Organic farming enhances soil microbial abundance and activity—A meta-analysis and meta-regression

Population growth and climate change challenge our food and farming systems and provide arguments for an increased intensification of agriculture. A promising option is eco-functional intensification through organic farming, an approach based on using and enhancing internal natural resources and processes to secure and improve agricultural productivity, while minimizing negative environmental impacts. In this concept an active soil microbiota plays an important role for various soil based ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling, erosion control and pest and disease regulation. Several studies have reported a positive effect of organic farming on soil health and quality including microbial community traits.…

• B
  Biodiversa+
• SN
  Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung
• NO
  Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

  Award: 2013-2014 BiodivERsA/FACCE-JPI