Organic Farming Practices Show Promising Results for Soil Quality Improvement

Strategic Insights -

A new study on organic farming practices conducted by researchers at the University of Novi Sad in Serbia has yielded significant findings on the benefits of organic management for soil fertility and quality. The research, funded by the Ministry of Education, Science And Technological Development of The Republic of Serbia, compared the effects of organic management on soil quality in comparison to conventional and undisturbed systems, focusing on fertile Chernozem and less favorable Stagnosol soils. The study's results show that organic management improved soil quality in two soils, with pronounced benefits in Stagnosol, even after 5-10 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Organic management improved soil quality in two soils, with pronounced benefits in Stagnosol, even after 5-10 years.
  • Conventional production systems exhibited lower biological activity, poorer chemical properties, and higher bulk density.
  • Long-term organic management (10 years) in Chernozem enhanced soil quality levels approaching those of undisturbed pasture, while medium-term organic systems showed transitional characteristics.
  • Sensitive indicators such as bulk density, soil organic carbon content, and hot water extractable organic carbon detected early changes in Chernozem, with enzyme activities providing additional insight in Stagnosol.
  • The study's findings emphasize the importance of organic farming practices, especially for less fertile soils.
  • Integrated indicators for soil quality assessment, including bulk density, soil organic carbon content, and enzyme activities, provided a comprehensive understanding of soil quality.

Statistics:

  • 5-10 years: The duration of organic management that showed pronounced benefits in Stagnosol.
  • 10 years: The duration of long-term organic management in Chernozem that enhanced soil quality levels approaching those of undisturbed pasture.
  • 15(9): The volume and issue number of the Agronomy journal where the study was published.
  • 2214: The sequence number of the article "Fertility Status and Soil Quality Assessment of Chernozem and Stagnosol Soils Under Organic Farming Practices" in the Agronomy journal.
  • 2025: The year of publication of the Agronomy journal article.

Sources:

  • Fertility Status and Soil Quality Assessment of Chernozem and Stagnosol Soils Under Organic Farming Practices. Agronomy, 2025,15(9):2214. (Agronomy - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/agronomy)
  • The citation for this news report is: NewsRx. University of Novi Sad Researchers Release New Data on Organic Farming (Fertility Status and Soil Quality Assessment of Chernozem and Stagnosol Soils Under Organic Farming Practices). Agriculture Week. October 16, 2025; p 907.