Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

Long-term organic farming improves the red soil quality and microbial diversity in subtropics

Yongkang Wen, Wei Yao, Taobing Yu, Lang Cheng, Qing Zhang, Jida Yang, Fangding Lin, Hongye Zhu, Anna Gunina, Yadong Yang, Kevin Z. Mganga, Zhaohai Zeng, Huadong Zang

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment · 2024

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Summary

This field-based study examines how sustained organic farming practices alter red soil quality and microbial ecosystem structure in subtropical agroecosystems. The research suggests that long-term organic management may enhance soil biological diversity and quality metrics compared to conventional management, though the magnitude and persistence of these changes would depend on baseline conditions and management duration. Findings contribute to understanding of soil health trajectories under organic stewardship in climatically and edaphically distinct regions.

UK applicability

Red soils are not prevalent in the United Kingdom; however, principles of organic management effects on soil microbial diversity and soil quality may inform UK organic farming practice. Direct transfer of findings requires consideration of temperate soil types, climate and existing organic farming standards in the UK context.

Key measures

Soil quality indicators (physical and chemical properties), microbial diversity indices, microbial community composition and abundance

Outcomes reported

The study assessed changes in red soil quality parameters and microbial community diversity under long-term organic farming management in subtropical conditions. Measurements likely included soil physical, chemical and biological properties, with particular emphasis on microbial taxonomic and functional diversity.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Soil biology & microbiology
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
China
System type
Organic systems
DOI
10.1016/j.agee.2024.109410
Catalogue ID
SNmoqqsqj6-6bd9gn

Topic tags

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