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Recent research from the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) reveals that minimizing soil management activities can enhance soil functionality. Practices like reducing the frequency of ploughing and incorporating grass-clover mixtures as cover crops have emerged as crucial strategies. Remarkably, these findings are relevant for both conventional and organic farming methods, providing vital insights for advancing sustainable agricultural practices, as detailed in the journal Science.
Addressing the challenge of sustainable food production—ensuring ample food supply without degrading soil health—is increasingly critical. Healthy soil is multifunctional, playing several essential roles, especially in the context of sustainable agriculture.
According to the researchers from NIOO, Wageningen University & Research, and Universität Tübingen, “A multifunctional soil is essential for sustainable food production, as plants derive their nutrients from it. Additionally, soil is integral to water storage, climate resilience, and disease management.”
Organic vs Conventional Agriculture
Investigations conducted on Dutch farms reveal that the intensity of tillage is the primary factor influencing soil functionality. Interestingly, the discrepancies between conventional and organic farming practices appear less significant than previously thought. Both agricultural systems exhibit considerable variation in tillage and management strategies.
“The encouraging aspect of conventional agriculture is its potential for improvement,” states soil ecologist and NIOO professor Wim van der Putten. “It is vital for all types of farming, including organic, to reduce soil cultivation intensity. Frequent ploughing causes significant disruption to soil ecosystems.”
Beyond Just Ploughing
Aside from reducing ploughing frequency, leveraging mixtures of grasses and legumes, such as clovers, significantly enhances soil health. These should be rotated with cereal crops such as wheat, barley, spelt, and rye.
The research involved sampling from over 50 Dutch agricultural farms, examining both clay and sandy soils. The paired comparisons—between conventional and organic farms with similar soil types and conditions—allowed for thorough analysis, akin to evaluating twins, according to researcher Guusje Koorneef.
Finding Balance: Sustainable and Productive
Multiple soil attributes were assessed, and farmers provided insights into their agricultural practices. The study identified organic carbon levels in the soil as a key indicator of multifunctionality, while bacterial biomass served as a biological measure. Koorneef notes: “We analyzed both sandy and marine clay soils, two distinctly different types in the Netherlands, and our observations were consistent across both.”
Kyle Mason-Jones, a contributing researcher now at Universität Tübingen, challenges the notion of sustainable intensification, stating it contradicts their findings. “Intensive soil management diminishes soil functions, making it less sustainable.” The team advocates for a new goal: “productive de-intensification.” By successfully implementing this approach, farmers can enhance soil functionality while maintaining crop yields.
Vital Soil, Vibrant Ecosystems
The results stem from the Vital Soils project, funded by NWO Groen, and executed in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research and several social partners, including Eurofins-Agro and LTO-Noord. Earlier research using satellite imagery assessed crop greenness, which correlates with production levels. It indicated that decreased management intensity did not negatively impact crop yield. Furthermore, organic farms could regain productivity comparable to conventional methods within approximately 17 years post-transition.
In conclusion, Koorneef suggests, “Achieving a positive impact on soil health does not necessitate a complete transition to organic farming. It is promising that both conventional and organic farms can enhance soil functioning through reduced intensity in their cultivation practices.”
Source
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