition to the common tools of organic agriculture, specific fermented herbal preparations as compost additives and field sprays. The objective of this work was to determine whether biodynamic compost or field spray preparations affect the soil biological community in the short term, beyond the effects of organic management. Four fertilizer options: (i) composted dairy manure and bedding (organic fertilization), (ii) the same material composted with biodynamic compost preparations, (iii) mineral fertilizers, and (iv) no fertilizer were investigated with and without the biodynamic field spray preparations. Both biodynamic and nonbiodynamic composts increased soil microbial biomass, respiration, dehydrogenase activity, soil C mineralized in 10 d (MinC), earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) population and biomass, and metabolic quotient of respiration per unit biomass (qCO 2 ) by the second year of study. No significant differences were found between soils fertilized with biodynamic vs. nonbiodynamic compost. Use of biodynamic field sprays was associated with more MinC and minor differences in soil microbial fatty acid profiles in the first year of study. There were no other observed effects of the biodynamic preparations. Organically and biodynamically managed soils had similar microbial status and were more biotically active than soils that did not receive organic fertilization. Organic management enhanced soil biological activity, but additional use of the biodynamic preparations did not significantly affect the soil biotic parameters tested.

Design of an Organic Farming Crop-Rotation Experiment

Abstract: A field experiment is being conducted which focuses on crop rotations for cereal production in organic farming. The objective of the experiment is to explore the possibilities for both short-term and long-term increases in organic cereal production through manipulation of crop-rotation design on different soil types. This paper describes the design of a rather complex experiment, and later papers will describe and discuss the results. Three factors are included in the experiment in a factorial design with two replicates: (1) fraction of grass-clover and pulses in the rotation (crop rotation); (2) catch crop (with or without catch crop or bi-cropped clover); and (3) manure (with or without animal manure applied as slurry). All fields in all rotations are represented in each year. The experimental factors are defined to allow management to be adjusted for optimization of the individual treatment combinations. This makes the systems more realistic and the results more applicable in practical farming. The exp...

A Survey of Weeds in Organic Farming in Sweden

Abstract: The weed flora on 57 arable fields on 17 farms employing organic farming was recorded. With the ordination technique pCCA (partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis) the relative importance of some farming practices was evaluated (crop, preceding crop, ± undersown ley, ± weed harrowing, ± weed hoeing, ploughing regime, ± compost, ± animal husbandry, ± biodynamic agriculture). The variables that explained most of the variation in the weed flora in fields (along with typical weed species) were the crops ‘beans and peas’ (analysed together; Centaurea cyanus), ‘ley as preceding crop’ (Cerastium fontanum), ‘weed hoeing’, ‘fallowing in the preceding year’ (Lamium spp.) and ‘animal husbandry’ (Sinapis arvensis). A number of species considered endangered, rare or decreasing in Sweden were recorded on these farms, suggesting that organic farming can contribute to maintaining biodiversity in an agricultural landscape. The weed flora was also compared with that of unsprayed control plots in herbicide trials...

A comparison of soil and environmental quality under organic and conventional farming systems in New Zealand

Abstract: Organic farming in its various forms is seen by many as a sustainable alternative to conventional farming. This review considers and compares aspects of soil and environmental quality associated wi...

Forces impacting the production of organic foods

Abstract: Roughly 20 percent of organic cropland wasdevoted to produce compared to only 3 percent forconventional agriculture in 1995. At the otherextreme, only 6 percent of organic cropland was incorn production while 25 percent of all croplandproduced corn. Only 30 percent of all organicfarmland was in pasture and rangeland compared to 66percent of all farmland. Clearly, these differencesreflect the greater importance of meat and dairyproduction in agriculture overall than in the organicsubsector. In recent years, the organic industry hasgrown not only in volume but in products offered,moving well beyond fresh produce into dairy, snacks,and frozen foods. The estimated growth in retail salesof organic foods averaged over 20 percent a year forthe last eight years compared to only two percent inthe food industry overall, reaching an estimated $4.5billion in 1998. The mix of commodities produced atthe farm level have and will continue to change inresponse to several dynamic forces, including consumerdemand, regulation, and consolidations, mergers, andmainstream entrants at the farm, manufacturing, andretail levels. Consumer demand for organic foods hasbeen spurred by a number of factors including concernsover pesticide residues on foods, food produced usinggenetically modified organisms (GMOs), and hormones indairy and meat products. These concerns coupled withthe overall increase in demand for convenience foodsexplain the phenomenal recent growth of over 70 percent in sales of organic snacks, candy, and frozenfoods. The result has been increased demand forGMO-free grains for snacks, cereals, soy products, andfeed for dairy cows. The recent allowance by USDA forthe labeling of meat and poultry as organic willaccelerate already heightened demand for organic grainand feed from the organic dairy industry. Although thefastest growth in organic foods has been in categoriesother than produce, clearly produce plays an importantrole in the consumers decision on where to shop, anddemand should increase with the overall increase inthe number of organic consumers. Market outlets nowinclude sophisticated natural food store chains,gourmet specialty stores, and e-commerce, allowing fora broadened array of products. Mainstream agriculturalproducers, manufacturers, and supermarket chains haveentered the organic marketplace at a time of lowprices for commodities at the farm gate, fiercecompetition for retail shelf space, and increasinglysophisticated targeting of consumers. Inevitably,these changes in food products offered and in retailoutlets will lead to an organic agriculture thatincreasingly resembles the conventional foodindustry.

A policy relevant assessment of the environmental impacts of organic farming

Abstract: Organic farming has become an important aspect of European agri-environmental policy. Since the implementation of EC Reg. 2078/92, the EU promotes organic farming based explicitly on its positive effects on the environment. The objective of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of organic farming's effects on the environment in comparison to conventional farming and to discuss the policy relevance of these issues. For this purpose the OECD set of environmental indicators for the agricultural sector has been adapted, taking into consideration only those indicators that are directly affected by the system of organic farming, as are the indicator categories ecosystem, natural resources, farm input and output, and health and welfare. Based on a survey of specialists in 18 European countries (all EU-member states plus NO, CH, and CZ) using a structured questionnaire and an extensive literature review, a conclusive assessment is given for each of the indicator categories. For most of the chosen indicator categories organic farming performs better than conventional farming on a per ha basis. These results are discussed with respect to their policy relevance. An increase in the area of organic farming would clearly improve the environmental performance of agriculture, as long as food production level is not a limiting factor. The question of whether there are other agri-environmental means of achieving a desired level of environmental performance that might be cheaper for society than organic production is discussed. It is concluded that the support of organic farming can be a useful part of the agri-environmental tool box, however, other, more specific instruments are also needed. Organic farming seems especially useful if broad environmental concerns are to be addressed.

Labour, Livelihoods and the Quality of Life in Organic Agriculture in Europe

Abstract: One argument for supporting organic farming has been that it requires more labour and leads to higher rural employment. On the other hand, the high labour costs may constrain the development of the organic sector. This paper reviews the current knowledge about labour use changes in the conversion to organic farming in Western Europe. It discusses how key concepts derived from feminist literature on rural women and agriculture can enlarge the existing knowledge of labour in organic farming which is mainly a product of farm management approaches.

Profitability of organic farming in Europe

Abstract: Organic farming has grown rapidly in Europe, and the area under organic management has more than doubled during the last few years Economic aspects are increasingly determining this expansion On the basis of a review of current and previous studies as well as farm accounting data and expert assessments, this paper gives an overview of the socio-economic performance of organic farms in Europe The comparability of profitability calculations between countries is a common problem for economic analysis, due not only to the differences in definitions Different costs of living and purchasing power parities make comparisons of absolute figures less meaningful These problems are less severe in the approach chosen for this analysis As the focus is on the relative profitability of organic as compared to conventional farming, a comparison of this ratio can be made between countries and studies, with differences in methodology and definitions being of much less consequence for the results The paper discusses the methodological problems of selecting 'comparable' conventional farms both from a theoretical and a practical point of view The presentation starts with a discussion of the main factors influencing the economic performance Especially, an overview of yields, price premia and grants in organic farming in up to 18 European countries will be given While the study finds that on average the profits of organic farms are very similar to those of comparable conventional farms, significant differences exist for different farm types and regions, and the results will be differentiated and presented accordingly The paper concludes with an outlook on the future development of the competitiveness of organic farming Based on the analysis of the impact of the 1992 CAP reform on organic farming, it is argued that the Agenda 2000 is likely to further increase the relative competitiveness of organic management systems

From pesticides to genetically modified plants: history, economics and politics

Abstract: Two technologies of crop protection are compared, crop protection by pesticides and by Genetically Modified Plants (GMPs). The history of pesticides provides lessons relevant to the future of GMPs; (1) high pesticide usage is counter-productive, (2) the technology requires intensive regulation and (3) has nonetheless many external effects which strongly reduce its social benefits, (4) early calculations on net benefits of pesticides were over-optimistic, and (5) intensive use of pesticides made farmers so dependent on them that they lost important options. These lessons are used to construct a framework for the economic analysis of GMPs which can be applied once sufficient empirical information becomes available. Conceptually the framework can be used for a comparison of crop protection strategies indicated as chemical crop protection, threshold-based crop protection, crop protection by ecotechnology and organic agriculture. Given the current state of knowledge on the impact of GMPs where (1) benefits are assumed rather than proven, (2) regulatory costs are rising and (3) environmental and human health risks have yet to be fully identified, one conclusion is that ex ante economic analysis which draws upon some of the lessons learned with chemical pesticides may help to bridge the gap between the proponents and the opponents of GMT (Genetic Modification Technology).

Rhizobacteria associated with weed seedlings in different cropping systems

Abstract: Rhizobacteria isolated from the rhizospheres of dominant weed species in six representative cropping systems and one native prairie ecosystem in mid-Missouri were screened for phytotoxicity on Lactuca sativa seedlings and their host plants in the laboratory. The proportions of deleterious rhizobacteria (DRB) were compared among different cropping systems to determine possible effects of crop management practices on the occurrence of DRB. Phytotoxicity screening on L. sativa seedlings revealed that an integrated crop management system with a Zea mays–Glycine max–Triticum aestivum cover crop rotation under no-tillage had the highest proportion of DRB at 25.3%, followed by an organic farming system with continuous Fragaria virginiana (strawberry) and organic amendments under minimum tillage at 22.9%. A continuous cool-season grass–legume meadow with no agrochemical inputs had the lowest proportion of DRB at 13%. Crop management practices that maintained high soil organic matter had higher proportion...

The growth and sustainability of agriculture in Asia

Abstract: This work presents an account of the performance of Asian agriculture over the last two decades in the light of the green revolution: a package of technology comprising high yielding varieties, fertilizers, chemically orientated crop protection, and quality water control. The green revolution is now experiencing second-generation problems, including symptoms of unsustainability, increased pest resistance, and health problems.

Living Mulches For Organic Farming Systems

Abstract: health in terms of fertility and pest management. Organic production systems are ecologically and economically sustainable when practices designed to build soil organic matter, fertility, and structure also mitigate soil erosion and nutrient runoff. We found no research conducted under traditional organic farming conditions, comparing bareground monoculture systems to systems incorporating the use of living mulches. We will be focusing on living mulch studies conducted under conventional methodology that can be extrapolated to beneficial uses in an organic system. This article discusses how organic farmers can use living mulches to reduce erosion, runoff, and leaching and also demonstrate the potential of living mulch systems as comprehensive integrated pest management plans that allow for an overall reduction in pesticide applications. The pesticide reducing potential of the living mulch system is examined to gain insight on application within organic agriculture.

Biodynamic preparations: Short-term effects on crops, soils, and weed populations

Abstract: Biodynamic agriculture is an organic farming system that utilizes fermented herbal and mineral preparations as compost additives and field sprays. This study was conducted to determine whether biodynamic preparations affect lentil and wheat growth and yield, soil fertility, or weed populations in the short run. Each of four nutrient treatments, biodynamically prepared compost, non-biodynamic compost, mineral NPK fertilizer, and no fertilizer, were tested with and without biodynamic field sprays. Crop yield, crop quality, and soil fertility were similar in plots treated with mineral NPK fertilizers, biodynamic compost, or non-biodynamic compost. Use of compost raised soil pH from 6,0 without compost to 6.5 with compost. Compost application reduced the broadleaf weed population by 29% and reduced the grass weed population by 78%. Biodynamic sprays altered soil and grain N chemistry, but the effects are of unknown biological significance. Use of the biodynamic field sprays correlated with higher yield of lentil per unit plant biomass, lower grain C and crude protein contents, greater NO 3 - content in soft white spring wheat, and greater NH 4 + content in soil. In general, soils and crops treated with biodynamic preparations showed few differences from those not treated. Application of composts with or without the preparations produced similar crop yields with lower weed pressure, compared with equal nutrients supplied by mineral fertilizer, but any additional short-term benefits from biodynamic preparations remain questionable.

Energy use in organic farming systems (OF0182)

Abstract: This is the final report of Defra project OF0182. The attached main report starts with a more detailed Executive Summary, from which most of this text is extracted. One of the possible benefits from organic farming is a reduced, or more efficient, use of energy in agriculture. The main objective and deliverable of study OF0182 was to develop a model of energy inputs in organic farming systems. To illustrate the potential of the model, it was used to contrast organic with similar conventional systems and to highlight important differences. This was presented as a detailed written report (49 pages) to MAFF and is summarised in this document. The report and model were delivered to MAFF in March 2000. A previous study, completed by Phil Metcalfe of ADAS in 1996 for MAFF ARP Division, entitled “A Comparison of Energy use in Organic and Conventional Agricultural Production Systems”, compared direct and indirect energy use in simple individual crop and livestock enterprise models. These were combined to give whole-system models covering dairy, beef and arable farming. These systems were presented as organic conversion scenarios in the MAFF booklet “Organic Conversion Information Service” (1996). Project OF0182 updates the models developed in 1996 and expands the study to include upland beef and sheep, and vegetables. The dairy, vegetables, arable and upland beef/sheep models are based on the MAFF funded studies OF0146, OF0126, OF0145 and OF0147 respectively. The study also included a consideration of food distribution costs and the possible substitution of labour for energy. The data was organised into a system of linked spreadsheets to form the model The dominant energy inputs in conventional agriculture are indirect energy for the manufacture and transport of fertilisers, particularly nitrogen, and indirect energy for the manufacture and transport of pesticides. These together account for around 50% of the total energy input to a potato or winter wheat crop, and as much as 80% of the energy input into some vegetable crops. Organically grown crops require around 50% of the energy input per unit area than do conventional crops, largely because of lower, or zero, fertiliser and pesticide energy inputs. However, the generally lower yields of organic crop and vegetable systems reduce the advantage to organic when energy input is calculated on a unit output basis. In stockless arable crop rotations, the inclusion of fertility building crops and winter cover crops, that have energy inputs but no direct outputs, can result in a lower whole-rotation energy efficiency from organic methods. In livestock systems, where the fall in output may be less than in arable, and there are no dedicated fertility building crops, overall energy efficiency is greater in organic than in comparable conventional systems. These conclusions were made using average yield data in the model and need to be interpreted with caution. On more fertile soil, where the yield difference with conventional arable production is smaller, organic systems would perform relatively better. The converse would occur on poorer soils. Also, in practice, energy inputs for cultivations and weed control will vary with soil type, weather, weed spectrum and population. The average data presented in the report are illustrative and are not definitive. The strength of the model is that it can be used to simulate many different management systems and yield expectations. The models also allowed a range of transport scenarios to be considered. There was little opportunity found for replacing energy with labour resources.

Topsoil Characteristics from a Paired Farm Survey of Organic versus Conventional Farming in Southern England

Abstract: Results from experimental trials and on-farm surveys have suggested that organic farm management is associated with positively enhanced soil physical, chemical and biological characteristics. To test this hypothesis more rigorously, 30 paired organic and conventional farms were assessed across a range of soil types and management regimes in the south of England. The 60 paired farms ranged from grassland to horticultural/arable and purely arable. The soils of all chosen farms were measured for a wide range of physical and chemical characteristics. The data were subjected to a multivariate analysis and the results interpreted so as to identify the management factors deemed beneficial for topsoil physical and nutritional conditions. The results showed that farm types could be most effectively characterized by organic matter, aggregate stability, humic acid, infra-red absorbance and pH and that these differentiated organically and conventionally managed arable and horticultural farms. Pasture farms s...

Nutrient management for organic farming: a case study.

Abstract: There is increasing interest from farmers and consumers in foodgrownwithouttheuseofsyntheticpesticidesandinorganic fertilizers. This case highlights the history of one farmer in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina who has grown vegetables for 12yrusingonlycompostedturkey(Meleagrisgallopavo)litterfor a nutrient source. Since he began production, the concentration ofseveralplantnutrientshasincreasedasmuchasfivefoldinthe soil.Althoughtherewerenoapparentproblemswiththesoil,the certification board that oversees his production practices questioned this rapid change in nutrient status and the implications for the future. In presenting this case, students were shown a video recording of the farmer discussing his operations and his concerns for the future. The students were then asked to make practicalmanagementrecommendationstodealwiththecurrent trends of nutrient accumulation, to determine the conditions where excessively high nutrient concentrations may become a problem,andtoconstructawhole-farmnutrientbudgetthatconsiderstheinitialsourcesofnutrientsenteringthefarmandtheir ultimatefate.Afollow-upsessionallowedthestudentstodiscuss their ideas and critique each other using the available information.

Integrating fish and Azolla into rice-duck farming in Asia.

Abstract: Several countries in Asia practice integrated rice-duck farming. On-farm resources such as duck manure and feed waste are not adequately used and recycled in the system. This indicates the potential for research to increase the productivity of the rice-duck system. The integration of fish and the nitrogen-fixing aquatic fern azolla show promise for increasing the production potential of the system. Fish, azolla and ducks integrated with rice farming can result in nutrient enhancement, pest control, feed supplementation and biological control. Some of the results of a case study on integrated rice-fish-azolla-duck farming systems conducted in the Philippines are presented in this paper.