Summary
This global meta-analysis of 193 studies examined temporal yield stability—the year-to-year reliability of crop production—across organic agriculture, conservation agriculture (no-tillage), and conventional farming systems. Organic agriculture demonstrated significantly lower temporal stability (−15% per unit yield) than conventional agriculture, though the analysis identified that green manure and enhanced fertilisation can narrow this stability gap. Conservation agriculture (no-tillage) showed no significant difference in temporal stability (−3%) compared to conventional tillage, suggesting that transitions to conservation agriculture do not compromise yield reliability.
UK applicability
These findings are directly relevant to UK farming policy and practice, as organic systems are increasingly promoted for environmental benefits whilst conventional and conservation approaches remain widespread. The results suggest that UK farmers transitioning to organic production should prioritise green manure and fertilisation strategies to mitigate yield variability risks—a consideration for agricultural support schemes and farm planning.
Key measures
Temporal yield stability expressed as percentage difference relative to conventional agriculture; number of studies and comparisons analysed; effect of green manure and enhanced fertilisation on yield stability
Outcomes reported
The meta-analysis compared temporal yield stability (year-to-year variability) across 193 studies covering 2896 comparisons of organic agriculture, conservation agriculture (no-tillage), and conventional agriculture systems. The study quantified the percentage difference in yield stability between these cropping systems and identified management practices that reduce stability gaps.
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