CO_2 BALANCE: CAN THE CO_2 EFFICIENCY OF ORGANIC FARMING BE USED AS A GUIDE FOR DEVELOPING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN THE THIRD WORLD?

摘要

Comparison between organic and conventional plant production in Germany reveals savings of fossil energy and thus Co_2-emissions of 61 per cent. This is basically due to the fact that mineral nitrogenous fertilisers are not used. The method of ensuring nitrogen supply by nitrogen fixation through legume symbiosis can be adapted anywhere in the world. A further main area of fossil fuel consumption in the agriculture of the industrialized countries is caused by the intensive use of machinery. In countries with large manpower resources in rural areas, savings can be made by developing labour-intensive production systems.