Is it possible in specialized organic farms to maintain in soil appropriate content of nutrients and organic matter?

Abstract

The aim of the research was to assess the soil pH, the content of phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and organic matter in the soil in a group of 30 organic farms of different production profile located in the Lubelskie, Podlaskie and Mazowieckie Voivodeships. The research was carried out in the years 2011-2012. The analyzed farms were divided into three groups: specialized in crop/horticultural production, specialized in animal production and with no specific specialization. There were 10 farms in each group. In specialized farms, the dominant branch had at least 60% share in the total final gross production expressed in PLN. In the farms the surveys were carried out in order to collect data for their organizational and production assessment and calculation of the balance of soil organic matter. On average for 2 years, the balance of soil organic matter in the organic farms was positive and amounted to 1.67 t of DM/ha of arable lands. The negative value of this indicator was recorded only for a group of farms, usually stockless, specialized in crop/horticultural production. There were no statistically significant differences between the compared groups of farms in soil organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium content and soil pH. The only statistically significant difference concerned the soil pH between the group of farms with mixed and animal production. The results of chemical analyzes showed low potassium content in soils in all three groups of organic farms.

Authors and Affiliations

Jarosław Stalenga, Jerzy Kopiński

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP520280
  • DOI -
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How To Cite

Jarosław Stalenga, Jerzy Kopiński (2018). Is it possible in specialized organic farms to maintain in soil appropriate content of nutrients and organic matter?. Journal of Research and Applications in Agricultural Engineering (ISSN 1642-686X), 63(3), 86-91. https://www.europub.co.uk/articles/-A-520280