Concerns have emerged regarding negative effects of the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and genetically modified organisms in agriculture. In response, the demand for agricultural products produced by organic agriculture (OA) is increasing. However, the net effect of OA on the climate compared to that of conventional practices is uncertain.
Crop yields under OA at experimental plots are up to 25 percent lower than those under conventional management. Thus, increasing OA production needs relatively more land area to maintain equal overall yield. This may exacerbate climate change. Instead, site-specific OA and conventional practices should be combined to reduce overall climate impacts of agricultural production and food systems.
This book presents an introduction to the history of OA, its recent developments, and its practices and principles. The effects of OA practices on the SOC and soil inorganic carbon (SIC) stocks, and on GHG emissions are discussed subsequently. The biogeophysical and biogeochemical effects on the climate are also presented. The book concludes with a chapter on how a combination of OA with conventional practices may contribute to lessen the impact of agriculture and food systems on the global climate.