Organic Agriculture What is it and How is it Practiced? Andre Leu IFOAM, Vice President Organic...

Organic Agriculture

What is it and How is it Practiced?

Organic Agriculture

What is it and How is it Practiced?

Andre Leu

IFOAM, Vice PresidentOrganic Federation of Australia,

Chairman

Andre Leu

IFOAM, Vice PresidentOrganic Federation of Australia,

Chairman

OFAOFAOFAOFAOrganic Federation

of AustraliaOrganic Federation

of Australia



of Australia



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of Australia

IFOAM is the international umbrella organization of organic agriculture

movements worldwide

IFOAM is the international umbrella organization of organic agriculture

movements worldwide

International Federation of Organic Agriculture International Federation of Organic Agriculture MovementsMovements

MissionMissionIFOAM's mission is leading, uniting and IFOAM's mission is leading, uniting and

assisting the organic movement in its full assisting the organic movement in its full diversity. diversity.

VisionVisionOur goal is the worldwide adoption of Our goal is the worldwide adoption of

ecologically, socially and economically ecologically, socially and economically sound systems that are based on the sound systems that are based on the

principles of Organic Agricultureprinciples of Organic Agriculture.



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The Organic Federation of Australia (OFA) was

established in 1998 as the peak body for the organic

sector in Australia.

Its role is to develop the Australian organic sector into

a major component of Australian agriculture,

delivering benefits to consumers, producers and the

Australian community.

The Organic Federation of Australia (OFA) was

established in 1998 as the peak body for the organic

sector in Australia.

Its role is to develop the Australian organic sector into

a major component of Australian agriculture,

delivering benefits to consumers, producers and the

Australian community.

OFA MandateOFA Mandate



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Organisation Structure

Organisation Structure

Board of Directors

Membership Councils

Group A

Producers

Group B

Traders & Intermediarie

s

Group C

Consumers

Group D

Certification Organisatio

ns

Group E

Alliances

Trust

Organic Federation of

Australia Limited

State Bodies



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Organic Industry Overview


organic: means the application of practices that emphasize the:

use of renewable resources; and conservation of energy, soil and water; and recognition of livestock welfare needs; and environmental maintenance and enhancement,

while producing optimum quantities of produce without the use of artificial fertiliser or synthetic chemicals

organic: means the application of practices that emphasize the:

use of renewable resources; and conservation of energy, soil and water; and recognition of livestock welfare needs; and environmental maintenance and enhancement,

while producing optimum quantities of produce without the use of artificial fertiliser or synthetic chemicals



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Organic systems improve soil fertility by using

Composts Natural mineral fertilisers Cover crops Organic materials

Organic systems improve soil fertility by using

Composts Natural mineral fertilisers Cover crops Organic materials



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Cultural and ecological management systems are used as the primary controls of:

Pests Weeds Diseases Limited use of biocides of mineral, plant and

biological origin as the tools of last resort.

Cultural and ecological management systems are used as the primary controls of:

Pests Weeds Diseases Limited use of biocides of mineral, plant and

biological origin as the tools of last resort.



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Best Practice Organic Agriculture has Numerous Benefits

High Yields Premium Prices Rapidly Growing Industry Low Input Costs Resilient to Climate Extremes Environmentally, Economically and Socially Sustainable

Best Practice Organic Agriculture has Numerous Benefits

High Yields Premium Prices Rapidly Growing Industry Low Input Costs Resilient to Climate Extremes Environmentally, Economically and Socially Sustainable



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High YieldsHigh Yields

United Nations Study – Organic Agriculture Increased Yields

Report by UNCTAD and UNEP –average increase in crop yield

116 per cent increase for all African projects

128 per cent increase for the projects in East Africa.’


Report by UNCTAD and UNEP –average increase in crop yield

116 per cent increase for all African projects

128 per cent increase for the projects in East Africa.’



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‘The evidence presented in this study supports the argument that organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security in Africa than most conventional production systems, and that it is more likely to be sustainable in the long term.’

Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary general of UNCTAD and Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP


‘The evidence presented in this study supports the argument that organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security in Africa than most conventional production systems, and that it is more likely to be sustainable in the long term.’

Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary general of UNCTAD and Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP



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High YieldsHigh Yields “Push – Pull” for Stemborer and Striga Control

“Push – Pull” for Stemborer and Striga Control



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Using natural Using natural systems to systems to regulate pest regulate pest outbreaksoutbreaks

(example of (example of

push-pullpush-pull greater farm greater farm productivity vs productivity vs higher yields 2 higher yields 2 to 10X)to 10X)

The System’s Approach: Eco-The System’s Approach: Eco-intensificationintensification



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Scientific Review by Cornell University into the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

Organic SRI yields greater than the traditional crops Organic SRI had significantly lower input costs (fertiliser,

pesticide, weeding etc) than the conventional crops “...the technology generates the estimated

average output gains of more than 84%.”

Source: Barrett C et al (2004), Better technology, better plots, or better farmers? Identifying changes in productivity and risk among Malagasy rice farmers , Am.J.Agric.Econ., 2004, 86, 4, 869-888

Scientific Review by Cornell University into the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

Organic SRI yields greater than the traditional crops Organic SRI had significantly lower input costs (fertiliser,

pesticide, weeding etc) than the conventional crops “...the technology generates the estimated

average output gains of more than 84%.”

Source: Barrett C et al (2004), Better technology, better plots, or better farmers? Identifying changes in productivity and risk among Malagasy rice farmers , Am.J.Agric.Econ., 2004, 86, 4, 869-888



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High YieldsHigh Yields System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

In Madagascar, SRI has increased yields from the usual 2-3 tons per hectare to yields of 6,8 or 10 tons per hectare.

Source: Nicolas Parrott, Cardiff University, 'The Real Green Revolution‘

System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

In Madagascar, SRI has increased yields from the usual 2-3 tons per hectare to yields of 6,8 or 10 tons per hectare.

Source: Nicolas Parrott, Cardiff University, 'The Real Green Revolution‘



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Recent Scientific Field Trials in the USA

US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan Trial The ARS organically managed pecans out-yielded the conventionally

managed, chemically fertilized Gebert orchard in each of the past five years. Yields on ARS' organic test site surpassed the Gebert commercial orchard by 18 pounds of pecan nuts per tree in 2005 and by 12 pounds per tree in 2007. (Bradford J.M .2008)

The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials found that organic yields were higher in drought years and the same as

conventional in normal weather years. (Posner et al. 2008)

Recent Scientific Field Trials in the USA

US Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Pecan Trial The ARS organically managed pecans out-yielded the conventionally

managed, chemically fertilized Gebert orchard in each of the past five years. Yields on ARS' organic test site surpassed the Gebert commercial orchard by 18 pounds of pecan nuts per tree in 2005 and by 12 pounds per tree in 2007. (Bradford J.M .2008)

The Wisconsin Integrated Cropping Systems Trials found that organic yields were higher in drought years and the same as

conventional in normal weather years. (Posner et al. 2008)



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Recent Scientific Field Trials in the USA IOWA State University Trials The results from the Long Term Agroecological Research (LTAR), a 12 year

collaborative effort between producers and researchers.

organic corn harvests averaged 130 bushels per acre while conventional corn yield was 112 bushels per acre.

organic soybean yield was 45 bu/ac compared to the conventional yield of 40 bu/ac in the fourth year.

Cost-wise, on average, the organic crops' revenue was twice that of conventional crops due to the savings from non-utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Recent Scientific Field Trials in the USA IOWA State University Trials The results from the Long Term Agroecological Research (LTAR), a 12 year

collaborative effort between producers and researchers.

organic corn harvests averaged 130 bushels per acre while conventional corn yield was 112 bushels per acre.

organic soybean yield was 45 bu/ac compared to the conventional yield of 40 bu/ac in the fourth year.

Cost-wise, on average, the organic crops' revenue was twice that of conventional crops due to the savings from non-utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.



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Recent Scientific Field Trials in the USA Rodale Organic Low/No Till

The Rodale Institute has been trialling a range of organic low tillage and no tillage systems.

‘The 2006 trails resulted in organic yields of 160 bushels and acre (bu/ac) compared to the Country average of 130 bu/ac. (Rodale 2006)

Recent Scientific Field Trials in the USA Rodale Organic Low/No Till

The Rodale Institute has been trialling a range of organic low tillage and no tillage systems.

‘The 2006 trails resulted in organic yields of 160 bushels and acre (bu/ac) compared to the Country average of 130 bu/ac. (Rodale 2006)



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Scientific Review by Cornell University into a 22 year-long Field Study

The improved soil allowed the organic land to generate yields equal to or greater than the conventional crops after 5 years

The conventional crops collapsed during drought years. The organic crops fluctuated only slightly during drought years,

due to greater water holding capacity in the enriched soil. The organic crops used 30% less fossil energy inputs than the

conventional crops. Published in the Journal Bioscience

Scientific Review by Cornell University into a 22 year-long Field Study

The improved soil allowed the organic land to generate yields equal to or greater than the conventional crops after 5 years

The conventional crops collapsed during drought years. The organic crops fluctuated only slightly during drought years,

due to greater water holding capacity in the enriched soil. The organic crops used 30% less fossil energy inputs than the

conventional crops. Published in the Journal Bioscience



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High Yields , Sustainability and Climate Resilience are achieved by:

Adequate Levels of Soil Organic Carbon (Organic Matter)

Mineral Balance Ecological Intensification Good Management Systems

High Yields , Sustainability and Climate Resilience are achieved by:

Adequate Levels of Soil Organic Carbon (Organic Matter)

Mineral Balance Ecological Intensification Good Management Systems



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Organic MatterOrganic MatterNutrient availability:

Stores 90 to 95% of the nitrogen in the soil, 15 to 80% of phosphorus and 50 to 20% of sulphur in the soil

Has many sites that hold minerals and consequently dramatically increases the soils’ Total ion Exchange Capacity

Stores cations, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and all trace elements

Nutrient availability:

Stores 90 to 95% of the nitrogen in the soil, 15 to 80% of phosphorus and 50 to 20% of sulphur in the soil

Has many sites that hold minerals and consequently dramatically increases the soils’ Total ion Exchange Capacity

Stores cations, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and all trace elements



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Organic MatterOrganic MatterNutrient availability:

Organic acids (humic and fulvic) help make minerals available by dissolving locked up minerals

Prevents mineral ions from being locked up Encourages a range of microbes that make

locked up minerals available to plants. Helps to neutralise the pH Buffers the soil from strong changes in pH

Nutrient availability:

Organic acids (humic and fulvic) help make minerals available by dissolving locked up minerals

Prevents mineral ions from being locked up Encourages a range of microbes that make

locked up minerals available to plants. Helps to neutralise the pH Buffers the soil from strong changes in pH



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Organic MatterOrganic MatterSoil Structure: Promotes good soil structure which creates

soil spaces for air and water by Assisting with good/strong ped formation Feeding macro organisms (ie earthworms

and beetles etc) the form pores in the soil.

Soil Structure: Promotes good soil structure which creates

soil spaces for air and water by Assisting with good/strong ped formation Feeding macro organisms (ie earthworms

and beetles etc) the form pores in the soil.



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Organic MatterOrganic MatterDirectly assisting plants:

The spaces allow microorganisms to turn the nitrogen in the air into nitrate and ammonia (air is 78% N)

Soil carbon dioxide contained in these air spaces increases plant growth

Helps plant and microbial growth through growth stimulating compounds

Helps root growth, by making it easy for roots to travel through the soil

Directly assisting plants:

The spaces allow microorganisms to turn the nitrogen in the air into nitrate and ammonia (air is 78% N)

Soil carbon dioxide contained in these air spaces increases plant growth

Helps plant and microbial growth through growth stimulating compounds

Helps root growth, by making it easy for roots to travel through the soil



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Soil organic matterSoil organic matter

Holds water

Cements soil particles

Increases nutrient storage & availability

Humus can last 2000 years in the soil

Holds water

Cements soil particles

Increases nutrient storage & availability

Humus can last 2000 years in the soil

Electron micrograph of soil humus



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Resilient to Climate Extremes


Research Shows that Organic Systems use Water More Efficiently

‘Soil water held in the crop root zone was measured and shown to be consistently higher … in the organic plots than the conventional plots, due to the higher organic matter ...’ (Lotter 2003)


‘Soil water held in the crop root zone was measured and shown to be consistently higher … in the organic plots than the conventional plots, due to the higher organic matter ...’ (Lotter 2003)



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‘The exceptional water capture capability of the organic treatments stood out during the torrential downpours during hurricane Floyd in September of 1999.

The organic systems captured about twice as much water as the conventional treatment during that two day event’ (Lotter 2003)


‘The exceptional water capture capability of the organic treatments stood out during the torrential downpours during hurricane Floyd in September of 1999.

The organic systems captured about twice as much water as the conventional treatment during that two day event’ (Lotter 2003)



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Organic Corn - 1995 DroughtOrganic Corn - 1995 Drought

OrganicOrganic ConventionalConventional

Better infiltration, retention, and Better infiltration, retention, and delivery to plants helps avoid delivery to plants helps avoid

drought damagedrought damage



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Organic MatterOrganic Matter


Volume of Water Retained /ha (to 30 cm) in relation to soil organic matter (OM).

0.5% OM = 80,000 litres (average 2004 level) 1 % OM = 160,000 litres 2 % OM = 320,000 litres 3 % OM = 480,000 litres 4 % OM = 640,000 litres 5 % OM = 800,000 litres (pre-settlement level)


Volume of Water Retained /ha (to 30 cm) in relation to soil organic matter (OM).

0.5% OM = 80,000 litres (average 2004 level) 1 % OM = 160,000 litres 2 % OM = 320,000 litres 3 % OM = 480,000 litres 4 % OM = 640,000 litres 5 % OM = 800,000 litres (pre-settlement level)



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Organic Soil Carbon Systems Have Less Soil Erosion

The results of a study that compared erosion in organic and conventional farming over 38 years.

‘This study indicates that, in the long term, the organic farming system was more effective than the conventional farming system in reducing soil erosion and, therefore, in maintaining soil productivity’ (Reganold et al. 1987).

Organic Soil Carbon Systems Have Less Soil Erosion

The results of a study that compared erosion in organic and conventional farming over 38 years.

‘This study indicates that, in the long term, the organic farming system was more effective than the conventional farming system in reducing soil erosion and, therefore, in maintaining soil productivity’ (Reganold et al. 1987).



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Organic Soil Carbon Systems Improve Soil

"Results of this research suggest that organic farming systems can provide greater long-term soil improvement than conventional no-tillage systems, despite the use of tillage in organic systems.”

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation entitled "Strategies for Soil Conservation in No-tillage and Organic Farming Systems" (Nov/Dec 2007, Vol. 62, Number 6).

Organic Soil Carbon Systems Improve Soil

"Results of this research suggest that organic farming systems can provide greater long-term soil improvement than conventional no-tillage systems, despite the use of tillage in organic systems.”

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation entitled "Strategies for Soil Conservation in No-tillage and Organic Farming Systems" (Nov/Dec 2007, Vol. 62, Number 6).



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Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilisers Deplete Carbon

Scientists from the University of Illinois analysed the results of a 50 year agricultural trial and found that synthetic nitrogen fertiliser resulted in all the carbon residues from the crop disappearing as well as an average loss of around 10,000 kg of soil carbon per hectare.

This is around 33,000 kg of carbon dioxide per hectare on top of the many thousands of kilograms of crop residue that is converted into CO2 every year.


Scientists from the University of Illinois analysed the results of a 50 year agricultural trial and found that synthetic nitrogen fertiliser resulted in all the carbon residues from the crop disappearing as well as an average loss of around 10,000 kg of soil carbon per hectare.

This is around 33,000 kg of carbon dioxide per hectare on top of the many thousands of kilograms of crop residue that is converted into CO2 every year.



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The researchers found that the higher the application of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser the greater the amount of soil carbon lost as CO2.

This is one of the major reasons why conventional agricultural systems have a decline in soil carbon while organic systems increase soil carbon.


The researchers found that the higher the application of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser the greater the amount of soil carbon lost as CO2.

This is one of the major reasons why conventional agricultural systems have a decline in soil carbon while organic systems increase soil carbon.



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Soil Organic MatterLiving Carbon

Soil Organic MatterLiving Carbon

Recycling Organic Matter is a key tenet of Organic agriculture

Soil Organic Matter is rich in carbon

This carbon has been taken out of the air by plants when they use photosynthesis to join carbon dioxide and water to make sugars, starches, oils and amino acids

Recycling Organic Matter is a key tenet of Organic agriculture

Soil Organic Matter is rich in carbon

This carbon has been taken out of the air by plants when they use photosynthesis to join carbon dioxide and water to make sugars, starches, oils and amino acids



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Soil as Carbon SinkSoil as Carbon Sink

Soil Forests0

500

1000

1500

2000

Carbon Reservoirs

Soil Forests0

500

1000

1500

2000

Carbon Reservoirs



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Global Soil Carbon Sequestration

Global Soil Carbon Sequestration

2501217 1,260

2,300

3,800

5,000

11,000

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

Switzerland* OrganicManure, USA*

Cover CropsUSA

OrganicCompost,

USA*

Egypt* India AgroforestryIndonesia*

kg

C p

er

he

cta

re p

er

ye

ar

2501217 1,260

2,300

3,800

5,000

11,000

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

Switzerland* OrganicManure, USA*

Cover CropsUSA

OrganicCompost,

USA*

Egypt* India AgroforestryIndonesia*

kg

C p

er

he

cta

re p

er

ye

ar

*=IFOAM Case Study



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Soil Carbon Sequestration


2 Independent Global Meta Reviews FiBL study- Average Globally - Organic farming

practices remove about 2,000 kilos of carbon dioxide from the air each year and sequester it in a hectare of farmland

UK Soil Association study- Organic farming practices remove about 2,200 kilos of carbon dioxide

2 Independent Global Meta Reviews FiBL study- Average Globally - Organic farming

practices remove about 2,000 kilos of carbon dioxide from the air each year and sequester it in a hectare of farmland

UK Soil Association study- Organic farming practices remove about 2,200 kilos of carbon dioxide



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Potential for sequestering carbonPotential for sequestering carbon

Grassland 3'488'000'000 haArable Crops 1'405'000'000 haPermanent Crops 130'000'000 ha

Total 5'023'000'000 ha

Organic @ 2 tonnes per hectare 10 Gt C

Annual GHG emissions 49 Gt CO2 equ.



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Greenhouse Gas Abatement - Carbon Sequestration

Organic agriculture deliberately builds up soil organic matter ‘For example, a 1% increase in organic carbon in the top 20 cm of

soil represents a 24 t/ha increase in soil OC which equates to 88 t/ha of CO2 sequestered.” Jones (2006)

A 100 hectare farm that had a 1% increase in organic matter would be removing 8,800 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere.

A million hectares = 88,000,000 tonnes

Greenhouse Gas Abatement - Carbon Sequestration

Organic agriculture deliberately builds up soil organic matter ‘For example, a 1% increase in organic carbon in the top 20 cm of

soil represents a 24 t/ha increase in soil OC which equates to 88 t/ha of CO2 sequestered.” Jones (2006)

A 100 hectare farm that had a 1% increase in organic matter would be removing 8,800 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere.

A million hectares = 88,000,000 tonnes



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Rodale Institute Long Term Trails

Organic farming practices, using composts can increase soil carbon by 2,300 kgs per year per hectare

This removes 8,441 kilos of carbon dioxide from the air each year and sequesters it in each hectare of farmland

Rodale (2008)

Rodale Institute Long Term Trails

Organic farming practices, using composts can increase soil carbon by 2,300 kgs per year per hectare

This removes 8,441 kilos of carbon dioxide from the air each year and sequesters it in each hectare of farmland

Rodale (2008)



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Use Plants to Grow Soil Carbon

Between 95 and 98% of plant minerals come from water, carbon dioxide and oxygen.

The remaining 5% come from the soil.

Photosynthesis produces the carbon compounds that plants need to grow and reproduce

Use Plants to Grow Soil Carbon

Between 95 and 98% of plant minerals come from water, carbon dioxide and oxygen.

The remaining 5% come from the soil.

Photosynthesis produces the carbon compounds that plants need to grow and reproduce



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The Carbon Gift

30-60% of the carbon and energy used by plants is deposited into the soil by plant roots as exudates and sheaths

Plant roots put thousand of tonnes per hectare of organic carbon and bio available minerals into the soil every year

The Carbon Gift

30-60% of the carbon and energy used by plants is deposited into the soil by plant roots as exudates and sheaths

Plant roots put thousand of tonnes per hectare of organic carbon and bio available minerals into the soil every year



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MANAGING GROUND COVERSMANAGING GROUND COVERS

Cut plants add organic carbon into the soil to feed the microorganisms and the crop



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Biological activity in soil is stimulated by rootmass activity which feeds microbe communities and generates soil carbon and nutrients for the crop



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Minimum Till without Herbicides



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Minimum Till without Herbicides



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Reduced tillage (better than no till)

Reduced tillage (better than no till)

Berner, A. et al. (2008): Crop yield and soil quality response to reduced tillage under organic management. Soil & Tillage Research: 89-96.



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Pasture CroppingPasture Cropping

Onions Growing in Rye Grass



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Oats Sown into Pasture



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Oats Sown into Pasture



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Use Compost Microorganisms to Convert Soil Carbon into Stable Forms

Convert the carbon compounds that are readily oxidised into CO2 into stable polymers

The stable forms of soil carbon such as humus and glomalin are manufactured by microorganisms.

Can last thousands of years in the soil.

Use Compost Microorganisms to Convert Soil Carbon into Stable Forms

Convert the carbon compounds that are readily oxidised into CO2 into stable polymers

The stable forms of soil carbon such as humus and glomalin are manufactured by microorganisms.

Can last thousands of years in the soil.



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Mineral BalanceMineral Balance

The Yield of any Production System is Limited by Mineral/s that are Deficient

A balanced mineral rich soil is essential to obtain optimum yields

A complete analysis soil test is used to assess the mineral balance of the soil

The Yield of any Production System is Limited by Mineral/s that are Deficient

A balanced mineral rich soil is essential to obtain optimum yields

A complete analysis soil test is used to assess the mineral balance of the soil



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Mineral BalanceMineral BalanceThe required nutrients are obtained as:Ground minerals Lime, dolomite, gypsum, rock phosphate, basalt quarry dust

Soluble minerals Trace elements and naturally mined potassium sulfate.

Organic forms Legumes, manures, organic mulch and naturally occurring free bacteria for

nitrogen.

Composting speeds up the process of turning the minerals into plant available forms.

The required nutrients are obtained as:Ground minerals Lime, dolomite, gypsum, rock phosphate, basalt quarry dust

Soluble minerals Trace elements and naturally mined potassium sulfate.

Organic forms Legumes, manures, organic mulch and naturally occurring free bacteria for

nitrogen.

Composting speeds up the process of turning the minerals into plant available forms.



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Sustainability Eco-intensification


Biodiversity ‘Organic agriculture has demonstrated its ability to not

only produce commodities but also to "produce" biodiversity at all levels.’ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO 2003)

Lapwings, a bird species that has declined by 80 percent in the U.K. were flourishing on organic farms. Randerson (2004)

Biodiversity ‘Organic agriculture has demonstrated its ability to not

only produce commodities but also to "produce" biodiversity at all levels.’ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO 2003)

Lapwings, a bird species that has declined by 80 percent in the U.K. were flourishing on organic farms. Randerson (2004)



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Full sun systems. Phase of establishment with plantains as temporary shade.

Agroforestry system with shade leguminous trees, Successional agroforestry system with the same

shade trees of the agroforestry treatment and in addition natural regeneration and crops

Taking into account natural plant species succession, the high turn over of carbon typical for the conditions of humid tropics, self regulation processes with high biodiversity, to use all storeys and provide as much as possible ecosystem services beside the cocoa production.

Full sun systems. Phase of establishment with plantains as temporary shade.

Agroforestry system with shade leguminous trees, Successional agroforestry system with the same

shade trees of the agroforestry treatment and in addition natural regeneration and crops

Taking into account natural plant species succession, the high turn over of carbon typical for the conditions of humid tropics, self regulation processes with high biodiversity, to use all storeys and provide as much as possible ecosystem services beside the cocoa production.



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… using high diversity nature for promoting beneficial insects and combating pests.

… spraying extracts of plants and other natural compounds against pests and diseases.

… using robust varieties.

Sustainability Sustainability Eco-intensificationEco-intensification



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InsectariesInsectaries

Refuges Refuges Created byCreated byStrip Strip MowingMowing



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Maximises Maximises solar capturesolar capture

Fixes nitrogen Fixes nitrogen and soil carbonand soil carbon

Flowers attract Flowers attract beneficialbeneficialinsectsinsects

Legume vines in fruit trees



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ConclusionConclusion

A large body of published science shows:A large body of published science shows:•Organic agricultural systems can ameliorate Organic agricultural systems can ameliorate Climate ChangeClimate Change•reduce greenhouse gasesreduce greenhouse gases•sequester carbon into the soilsequester carbon into the soil•use less wateruse less water•reduce soil erosion and nutrient run offreduce soil erosion and nutrient run off•no chemical run offno chemical run off•more resilient in adverse weather eventsmore resilient in adverse weather events•achieve good yields of high quality produceachieve good yields of high quality produce



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of AustraliaThank YouThank You

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Organic Agriculture What is it and How is it Practiced? Andre Leu IFOAM, Vice President Organic...

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