Unraveling the nexus of organic agriculture and soil health: A review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.5532Keywords:
challenges, impact, indicators, organic agriculture, practices, soil health, sustainable agricultureAbstract
Organic agriculture is a significant alternative to conventional farming, emphasizing sustainability and soil health. This review explores the intricate relationship between organic agriculture and soil health. Beginning with an introduction to organic agriculture's core principles and objectives, it delves into various practices employed within this system, such as soil and crop management, crop rotation, residue management, and organic manure and biofertilizers. The article examines soil health, encompassing physical, chemical, and biological indicators crucial for evaluating soil quality. It scrutinizes the impact of organic agriculture on soil health across these indicators, highlighting its positive effects on physical structure, chemical composition, and biological diversity. However, challenges and limitations persist, including the availability of organic inputs and managing pests and diseases. Successful organic cropping systems prioritizing soil health are analyzed, underscoring the importance of integrated approaches. In conclusion, the review underscores the pivotal role of organic agriculture in fostering soil health and advocates for further research and adoption of sustainable practices to address existing challenges and promote resilient agricultural systems.
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