Biodiversity Organic farming

the conservation of natural resources , biodiversity core principle of organic production. 3 broad management practices (prohibition/reduced use of chemical pesticides , inorganic fertilizers; sympathetic management of non-cropped habitats; , preservation of mixed farming) largely intrinsic (but not exclusive) organic farming particularly beneficial farmland wildlife. using practices attract or introduce beneficial insects, provide habitat birds , mammals, , provide conditions increase soil biotic diversity serve supply vital ecological services organic production systems. advantages certified organic operations implement these types of production practices include: 1) decreased dependence on outside fertility inputs; 2) reduced pest management costs; 3) more reliable sources of clean water; , 4) better pollination.

nearly non-crop, naturally occurring species observed in comparative farm land practice studies show preference organic farming both abundance , diversity. average of 30% more species inhabit organic farms. birds, butterflies, soil microbes, beetles, earthworms, spiders, vegetation, , mammals particularly affected. lack of herbicides , pesticides improve biodiversity fitness , population density. many weed species attract beneficial insects improve soil qualities , forage on weed pests. soil-bound organisms benefit because of increased bacteria populations due natural fertilizer such manure, while experiencing reduced intake of herbicides , pesticides. increased biodiversity, beneficial soil microbes , mycorrhizae have been proposed explanation high yields experienced organic plots, in light of differences seen in 21-year comparison of organic , control fields.

biodiversity organic farming provides capital humans. species found in organic farms enhance sustainability reducing human input (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides).

the usda’s agricultural marketing service (ams) published federal register notice on 15 january 2016, announcing national organic program (nop) final guidance on natural resources , biodiversity conservation certified organic operations. given broad scope of natural resources includes soil, water, wetland, woodland , wildlife, guidance provides examples of practices support underlying conservation principles , demonstrate compliance usda organic regulations § 205.200. final guidance provides organic certifiers , farms examples of production practices support conservation principles , comply usda organic regulations, require operations maintain or improve natural resources. final guidance clarifies role of certified operations (to submit osp certifier), certifiers (ensure osp describes or lists practices explain operator s monitoring plan , practices support natural resources , biodiversity conservation), , inspectors (onsite inspection) in implementation , verification of these production practices.

a wide range of organisms benefit organic farming, unclear whether organic methods confer greater benefits conventional integrated agri-environmental programs. organic farming presented more biodiversity-friendly practice, generality of beneficial effects of organic farming debated effects appear species- , context-dependent, , current research has highlighted need quantify relative effects of local- , landscape-scale management on farmland biodiversity. there 4 key issues when comparing impacts on biodiversity of organic , conventional farming: (1) remains unclear whether holistic whole-farm approach (i.e. organic) provides greater benefits biodiversity targeted prescriptions applied relatively small areas of cropped and/or non-cropped habitats within conventional agriculture (i.e. agri-environment schemes); (2) many comparative studies encounter methodological problems, limiting ability draw quantitative conclusions; (3) our knowledge of impacts of organic farming in pastoral , upland agriculture limited; (4) there remains pressing need longitudinal, system-level studies in order address these issues , fill in gaps in our knowledge of impacts of organic farming, before full appraisal of potential role in biodiversity conservation in agroecosystems can made.