Summary
This 2016 review by Reeve et al., published in Advances in Agronomy, examines the plausible pathways linking organic farming practices to soil health improvements and subsequent effects on food nutritional quality. The authors critically assess whether enhanced soil biological activity and nutrient cycling under organic management consistently result in higher nutrient density in crops, acknowledging both supportive evidence and substantial methodological uncertainties in the existing literature. The work represents an important synthesis of the then-current state of knowledge on this contentious topic, though definitive causal claims remain limited.
Regional applicability
The review draws on international research including North American and European studies. Its conclusions on organic farming–soil health–food quality linkages are broadly applicable to United Kingdom farming contexts, particularly for horticultural and arable organic operations; however, UK-specific field validation of proposed mechanisms remains limited, and regional soil and climate variation may moderate outcomes.
Key measures
Soil microbial biomass, organic matter content, aggregate stability, nutrient cycling rates; food nutrient composition (macro- and micronutrients); crop mineral concentration
Outcomes reported
The paper examined potential mechanistic and empirical links between organic farming practices, soil health parameters, and measurable differences in food composition and nutritional quality. It synthesised evidence on whether improved soil health under organic management translates to nutrient-dense produce.
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