Summary
This modelling study, based on German agricultural planning data, examined how three sustainable soil management practices—diversified crop rotations, organic fertilisers, and reduced/no-till systems—affect energy consumption and economic viability. The analysis found that these practices reduce total energy use by 7–5% respectively, whilst organic farming approaches offer substantially higher contribution margins (€4000/ha) compared to conventional fertilisation and tillage. The findings suggest that energy price volatility may enhance the economic case for adopting soil-health-improving practices.
UK applicability
The findings are likely relevant to UK arable and mixed farming systems, as soil types, crop rotation options, and mechanisation profiles are broadly comparable to Germany. However, UK-specific analysis would be needed to account for differences in energy pricing, labour costs, subsidy structures, and yield potentials under different soil and climatic conditions.
Key measures
Total energy consumption (MJ/ha over 6-year rotation), fertiliser and pesticide energy, contribution margin (€/ha), yield potential variations
Outcomes reported
The study quantified energy consumption reductions and economic contribution margins associated with three sustainable soil management practices: diversified crop rotations, organic fertiliser substitution, and reduced/no-till systems. Analysis drew on German agricultural planning data to examine variations across yield potentials, soil types, and farming systems.
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