Comparison between Conventional and Organic farming

Comparison between Conventional and Organic farming

1. *
Biological - Organic Conventional- Chemical

2. Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone

3. *

4. 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 SoilMole KnifeConv. No-
till
Winter
cover
crops
Raw Dairy
Manure
Compost
Broiler
(litter,
leaves)
Compost
(Dairy,
Manure,
Leaves)

5. •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

6. *

7. *Extends plant root
systems

*Produces erosion-
resistant, carbon
enriched soil

*Provides mechanisms
for soil biological
carbon fixation

*Slows decay of organic
matter
*Mycorhizal Fungi

8. *Organic Maize - 1995
Drought

Organic Conventional
Better infiltration, retention, and
delivery to plants helps avoid
drought damage