Soil Fertility and Biodiversity in Organic Farming

Paul Mäder^1*, Andreas Fliebach¹, David Dubois², Lucie Gunst², Padruot Fried² and 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.

Source
Science (2002) 296: 1694-1697


Author Locations and Affiliations
(1) Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland.
(2) Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture, Reckenholzstrasse 191, CH-8046 Zürich, Switzerland.
*paul.maeder@fibl.ch