Article
Article
Organic agriculture
Article By:
Silva, Erin M. Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Last reviewed:November 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.475170
A system of food and fiber production that relies on the strategic management of the agroecosystem to foster plant and animal health and productivity, as opposed to reliance on external, synthetic agricultural inputs. As an ecological management system, organic agriculture uses site-specific agronomic, biological, and mechanical practices to maintain and increase long-term soil fertility and health while preventing pests and diseases. Further, organic agriculture strives to enhance other ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and water quality (Fig. 1). See also: Agroecosystem; Biodiversity; Food; Soil; Soil conservation; Soil ecology; Soil fertility
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