Selected Properties of Soils for Long-Term Use in Organic Farming

Marcin Niemiec, Maciej Chowaniak, Jakub Sikora, Anna Szeląg-Sikora, Zofia Gródek-Szostak and Monika Komorowska
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Marcin Niemiec: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Maciej Chowaniak: Department of Agroecology and Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Economics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21,31-120 Krakow, Poland
Jakub Sikora: Faculty of Production and Power Engineering, University of Agriculture in Krakow, ul. Balicka 116B, 30-149 Krakow, Poland
Anna Szeląg-Sikora: Faculty of Production and Power Engineering, University of Agriculture in Krakow, ul. Balicka 116B, 30-149 Krakow, Poland
Zofia Gródek-Szostak: Department of Economics and Enterprise Organization, Cracow University of Economics, ul. Rakowicka 27, 31-510 Krakow, Poland
Monika Komorowska: Department of Vegetable and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. 29 Listopada 54, 31-425 Kraków, Poland

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 6, 1-10

Abstract: The goal of organic farming with respect to plant production is to create high-quality products while minimizing human impacts. The aim of this paper was to assess soil properties in selected organic farms in terms of the achievement of general and specific objectives of organic farming. Fifty five (55) organic farms were selected for the research; twenty five (25) of those farms additionally had conventional animal production with cattle breeding. Soil samples were collected from each farm and, the following parameters, deciding about the suitability for agriculture were determined: pH, content of organic carbon, available phosphorus and potassium, mineral nitrogen, and Total nitrogen content. The content of available phosphorus and mineral nitrogen was very low or low in most of the studied soils, which can lead to disturbance of homeostasis of agroecosystems. Potassium content in these soils was high. The properties of the studied soils indicate a high risk of chemical and biological degradation. Without implementing actions that control the pH and increase the content of nitrogen and phosphorus elements, the degradation will increase. Soil properties in the group of farms with animal production were more beneficial from the point of view of crop production, compared with farms that do not breed animals.

Keywords: organic farming; management; organic carbon; soil properties; macroelements; soil degradation; soil reaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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