Enhanced soil quality with reduced tillage and solid manures in organic farming - a synthesis of 15 years

Scientific Reports
Maike KraussPaul Mäder

Abstract

Demands upon the sustainability of farming are increasing in step with climate change and diversity loss. Organic farming offers a viable approach. To further improve organic management, three strategies with potential to enhance soil quality are being tested in a long-term trial since 2002 on a clay loam in temperate Switzerland: reduced tillage vs. ploughing, solid vs. liquid manures and biodynamic preparations. A synthesis of 15 years reveals an increase in topsoil organic carbon (SOC, +25%), microbial biomass (+32%) and activity (+34%) and a shift in microbial communities with conversion from ploughing to reduced tillage. Soils under reduced tillage are more stratified in SOC and nutrients. Additional application of composted manure has increased SOC by 6% compared to pure slurry application, with little impact on soil microbes. Biodynamic preparations have had a minor impact on soil quality. Fertilisation and biodynamic preparations did not affect yields. Both higher and lower yields were harvested in the reduced tillage system in relation to ploughing. The main yield determinants were N supply and higher weed infestation under reduced tillage. Continuously reduced tillage in organic farming has been proven to enhance soil...Continue Reading

References

Jun 1, 2002·Science·Paul MäderUrs Niggli
Jan 20, 2009·Applied and Environmental Microbiology·Johannes RouskErland Bååth
Oct 29, 2014·The ISME Journal·Martin HartmannFranco Widmer
Sep 8, 2015·Journal of Dairy Science·H W BarkemaD F Kelton
Apr 11, 2017·Nature Communications·Andrew R Kniss
Nov 16, 2017·Nature Communications·Adrian MullerUrs Niggli
Feb 15, 2019·The Science of the Total Environment·Vera SilvaViolette Geissen

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