Summary
This field experiment in the low hills of Himachal Pradesh evaluated nutrient concentrations across five kharif crops grown under three production systems: conventional, organic, and Subhas Palekar Natural Farming. The findings indicate that conventional systems generally achieved the highest macronutrient levels, followed by organic systems, whilst natural farming systems recorded lower macronutrient concentrations. The differential responses of sulphur and micronutrients across systems suggest meaningful trade-offs between farming system choice and nutrient density outcomes.
UK applicability
Whilst this study focuses on tropical and subtropical kharif crops in Himalayan foothills, the comparative assessment framework is potentially transferable to UK temperate systems. However, the specific crop species, climate conditions, and soil types differ substantially, limiting direct applicability of findings to UK farming practice or policy.
Key measures
Macronutrient concentrations (N, P, K, S); micronutrient concentrations (iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron); comparison across conventional, organic, and natural farming systems
Outcomes reported
The study measured macro- and micronutrient concentrations (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and trace elements) in five major kharif crops cultivated under three production systems: conventional, organic, and Subhas Palekar Natural Farming. It assessed how farming system choice influenced nutrient density outcomes in the low hills of Himachal Pradesh.
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