Summary
This global meta-analysis of 193 studies compared the temporal yield stability of organic agriculture, conservation agriculture (no-tillage), and conventional agriculture systems. Organic agriculture exhibited significantly lower temporal stability (−15% per unit yield) compared to conventional agriculture, suggesting greater year-to-year variability despite environmental benefits. The analysis identified green manure and enhanced fertilisation as practical interventions to reduce the yield stability gap in organic systems, whilst no-tillage systems showed equivalent stability to conventional tillage.
UK applicability
These findings are relevant to UK agricultural policy and practice, particularly regarding the promotion of organic and conservation agriculture for environmental goals. The identified yield stability challenge and mitigation strategies through green manure and targeted fertilisation may inform support mechanisms and transition guidance for UK farmers considering these systems.
Key measures
Temporal yield stability expressed as percentage difference relative to conventional agriculture; comparison of 2896 yield observations across three cropping systems; effect of green manure and fertilisation on yield stability
Outcomes reported
The study measured temporal yield stability (year-to-year variability) across organic agriculture, conservation agriculture (no-tillage), and conventional agriculture systems using data from 193 studies and 2896 comparisons. It quantified the percentage difference in yield stability between cropping systems and evaluated management practices that might reduce stability gaps.
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