An assessment of Organic and Conventional Farming Practices for Yield, Pest Management and Soil Health
Mukesh Kumar Yadav *
Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, India.
A. R. Kaswala
Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, India.
P.K. Dubey
Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study contrasts and compares conventional and organic farming. The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness and impact of each practice before deciding on the best crop-growing approach. Despite their agricultural systems can be categorized as conventional or sustainable depending on the techniques employed. Organic farming which cultivates a range of crops without the use of synthetic manures, the agricultural method that is most sustainable. While producing enough food, organic farming improves soil composition and supports biodiversity by relying on ecosystem services. The review compares the long-term effects of conventional and alternative organic farming practices on yield in which in short term organic yields were found to be 19.2% lower than conventional yield while in long term yields were lower in conventional systems by 31% and 50%, respectively, due to the long-term improvement in soil health. In soil health point of view long term practices of organic farming improves physical, chemical and biological properties of soil by increase soil carbon stock by 12 %, more nutrient release and microbial activity. Pest management is effectively controlled by crop rotation, increase beneficial population of pest in organic farming which reduce the dependency on chemical pesticides and maintain the sustainability of soil health and ecology. As a result, organic farming methods are being evaluated in a large number of research worldwide as an alternative due to their better physical, chemical and biological qualities than conventional farming methods.
Keywords: Organic farming, conventional farming, soil properties, pest management
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