Physical and chemical properties in soils in conversion to organic management

Abstract

Interest in organic soil management has grown appreciably in recent years. The transition from conventional to organic farming is accompanied by changes in soil physical and chemical properties and processes that could affect soil fertility. Nevertheless, the organic systems is very complex and very few studies has been studied this process. Understanding of physical and chemical processes involved in the transition process is important for ameliorating the management of the organic farming systems. This work studies the effect of the transition conventional to organic farming on physical and chemical properties of a loam soil (Xerofluvent) located in the Guadalquivir River Valley, Sevilla, through a succession of six crops cycles over a three year period. Two mature composts (plant and animal compost) were used for the organic fertilization. Crop rotation and varieties were identical in the two systems. At the end of the study, the organic farming management resulted in a higher soil organic carbon, N and P, K and Mg available. Electrical conductivity and pH are not significant differences between treatments. The use of organic farming resulted in higher available Fe, and Zn. The available Mn and fundamentally Cu do not show significant differences. The organic treatment also showed lower bulk density and higher available water content. This study demonstrated that the use of organic compost results in an increase of soil organic matter, storage of nutrients, and produce positively effect in physical soil properties than with conventional management , which can provide long-term fertility benefits.