Summary
This controlled field trial assessed Zero Budget Natural Farming—a low-input system utilising on-farm inputs such as cow dung, urine, and mulch—against conventional and organic farming systems across 28 farms in Andhra Pradesh over three seasons. The research found that ZBNF outperformed both conventional and organic systems in terms of crop yield, with improvements mechanistically linked to enhancements in soil quality. The findings provide quantitative evidence addressing prior knowledge gaps concerning productivity claims made by ZBNF advocates.
UK applicability
The findings are specific to semi-arid South Indian conditions and climates substantially different from the UK. Whilst soil health enhancement mechanisms may have broader relevance, yield comparisons and the viability of ZBNF inputs (desi cow breeds, tropical cropping patterns) would require local validation in temperate UK conditions.
Key measures
Crop yield; soil quality metrics (likely including physical, chemical, and biological properties)
Outcomes reported
The study compared crop yields and soil quality metrics across Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), conventional, and organic systems over three cropping seasons on 28 farms. Measurements included productivity data and quantitative soil health indicators.
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