Efficiency and Productivity of Organic Farming
Carbon in the atmosphere is dangerous but in the soil it is beneficial. The environmental benefits of organic farming are closely connected to soil carbon. Carbon is the major constituent of soil organic matter, which is vital in holding moisture and plant foods in the soil.
Soil organic matter, when biologically active, is called colloidal humus. Farmers call this compost. It is what earthworms also produce from soil organic matter like dead plants, when soil conditions allow air into the soil. Under these conditions, the soil develops a crumb structure like fresh bread, and the beneficial microbes in the soil are able to thrive. This keeps pathogens that cause plant diseases under control.
For 100 years, organic farmers have been arguing that colloidal humus should be at the heart of agricultural production. It suppresses pathogens, supports beneficial soil microbes, holds soil moisture and keeps plant nutrients available to tiny plant feeder roots.
Jeremy Keith