Conference proceedings article
Ökologische Bewirtschaftung erfordert die Steuerung von innerbetrieblichen Nährstoffflüssen
Publication Details
Authors: | Sundrum, A. |
Editor: | Neuhoff, Daniel; Stumm, C.; Ziegler, S.; u.a |
Publisher: | Verlag Dr. Köster |
Place: | Berlin |
Publication year: | 2013 |
Pages range : | 16-19 |
Book title: | Beiträge zur 12. Wissenschaftstagung Ökologischer Landbau. Ideal und Wirklichkeit: Perspektiven ökologischer Landbewirtschaftung |
ISBN: | 9783895748158 |
URN / URL: |
Abstract
Self-organised ecosystems are characterised by a high efficiency in the use of limited nutrient resources whereas the productivity is generally low. To utilise the potentials of agro-ecosystems with respect to a high nutrient efficiency, there is a need to steer the nutrient flow and provide good starting and adaptation conditions for living organisms. While organic standards provide no operational guidelines on how to improve nutrient management, a concept was developed to improve N-efficiency on the farm level. N-import into the farm and N-flow through subordinate sub-systems (?livestock?, ?dung storage/ distribution?, ?arable land/pasture?, and ?feed storage/distribution?) were assessed on 9 organic and 7 conventional dairy farms, based on farm specific data and by making use of equations from the literature to estimate relevant figures. N-efficiency varied considerably between sub-systems within and between farms, however showing no significant difference between the production methods. The results indicate a large but farm specific potential for improvements, contradicting any attempts of generalised statements and recommendations. Instead of minimum standards, a high level of N-efficiency that is beyond the average of conventional farms should be established as a leading aim in organic agriculture to justify claims.
Self-organised ecosystems are characterised by a high efficiency in the use of limited nutrient resources whereas the productivity is generally low. To utilise the potentials of agro-ecosystems with respect to a high nutrient efficiency, there is a need to steer the nutrient flow and provide good starting and adaptation conditions for living organisms. While organic standards provide no operational guidelines on how to improve nutrient management, a concept was developed to improve N-efficiency on the farm level. N-import into the farm and N-flow through subordinate sub-systems (?livestock?, ?dung storage/ distribution?, ?arable land/pasture?, and ?feed storage/distribution?) were assessed on 9 organic and 7 conventional dairy farms, based on farm specific data and by making use of equations from the literature to estimate relevant figures. N-efficiency varied considerably between sub-systems within and between farms, however showing no significant difference between the production methods. The results indicate a large but farm specific potential for improvements, contradicting any attempts of generalised statements and recommendations. Instead of minimum standards, a high level of N-efficiency that is beyond the average of conventional farms should be established as a leading aim in organic agriculture to justify claims.
