ARS | Publication request: PERFORMANCE OF ORGANIC GRAIN CROPPING SYSTEMS IN LONG-TERM EXPERIMENTS

Submitted to: Organic Agricultural Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: April 3, 2008
Publication Date: June 18, 2008
Citation: Teasdale, J.R., Cavigelli, M.A. 2008. Performance of organic grain cropping systems in long-term experiments. Second Scientific Conference of ISOFAR. 1:320-323.

Technical Abstract: Organic farming and conventional no-tillage farming systems share many of the same benefits from protecting and improving soils. A review of recent results from long-term systems experiments in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S.A. demonstrates that organic cropping systems with organic amendments can increase soil carbon, nitrogen, and yield potential more than conventional no-tillage, despite the use of tillage in organic systems. However, reduced-tillage organic systems still present challenges for weed control, particularly with simple rotations typical of conventional grain cropping systems. Organic systems that employ more complex rotations including a hay crop have demonstrated greater potential for improved weed control, increased nitrogen availability, and increased yields.