Organic Farms Use Less Energy And Water - The Diigo Meta page

• 22 Dec 07
  

  Epopteia ...

  agriculture ecovillage ffinder sustainability

  • A Cornell University study suggests organic farms produce the same corn and soybean yields as do conventional farms, but use 30 percent less energy.
  • organic farms use less water and no pesticides.

  •   The study released Wednesday is a review of the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial, the longest running comparison of organic vs. conventional farming in the United States.
  • Pimental noted although organic corn yields were about one-third lower during the study's first four years, eventually the organic systems produced higher yields, especially under drought conditions.
  • He said the reason for the apparent anomaly was that wind and water erosion degraded the soil on the conventional farm, while the the organic farm soil steadily improved in organic matter, moisture, microbial activity and other quality indicators.

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