Comparison between Conventional and Organic farming

*

Biological - Organic Conventional- Chemical

Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone

*

Carbon Impact by Field Treatment Carbon Sequestration ( kg C / ha /year)

-44.6 -18.9 -8.1

300

744

1217

1261

2363

-500

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

Moldboard

Plow

Sub Soil Mole KnifeConv. No-

till

Winter

cover

crops

Raw Dairy

Manure

Compost

Broiler

(litter,

leaves)

Compost

(Dairy,

Manure,

Leaves)

• Higher corn and soybean

yields in drought years

• Increased soil C and N

• Higher water infiltration

• Higher water holding cap.

• Higher microbial activity

Soil in Biological Systems

*

*Extends plant root systems

*Produces erosion-resistant, carbon enriched soil

*Provides mechanisms for soil biological carbon fixation

*Slows decay of organic matter

*Mycorhizal Fungi

*Organic Maize - 1995

Drought

Organic Conventional

Better infiltration, retention, and

delivery to plants helps avoid

drought damage