ORGANIC FARMING AND CONSERVATION TILLAGE INFLUENCED SOIL HEALTH COMPONENT

摘要

The present article reviews the scientific literature on the influence of organic and conventional fanning as well as organic fertilizer source (plant-based vs. animal-based) on soil health. Additionally. the role of tillage practices (conscrvational vs. conventional) in soil perfonnance is studied. Research shows that organic fanning systems potentially enhanced soil health through improved soil respiration-CO： (soil health indicator), soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, soil water content as well as soil microorganism's (fungi, bacteria and nematodes) activity and abundance. Conversely, organic systems had lower yield compared to conventional. Organic farming sources also significant-ly affected soil health. Plant-based fcililizcrs (c.g. com and alfalfa incal) also improved soil health (respirarion-CO：). organic matter %, nutrient availability and fniit quality. But, animal-based fertilizers (e.g. fish meal, chicken manure and blood meal) significantly increased marketable >ncld compared to plant-based ones, especially, in short-run projects. Tillage practices have also an impact on soil quality variables (physical, chemical and biological properties). Conservation tillage (no-till and strip) practices improve soil penetration resistance, organic carbon, and biota biomass, density, activity and diversity. In fact, conservation tillage practices increased soil microorganism (bacteria, fungi and ncmatcxlc) activity and abundance and also available nutrients in comparison to conventional tillage. However, conscrvational tillage practices lead to higher soil compaction and greater number of rootfeeding nematodes (hannful to plant roots). Overall, organic fanning systems can successfully improve soil health but may not be the best choice for farmers whose essential short-term objective is a higher yield. Also, organic growers with a primary focus on yield should not use plant-based fertilizers (c.g. alfalfa).