Summary
This mixed-method field study compared organic and conventional farming systems across multiple seasons, evaluating impacts on soil health and crop yield. Organic farming significantly enhanced soil biological activity, structural integrity, and nutrient cycling efficiency; whilst conventional systems occasionally achieved higher short-term yields, organic systems demonstrated superior yield stability and resilience. The findings suggest organic farming offers substantial long-term agronomic and environmental advantages without compromising ecosystem health.
Regional applicability
The study does not specify its geographic location, limiting direct applicability assessment to United Kingdom conditions. However, the comparison of organic and conventional systems, focus on soil health indicators, and emphasis on yield stability are relevant to UK agricultural policy debates and sustainable farming transitions.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon, nutrient availability, microbial biomass, water-holding capacity, soil quality index, crop yield, yield stability, biodiversity, pest pressure
Outcomes reported
The study compared soil physicochemical and biological indicators (soil organic carbon, nutrient availability, microbial biomass, water-holding capacity, soil quality index) and crop yield metrics between organic and conventional farming systems across multiple seasons. Results assessed both short-term yield performance and long-term yield stability and resilience.
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