Published Jun 03, 2024
Soils rich in organic matter hold more air and water, yield better crops, and support beneficial microbes. Organic methods like compost and cover crops boost organic matter, enhancing soil health.
Organic methods reduce nitrous oxide emissions and lock up nitrogen. No-till and strip-till practices emit less N2O than conventional tillage, preserving nitrogen for crops and reducing the need for extra inputs.
Legume roots have nodules with bacteria that fix nitrogen in the soil. Organic soybeans may grow more nodules than conventional ones due to the lack of synthetic fertilizers, leading to more root development.
Organic farms have more beneficial soil microbes, improving nutrient availability and disease resistance compared to conventional farms.
Organic farming boosts soil health naturally. Abundant native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reduce the need for costly inoculation. Cover cropping and reduced tillage promote AMF colonization, benefiting crop growth.
Organic farming increases soil organic matter, sequestering carbon and stabilizing climate. Compared to conventional methods, organic soils contain more humified carbon, with higher levels of humic acids, enriching topsoil.