A new study reveals that soil health depends more on farming management practices than on whether a farm is organic or conventional. Researchers found that farms with intensive management, regardless of their label, had lower soil functionality, emphasizing the need for “productive deintensification” to balance yield and sustainability. The findings, published by Sophie van Rijssel and colleagues in Science, highlight the importance of specific practices like reduced tillage and cover crops in preserving soil health.
The study analyzed 53 farms across the Netherlands, measuring soil multifunctionality, the soil’s ability to perform critical ecological functions such as water retention and nutrient cycling. By combining soil health indicators into a single score and quantifying management intensity through farmer interviews, the researchers discovered that intensive practices like heavy fertilizer use and frequent tillage reduced soil functionality. Surprisingly, organic farms with high management intensity also showed diminished soil health, suggesting that the organic label alone doesn’t guarantee sustainability.
Key drivers of improved soil health included reduced inversion tillage and the use of grass-legume cover crops. These practices boosted soil organic carbon and bacterial biomass, which are vital for long-term fertility. The authors argue that focusing on management intensity as a continuous variable, rather than binary labels like “organic,” offers a more nuanced path to sustainable agriculture.
“Our findings show that sustainable soil management isn’t about choosing organic or conventional, but about reducing intensity while maintaining productivity,” said lead author Sophie van Rijssel.
The study underscores the need for farming systems that prioritize soil health through practices like cover cropping and reduced tillage. By adopting “productive deintensification,” farmers could achieve better yields without compromising ecological resilience. Future research will explore how these findings apply to diverse climates and soil types.
Add comment