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Agronomy
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Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in...
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Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Farming Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 August 2022) | Viewed by 60318

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Carlo Leifert

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Plant Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, East Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
2. Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences (IMB), University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
3. Livadopa Farm, Sivas Festos, 70200 Crete, Greece
Interests: soil management; crop protection; crop breeding for low-input systems; ‘low-input’ and organic agricultural systems development; nutritional quality of organic and low-input dairy production systems; resource use efficiency; food quality and safety assurance; food processing technology; nutritional control of gastrointestinal diseases in monogastric farm animals (pigs/poultry)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The principles and standards of organic agriculture prohibit the use of synthetic chemical N, P, and KCl fertilisers and pesticides that are widely used for crop nutrition and protection in conventional farming systems. This is based on the hypothesis that these inputs reduce soil, crop, and human health via negative side-effects on (a) naturally occurring symbiotic and ecological mechanisms of crop nutrition and protection in the soil and above ground; (b) the expression of genetic resistance mechanisms in crop plants; and (c) the nutritional composition of crop plants.

Instead, the logical framework for integrated soil, crop, and human nutrition and health management is based on (a) the use of resistant and weed-competitive varieties; (b) botanically diverse rotations that include N-fixing legume crops; (c) regular inputs of animal manure and/or organic-waste-based composts; (d) the establishment of areas of biodiversity on farms; and (e) the integration of crop and outdoor grazing/foraging-based livestock production systems.

However, although there is increasing evidence of positive soil, crop, and human health impacts of organic farming practices, yields in organic farming systems are currently on average ⁓25% lower compared to intensive conventional farming systems.

This Special Issue aims to include studies that test the underlying hypotheses, compare the effects of organic and conventional soil and crop management practices, and/or improve the efficacy of integrated soil, crop, and human nutrition and health management in organic farming.

Prof. Carlo Leifert
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Organic farming
  • integrated crop management
  • soil health
  • crop health
  • crop nutrition
  • human health

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 219 KiB  
Editorial
Organic Farming Provides a Blueprint to Improve Food Quality, Safety and Security
by Carlo Leifert
Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030631 - 4 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3587
Abstract
The increasing reliance on non-renewable resources (in particular, mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides) to sustain current productivity levels of agriculture are of growing concern, because these inputs have substantial negative environmental impacts and may become too expensive and/or [...] Read more.
The increasing reliance on non-renewable resources (in particular, mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides) to sustain current productivity levels of agriculture are of growing concern, because these inputs have substantial negative environmental impacts and may become too expensive and/or unavailable in the future [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

21 pages, 1278 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Cover Crops, Mass-Trapping Systems and Environmental Factors on Invertebrate Activity in Table Olive Orchards—Results from Field Experiments in Crete, Greece
by Nikolaos Volakakis, Emmanouil Kabourakis, Leonidas Rempelos, Apostolos Kiritsakis and Carlo Leifert
Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2576; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102576 - 20 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2002
Abstract
Background: Although the negative effects of insecticides and herbicides on beneficial and non-target invertebrates are well documented, there is limited information on potential negative impacts of pest and weed management practices used in organic farming on invertebrate activity. Methods: Using established field experiments [...] Read more.
Background: Although the negative effects of insecticides and herbicides on beneficial and non-target invertebrates are well documented, there is limited information on potential negative impacts of pest and weed management practices used in organic farming on invertebrate activity. Methods: Using established field experiments designed to compare different ground cover crops (used to suppress weeds and increase nitrogen availability and soil health) and mass-trapping systems (used for olive fly control) in organic olive production systems, we monitored the impact of these practices on invertebrate activity. Results: When different ground cover crops were compared, ground cover crops established from a vetch/pea/barley seed mixtures resulted in significantly higher parasitic wasps activity than ground cover vegetation in control plots (plots in which Medicago seed were sown and failed to establish) that were dominated by the weed Oxalis pes-caprae. When two bottle based mass-trapping systems were compared, the traps caught similar numbers of olive flies and some non-target invertebrates (mainly other Diptera, Neuroptera and Lepidotera and Formicidae), although no parasitic wasps or pollinators (bees; bumble bees) were caught in traps. Analyses of invertebrate profiles found in McPhail monitoring traps showed that invertebrate activity profiles were similar in plots with and without mass-trapping devices. In addition, as expected, redundancy analyses showed that climatic parameters (temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind direction) are significant explanatory variables/drivers for invertebrate activity in olive orchards. Conclusions: The results presented indicate that mixed legume/cereal ground cover crops may increase the activity of parasitic wasps and may act as a reservoir for natural enemies of agricultural pest and that olive fly mass-trapping systems may lure and kill some non-target invertebrates, but do not affect the activity of two main groups of beneficial invertebrates namely pollinators and parasitic wasps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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18 pages, 1680 KiB  
Article
Effect of Different Cover Crops on Suppression of the Weed Oxalis pes-caprae L., Soil Nutrient Availability, and the Performance of Table Olive Trees ‘Kalamon’ cv. in Crete, Greece
by Nikolaos Volakakis, Emmanouil M. Kabourakis, Leonidas Rempelos, Apostolos Kiritsakis and Carlo Leifert
Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2523; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102523 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2370
Abstract
Winter cover crops are used in organic olive production to increase N-supply and yields, and to reduce weed competition. However, there is limited information on the effect of different cover crops on weed suppression, soil fertility and productivity of organic olive orchards. Here, [...] Read more.
Winter cover crops are used in organic olive production to increase N-supply and yields, and to reduce weed competition. However, there is limited information on the effect of different cover crops on weed suppression, soil fertility and productivity of organic olive orchards. Here, we compared the relative effect of four contrasting cover crops established from (i) untreated vetch seed, (ii) vetch seed inoculated with a commercial Rhizobium seed inoculum, (iii) an untreated vetch/barley/pea seed mixture and (iv) untreated seed of Medicago polymorpha L. (a native legume species which establishes naturally in olive orchards in Crete) in a 35-year-old experimental table olive orchard. The use of a vetch/barley/pea mixture resulted in the greatest suppression of the dominant weed species Oxalis pes-caprae. Rhizobium inoculation of vetch seed resulted in significantly lower vetch establishment and significantly higher Oxalis suppression but had no significant effect on the root nodulation of vetch plants. There was no significant difference in fruit yield between cover crop treatments, but the fruit weight was significantly higher when cover crops were established from un-treated vetch seeds and the vetch/barley/pea seed mixture compared with the cover crops based on inoculated vetch or Medicago seed. However, although Medicago establishment was very low (<10 plants/m2), fruit yields were numerically 20% higher in the Medicago plots. These findings suggests that, overall, legume cover crops had no effect on fruit yields. This conclusion is supported by the results of the olive leaf analyses which detected no significant differences in nitrogen and other mineral macro- and micronutrient concentration between treatments, except for B (highest in olive leaves from Medicago and lowest in untreated vetch plots) and Mo (highest in olive leaves from Medicago and lowest in vetch/barley/pea mixture plots). Overall, our results suggest that the current recommendation to establish legume-based cover crops in organic olive orchards every year, may need to be revised and that establishing cover crops every 2–4 years may reduce costs without affecting olive fruit yields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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12 pages, 1882 KiB  
Article
Adoption and Impact of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Technology on Food Production
by Awais Jabbar, Wei Liu, Ye Wang, Jian Zhang, Qun Wu and Jianchao Peng
Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2261; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102261 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2706
Abstract
Amid recent climate difficulties, integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) strategies are vital in restoring soil fertility, enhancing yield, and achieving the farmer community’s well-being. This study examines ISFM’s adoption and impact on wheat yields in Punjab, Pakistan, by employing an endogenous switching regression [...] Read more.
Amid recent climate difficulties, integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) strategies are vital in restoring soil fertility, enhancing yield, and achieving the farmer community’s well-being. This study examines ISFM’s adoption and impact on wheat yields in Punjab, Pakistan, by employing an endogenous switching regression model (ESRM). The selection equation highlights the multiple factors such as age, gender, education, extension access, credit access, and social influence as essential predictors of ISFM adoption. Treatment effects showed that the average wheat yield is higher for adopters. The findings suggest refining the current institutional system will enhance adoption and food security by improving agricultural production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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18 pages, 479 KiB  
Communication
Effect of Clover Sward Management on Nitrogen Fixation and Performance of Following Spring- and Winter Wheat Crops; Results of a 3-Year Pilot Study
by Andrew Wilkinson, John N. Wilkinson, Peter Shotton, Mick Eyre, Gultakin Hasanaliyeva, Paul Bilsborrow, Carlo Leifert and Leonidas Rempelos
Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2085; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092085 - 1 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1947
Abstract
Wheat yields in organic production are significantly lower than those achieved in conventional farming systems and in Northern Europe organic farmers also struggle to achieve the processing quality levels demanded by millers and bakers, especially in winter-wheat crops. Here, we report the findings [...] Read more.
Wheat yields in organic production are significantly lower than those achieved in conventional farming systems and in Northern Europe organic farmers also struggle to achieve the processing quality levels demanded by millers and bakers, especially in winter-wheat crops. Here, we report the findings of a 3-year pilot study which investigated the potential of increasing grain yields and both standard processing (e.g., grain protein levels and specific weights) and selected nutritional (tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers) quality parameters via (i) changes in the management of clover crops grown before wheat (Rhizobium seed inoculation, application of greenwaste compost to clover swards) and (ii) use of new varieties developed in both the UK and continental Europe. Results indicate that the use of compost amendment to preceding clover swards significantly increased the grain protein levels in the three winter-wheat, but not the four spring-wheat varieties, and also significantly increases grain yields in one winter-wheat variety (Greina). In contrast, the use of Rhizobium-inoculation was found to significantly reduce protein concentrations in the winter-, but not spring wheat varieties, and had no significant effect on grain yields in both winter and spring wheat. However, analysis of variance detected significant interactions between Rhizobium seed inocula in clover pre-crops and (a) compost application for grain specific weights in winter-wheat and grain hardness in spring wheat crops and (b) variety for grain protein content in spring wheat crops. No significant effect of clover pre-crop management on tocopherol and tocotrienol isomer profiles could be detected, although significant differences between varieties were detected in both winter and spring wheat. Results of this pilot study need to be confirmed in future trials, but indicate that both (a) changes in clover-management practices and (b) the selections of wheat varieties that are more suitable for organic farming systems has the potential to increase grain yield and allow organic farmers to more frequently achieve baking or milling grade quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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13 pages, 593 KiB  
Article
Effect of Production System (Organic versus Conventional) on Olive Fruit and Oil Yields and Oil Quality Parameters in the Messara Valley, Crete, Greece; Results from a 3-Year Farm Survey
by Nikolaos Volakakis, Emmanouil Kabourakis, Apostolos Kiritsakis, Leonidas Rempelos and Carlo Leifert
Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12071484 - 21 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2341
Abstract
The demand for organic olive oil has increased rapidly over the last 40 years, but there is limited information on the effects of organic production methods on commercially and nutritionally relevant quality parameters in olive oil. The main objective of this farm survey-based [...] Read more.
The demand for organic olive oil has increased rapidly over the last 40 years, but there is limited information on the effects of organic production methods on commercially and nutritionally relevant quality parameters in olive oil. The main objective of this farm survey-based study was therefore to compare fruit and oil yields and important oil quality parameters (including acidity, peroxide value and fatty acid profiles) between organic and conventional farms located in the Messara Plain and foothills. As expected, yields were substantially higher on farms in the Messara Plain compared with those in the foothills which have poorer soil, less access to irrigation water and are the more extensively managed. However, different to the many previous studies (which reported lower yields in organic systems), both fruit and oil yields were not significantly different in organic and conventional production and numerically ~10% higher in organic production. Additionally, olive oil quality was very high, and no substantial effects of production systems and farm location were found. Potential factors (e.g., low olive fly pressure) which may have contributed to the lack of a yield and quality gap between organic and convention production in the Messara region are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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36 pages, 2359 KiB  
Article
Organic Farming Lessens Reliance on Pesticides and Promotes Public Health by Lowering Dietary Risks
by Charles Benbrook, Susan Kegley and Brian Baker
Agronomy 2021, 11(7), 1266; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071266 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 21187
Abstract
Organic agriculture is a production system that relies on prevention, ecological processes, biodiversity, mechanical processes, and natural cycles to control pests and maintain productivity. Pesticide use is generally limited or absent in organic agroecosystems, in contrast with non-organic (conventional) production systems that primarily [...] Read more.
Organic agriculture is a production system that relies on prevention, ecological processes, biodiversity, mechanical processes, and natural cycles to control pests and maintain productivity. Pesticide use is generally limited or absent in organic agroecosystems, in contrast with non-organic (conventional) production systems that primarily rely on pesticides for crop protection. Significant differences in pesticide use between the two production systems markedly alter the relative dietary exposure and risk levels and the environmental impacts of pesticides. Data are presented on pesticide use on organic and non-organic farms for all crops and selected horticultural crops. The relative dietary risks that are posed by organic and non-organic food, with a focus on fresh produce, are also presented and compared. The results support the notion that organic farms apply pesticides far less intensively than conventional farms, in part because, over time on well-managed organic farms, pest pressure falls when compared to the levels on nearby conventional farms growing the same crops. Biopesticides are the predominant pesticides used in organic production, which work by a non-toxic mode of action, and pose minimal risks to human health and the environment. Consequently, eating organic food, especially fruits and vegetables, can largely eliminate the risks posed by pesticide dietary exposure. We recommend ways to lower the pesticide risks by increased adoption of organic farming practices and highlight options along organic food supply chains to further reduce pesticide use, exposures, and adverse worker and environmental impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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18 pages, 1199 KiB  
Article
Performance of Modern and Traditional Spelt Wheat (Triticum spelta) Varieties in Rain-Fed and Irrigated, Organic and Conventional Production Systems in a Semi-Arid Environment; Results from Exploratory Field Experiments in Crete, Greece
by Juan Wang, Marcin Baranski, Recep Korkut, Hassan Ashraa Kalee, Liza Wood, Paul Bilsborrow, Dagmar Janovska, Alice Leifert, Sarah Winter, Adam Willson, Bronwyn Barkla, Carlo Leifert, Leonidas Rempelos and Nikolaos Volakakis
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050890 - 1 May 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3380
Abstract
Background: Consumer demand for organic spelt wheat has increased rapidly and production has expanded into semi-arid regions, where it was not traditionally grown. Methods: Here, we report the results of a factorial field experiment designed to compare the performance of four spelt varieties [...] Read more.
Background: Consumer demand for organic spelt wheat has increased rapidly and production has expanded into semi-arid regions, where it was not traditionally grown. Methods: Here, we report the results of a factorial field experiment designed to compare the performance of four spelt varieties grown in rain-fed and irrigated, conventional and organic production systems in a semi-arid environment. Results: Irrigation resulted in 2.5-fold higher grain yields, a reduction in grain protein, taller plants and an increase in stem lodging. While yields of all varieties were similar and low in rain-fed production, the variety Züricher Oberländer Rotkorn (ZOR) produced the highest, Filderstolz and Oberkulmer intermediate and the variety Rubiota the lowest grain yields in irrigated systems. Organic production with chicken or sheep manure as fertilizer resulted in 15% higher yields that mineral NPK fertilizer-based conventional production protocols. Conclusions: Rain-fed spelt production results in very low yields and is therefore unlikely to be commercially viable. Results suggest that organic fertilization regimes and the variety ZOR will result in the highest yields in irrigated systems, while the two traditional spelt varieties Filderstolz and Oberkulmer will more reliably produce grain protein levels that comply with bread-making quality standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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13 pages, 942 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Different Fertilization Regimes on Yield, Selected Nutrients, and Bioactive Compounds Profiles of Onion
by Renata Kazimierczak, Dominika Średnicka-Tober, Marcin Barański, Ewelina Hallmann, Rita Góralska-Walczak, Klaudia Kopczyńska, Ewa Rembiałkowska, Jan Górski, Carlo Leifert, Leonidas Rempelos and Stanisław Kaniszewski
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050883 - 29 Apr 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4015
Abstract
Here we report the results of a three-year replicated field trial on the effects of novel clover- and alfalfa-based fertilizer products (Ekofert® K and Ekofert® L), with the input levels equivalent to 120, 180, or 240 kg N ha−1, [...] Read more.
Here we report the results of a three-year replicated field trial on the effects of novel clover- and alfalfa-based fertilizer products (Ekofert® K and Ekofert® L), with the input levels equivalent to 120, 180, or 240 kg N ha−1, on the yield and selected sensory and nutritional quality parameters of onion. The study showed that Ekofert fertilizer applied at all three levels produced similar or higher yields than the standard fertilization regimes used in conventional farming in all three seasons. Significant differences in onion composition profiles between fertilization treatments were detected within individual seasons; however, due to substantial interseasonal variation, no consistent differences could be detected between (i) mineral N and Ekofert fertilizer treatments, (ii) the two different Ekofert products, and (iii) contrasting Ekofert input levels. Results demonstrate that clover- and alfalfa-based pelleted organic fertilizer products are a suitable alternative for intensive organic field vegetable production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

22 pages, 737 KiB  
Review
Effect of Organic and Conventional Cereal Production Methods on Fusarium Head Blight and Mycotoxin Contamination Levels
by Aksel Bernhoft, Juan Wang and Carlo Leifert
Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12040797 - 26 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4606
Abstract
Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals constitute major problems for animal and human health worldwide. A range of plant pathogenic Fusarium species that can infect cereal plants in the field are considered the most important source of mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 [...] Read more.
Fusarium mycotoxins in cereals constitute major problems for animal and human health worldwide. A range of plant pathogenic Fusarium species that can infect cereal plants in the field are considered the most important source of mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), T-2 toxin, and HT-2 toxin, in small-grain cereal crops in temperate climates. In this article, we (i) critically review the available knowledge on the impact of contrasting production systems (organic versus conventional) and specific agronomic parameters on the occurrence and concentrations of DON, ZEA, and T-2/HT-2 in small-grain cereals (wheat, oats, barley, and rye), and (ii) discuss Fusarium mycotoxin risks in the context of the need to develop more sustainable cereal production systems. Overall, the available evidence from studies of acceptable scientific quality suggests that the incidence and concentrations of Fusarium mycotoxin are lower in organic compared with conventional cereals. Specifically, 24 comparisons showed lower mycotoxin levels in organic production, 16 detected no significant difference, and only 2 showed higher levels in organic production. When the mean concentrations from all studies were compared, conventionally produced cereals had 62%, 110%, and 180% higher concentrations of DON, ZEA, and T-2/HT-2, respectively, than organic cereals. Overall, published studies on the effects of specific agronomic practices on mycotoxin levels suggest that diverse crop rotations and high soil organic matter content/biological activity are associated with a lower risk of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination, whereas (i) high mineral nitrogen fertiliser inputs, (ii) some fungicides and herbicides, and (iii) minimum or no tillage may increase the risks of Fusarium mycotoxin contamination in cereals. The management of Fusarium head blight and mycotoxins, therefore, requires a preventative, integrated, holistic agronomic approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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44 pages, 4294 KiB  
Review
Integrated Soil and Crop Management in Organic Agriculture: A Logical Framework to Ensure Food Quality and Human Health?
by Leonidas Rempelos, Marcin Baranski, Juan Wang, Timothy N. Adams, Kolawole Adebusuyi, Jeremy J. Beckman, Charlotte J. Brockbank, Bradley S. Douglas, Tianer Feng, Jem D. Greenway, Mehmet Gür, Eric Iyaremye, Chi Leong Kong, Recep Korkut, Shreiya S. Kumar, Jonas Kwedibana, Julia Masselos, Benedicto N. Mutalemwa, Baring S. Nkambule, Olatunde B. Oduwole, Ayobami Karimot Oladipo, Julius O. Olumeh, Leticija Petrovic, Nina Röhrig, Sarah A. Wyld, Luxi Xu, Yaqiong Pan, Eleni Chatzidimitriou, Hannah Davis, Amelia Magistrali, Enas Sufar, Gultakin Hasanaliyeva, Hassan Habib Hassan Ashra Kalee, Adam Willson, Manisha Thapa, Pip Davenport, Dominika Średnicka-Tober, Nikos Volakakis, Anthony Watson, Chris J. Seal, Mark Goltz, Peter Kindersley, Jr., Per Ole Iversen and Carlo Leifertadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2494; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122494 - 8 Dec 2021
Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9927
Abstract
The environmental and biodiversity benefits of organic farming are widely recognized, but there is still controversy about the effects of organic production methods on the nutritional composition of food and human health. In the first part of this article therefore, we critically review [...] Read more.
The environmental and biodiversity benefits of organic farming are widely recognized, but there is still controversy about the effects of organic production methods on the nutritional composition of food and human health. In the first part of this article therefore, we critically review the evidence that organic farming methods improve the nutritional quality of food crops. Moreover, we summarize our current understanding of how quality gains are linked to the implementation of the “innovations” introduced into conventional crop production during the intensification or “green revolution” of agriculture over the last 100 years. In the second part of the article, we critically review the evidence for the range of health benefits related to organic food consumption. Specifically, we describe and discuss the results from: (i) dietary intervention studies which have found that organic food consumption substantially reduces pesticide exposure in humans and affects feed intake, growth, hormone balances and immune system responsiveness in animal models; (ii) human cohort/epidemiological studies which have reported significant positive associations between organic food consumption and the lower incidence of a range of diseases including obesity, metabolic syndrome, cancer, hypospadias, pre-eclampsia, eczema and middle ear infections in infants; (iii) interactions and trade-offs between diet (e.g., whole-grain, fruit and vegetables and reduced red-meat consumption) and food types (organic versus conventional) concerning public health and future food security. The article also identifies knowledge gaps and highlights the need for (i) long-term, factorial field experiments to understand the relative effects of agronomic and pedoclimatic drivers on crop quality and safety, and (ii) clinical trials and additional human cohort studies to confirm the positive health outcomes linked to organic food consumption. The main conclusions from our review are that there is growing evidence that (i) agricultural intensification has resulted in a reduction in the nutritional quality of food and the sustainability of food production, and (ii) organic farming practices not only improve food quality and human health, but also food security. This is particularly true where current nutritional guidelines (increasing whole-grain, fruit and vegetable products, while reducing red-meat consumption) are implemented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil, Crop and Human Nutrition and Health Management in Organic Agriculture)
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