Reducing soil inputs leads to more diversity and better resource utilization

© 2002 Eugene S. Takle

Mader et al (2002) report results of a 21-year study of agronomic and ecological performance of agricultural systems operated under conventional and organic management. Crop yields averaged 20% lower under the organic systems but fertilizer , energy, and pesticide inputs were reduced by 34%, 53%, and 97%, respectively. Microbial diversity increased in organically managed soils, which allowed these soils to transform carbon from organic debris into biomass at lower energy costs. This suggest the hypothesis that diverse soil communities are more efficient in resource utilization.

Reference

Mader, P., A. Fliessbach, D. Dubois, L. Gunst, P. Fried, and U. Niggli, 2002: Soil fertility and biodiversity in organic farming. Science 296, 1694-1697.