Effect of Combined Application of Organic Farming Aid (OFA) and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Maize and Soil Microbial Properties in the Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different rates of organic farming aid (OFA) and inorganic fertilizer on the productivity of maize, chemical and microbial properties of soil for higher economic value. Field experiments were conducted during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at the research fields of CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute located at Nyankpala in the Guinea savannah agroecology of Ghana. The study consisted of five treatment combinations: full rate of OFA, full rate of NPK, 1/2 OFA + 1/2 NPK, full OFA + 1/2 NPK and a control (no OFA and no NPK) which were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Analysis of variance indicated significant (P 0.05) treatment and year interaction effect for all the growth parameters except for plant height, leaf area and leaf area index. Apart from hundred seed weight, treatment and year interaction effect for all the yield and yield components was significant (P 0.05). Application of full rate of NPK (90:60:60) resulted in the highest grain yield of 4960 kg·ha-1, however it was statistically similar to those obtained by the combined application of full rate of OFA (250 ml·ha-1) + 1/2 NPK and 1/2 OFA + 1/2 NPK with grain yield of 4856 kg·ha-1 and 4639 kg·ha-1 respectively. There was also a yield advantage of 197. 5%, 191.3%, 178.3 and 79.1% over the control for full NPK rate, full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK rate, 1/2 OFA rate + 1/2 NPK and full OFA rate respectively. Application of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK enhanced soil basal respiration (evolved CO2) and mineralizable C, implying that, combination of full OFA rate and NPK fertilizer would be necessary to boost soil microbial activity and soil labile nutrient pool (labile C pool). This suggests that combined use of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK fertilizer can be a better strategic tool for improving soil quality. The highest benefit cost ratios (BCR) of 2.58 and 3.77 were obtained following the application of full OFA rate + 1/2 NPK and 1/2 OFA rate + 1/2 NPK respectively. Hence, it could be concluded that complementary use of OFA and NPK is more profitable than using single inputs (either OFA or NPK). Thus, in promoting technology packages to farmers, development practitioners must carefully consider the complementary of inputs that are cost-effective but economically rewarding.

Review of History and Recent Development of Organic Farming Worldwide

The history of the organic farming worldwide was reviewed in this paper. The development of the organic farming worldwide had gone through three stages, emergence, expansion, and growth. The contributors and their thoughts during the different development stages of the organic farming were briefly introduced. And the development status of the organic farming worldwide was reviewed from the aspects of land area under organic management, land area under organic management in percentage of total agricultural area, and world markets for organic products. Besides, the main existing problems for the further development of the world＇s organic farming, as well as the development status, problems and strategies of the Chinese organic farming were discussed.

Determination of Selected Toxic Elements in Apples from Organic Farming

Due to the elevated ecological awareness nowadays the consumption of products of organic agriculture is increasing. Organic farming means excluding the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides or genetically modified organisms, but there are only a few regulations regarding heavy metal concentrations in soils. Thus a not negligible uptake of metals from the soil where the apple trees are grown may occur. Furthermore inorganic copper compounds being traditional fertilizers for apple trees are not considered as synthetic fertilizers, thus they are still used in organic apple farming for soil or foliar application. Thus also apples produced by organic agriculture may contain toxic elements, such as cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead. The concentrations of these elements were determined in whole apples, as well as in the flesh and peel in order to estimate the possible risk for human health. Prior to analysis using ICP-AES samples underwent a microwave assisted digestion. The LODs obtained are below the recommended maximum levels in vegetables/fruits by WHO. In all samples no Cu, Cr, and Pb could be detected. Only Ca was found in the peel of about a third of samples investigated in concentrations between LOD and LOQ （1-3 μg/g）.

Status and the Future of Organic Farming in the Republic of Macedonia and the Mediterranean Countries

In order to create or design a development, it is necessary to have a look backwards. To identify and understand the resources based on the possessed knowledge, steps for development are proposed. But, no less important is to understand the surrounding, what others are doing/planning, as it will save precious time in inventing something which is maybe already implemented elsewhere. Based on that assumption, this paper deals with the analysis of the current status of the organic farming （O.F.） in Macedonia and the Mediterranean countries, as they are closest to the soil and climate conditions that exist in Macedonia as well. This paper will try to give answer to the question ＂how to maintain the present level of development and to set parameters which should be used in order to reach further development＂. The analysis process was implemented by using SWOT （strength, weakness, opportunity, and threats） analysis for Macedonia and the Mediterranean countries. The analysis result indicates that there are numerous common factors, resources, structures, and gaps in the organic sector. This paper＇s goal is to present a list of strategic goals and instruments for development of O.F. in Macedonia and Mediterranean countries. The data related to the facts and visions are referred to the Republic of Macedonia, but relevant data on EU countries, candidate-countries, and south Mediterranean countries are presented as well. The conclusions are with special accent to the new possibilities for development of O.F. in the near future, especially through applicative scientific research activities.

Constraints, and Implications of Organic Farming in Bananas and Plantains Production Sustainability in Benin

Bananas and plantains production is an important income source for millions of small farmers. The increased demand for bananas and plantains on national and international market would justify its value chain development. However, its value chain faces several constraints, of which production and marketing turn out to be the most important. This study aimed at determining and analyzing the constraints related to Bananas and Plantains value chain and showing the gaps between agroecological and agricultural practices used by farmers in southern Benin. Characterization was carried out on the seed production systems, agricultural practices, bananas and plantains production, fruit availability and commercialization constraints with farmers using individual and focus groups surveys. Bananas and plantains seedlings production and acquisition varied according to production areas. Their seedlings self-production was widespread in production areas and 26 cultivars have been identified as major. The availability of these cultivars varied across time and production areas. There were significant negative effects of agricultural practices on major banana pest’s presence. Bananas and plantains production was limited by 12 factors, from which banana plants fall related to the wind, lack of financial support to irrigate banana fields, climate changes, no availability of cultivable lands and low rainfall are revealed to be the most important. Regarding commercialization constraints, low sale prices and difficult access to markets were the most important. Better knowledge of bananas and plantains production systems would help to develop sustainable organic farming strategies to reduce the constraints identified.

Factory Farming or Organic Farming:An Issue of Animal Cruelty in A Thousand Acres

Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres is one of her most famous and most studied works.Among several conflicts across the novel,one is often unnoticed.That is the conflict between factory farming and organic farming,represented respectively by Ginny’s father and husband,and by Ginny’s lover and the neighbor.Through a depiction of the expansion of factory farming and the failure of organic farming in the novel,Smiley exposes animal cruelty in factory farming,and attaches importance to animal welfare and human-animal relationship.

AIC-Based Selection of Growth Models: The Case of Piglets from Organic Farming

The selection and comparison of different growth models for describing weight gain of piglets raised in organic farming is investigated by using the Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC). In total, 49,699 data points of 5188 piglets recorded between 2007 and 2013 were considered. From the day of birth, up to 40 days (i.e. until weaning) the model of von Bertalanffy was favored by the AIC. This model is with 60.32% more likely to truly reflect reality than any other of the analyzed models. Up to 105 days, the two-linear model was favored by the AIC (probability 99.75%). The intersection point of the two-linear model was calculated by 53.8 days, which fitted well to the actual change in the food situations.

Gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Infants'nutrition significantly influences their growth,development,and overall well-being.With the increasing demand for organic infant formula driven by the perception of health benefits and growing awareness of natural feeding options,it is crucial to conduct a comparative analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability between organic and traditional infant formulas.AIM To provide a concise and precise analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula.Due to limited direct comparisons,the review synthesizes available literature on each formula type,presenting insights into their potential effects on infants'digestive health.METHODS An extensive literature search was conducted,compiling studies on organic and traditional infant formulas,their compositions,and reported effects on gastrointestinal tolerability.We searched academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and specialized nutrition,paediatrics,and infant health journals using relevant keywords till October 1,2023.RESULTS Although specific comparative studies are scarce and formula heterogeneity is a significant limitation,this systematic review provides an in-depth understanding of organic infant formulas'composition and potential benefits.While scientific evidence directly comparing gastrointestinal tolerability is limited,organic formulas strive to use carefully selected organic ingredients to imitate breast milk composition.Potential benefits include improved lipid profiles,higher methionine content,and decreased antibiotic-resistant bacteria levels.Understanding the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic and traditional infant formulas is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.CONCLUSION Despite limitations in direct comparisons,this systematic review provides insights into the composition and potential benefits of organic infant formulas.It emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate their gastrointestinal effects comprehensively.

Comparison of Soil Fauna (Oribatids and Enchytraeids)Between Conventional and Organic (Tillage and No-Tillage Practices) Farming Crop Fields in Japan

The major soil animal groups, enchytraeid worms and oribatid mites, were compared in the abundance and diversity between conventional fields (CT) and organic farming fields with tillage (OT) or no-tillage (ON) practices. The values of abundance, species richness, diversity and evenness were significantly larger in OT and ON than in CT, indicating that the abundance and diversity in organic farming fields were greater than those in conventional farming. The community structure of enchytraeid genera was different between OT and ON. Enchytraeus was the most abundant in OT, while Fridericia in ON. The abundance of oribatids in OT was similar to that in ON, while the species richness and diversity in the former were smaller. These results suggested that no-tillage practice under organic management might contribute to the improvement in quality of soil mesofauna.

Changes of Metabolites and Macro- and Micro-elements in Hungarian Potatoes under Organic and Conventional Farming

To study the effect of cultivation system （conventional and organic） on potato tuber components, 42 parameters （anti-nutritives, micro- and macro-elements and 23 metabolites） were studied in three multi-resistant Hungarian potato varieties for three years in 2007-2009. Discriminant analysis of data proved that all investigated factors （farming technology, genotype and season/year） had significant effect on metabolites. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic （HPLC-DAD, HPLC-MS） and elemental analysis methods have been adapted to quantify the major components, i.e., steroidal alkaloids, nitrite, nitrate, sugars, amino acids and micro-elements, in potato tubers. The absolute amount and changes of tuber components were influenced differentially by the technology, genotype and season in a complex manner. Any examined component, except nitrate content, was found to be significantly higher or lower consistently in relation to the production practice （organic or conventional） during the three years trials. Under the examined circumstances, no consequent positive effect of organic fanning on the total amount of anti-nutritive components, vitamins or micro- and macro-elements of potato tubers could be proven.

C4-Napier Grass Cultivation for Cadmium Phytoremediation Activity and Organic Livestock Farming in Kyushu, Japan

Napier grass （Pennisetum purpureum Schumach）, a C4 tropical plant, has high dry matter productivity and sustainability without the need for renovating every year due to good overwintering ability and the absence of serious pathogens or insects injury. This grass is suitable for multipurpose use, providing forage, bioethanol feedstock and phytoremediation of cadmium （Cd） contaminated soil in Kyushu, Japan. When two cultivars of Napier grass （Wruk wona, WK and Merkeron, ME） were grown in Cd-contaminated soils, dry matter yield and the concentration and uptake of herbage Cd were higher in WK than in ME, and soil Cd concentration was reduced by 14% in a single season of cultivation. A dwarf variety of late-heading type （DL）, Napier grass had superior sustainability for more than 5 years in Miyazaki, Japan, and has gradually increased in cultivation areas for both cut-and-carry and grazing herbage production in cooperation with regional communities. Through the extension in several Kyushu areas, DL Napier grass required temperatures above -6.2 ~C for sustainability in winter, based on its threshold response to the lethal minimum temperature. DL Napier grass pasture can be utilized by grazing beef cattle even in early spring with temperate Italian ryegrass inter-sown into its inter-row spaces. Organic digested animal manure or sun-dried leguminous leaves as green manure can replace chemical fertilizers to reduce energy consumption and allow comparable productivity.

Chemical and Biological Properties of Apple Orchard Soils under Natural, Organic, Hybrid, and Conventional Farming Methods

Apples in Japan are generally cultivated under management systems that use chemical fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides. However, the continuous use of these fertilizers and pesticides damages the soil environment and reduces the number of soil microorganisms. In this study, we compared the chemical and biological properties of 12 soils from apple orchards in Aomori and Nagano Prefectures under four types of management systems, namely, natural conditions, with no cultivation, fertilizers, or pesticides;organic farming methods, using organic materials and pesticides approved by the Japanese Agricultural Standard organic certification system;hybrid farming methods, using a mix of organic and chemical fertilizers;and conventional farming, using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), nitrate-nitrogen (NO? 3), and available phosphoric acid (SP) contents were generally found to be the highest where organic farming methods were used. Similarly, bacterial biomass, nitrification (N) circulation activity, ammonia (NH+ 4) oxidation activity, nitrite (NO? 2) oxidation activity, and phosphoric (P) circulation activity were the highest under organic farming, especially in comparison with conventional farming. This study indicated that the differences in apple sugar content, acidity, and sugar/acidity ratio between different orchard management systems were due to different soil conditions, and soil conditions under organic farming management system in apple cultivation increased bacterial biomass while enhancing N and P circulation activity and high TC. On the other hand, the soil of conventional farming has the lowest total number of bacterial biomass and lowest material cycle such as N and P circulation activity. Analysis of the chemical and biological properties of these orchard soils indicated that soil conditions under organic farming management are the most suitable for increasing microbial numbers and enhancing N and P circulation activity.

Effects of Organic and Chemical Fertilizations and Microbe Inoculation on Physiology and Growth of Sweet Corn Plants

A pot culture experiment was carried out in a glasshouse to compare the physiology and growth of sweet corn plants (Zea mays L. cv. Honey Bantam) grown under organic and chemical fertilizations with or without microbial inoculation (MI). The organic fertilizer used was fermented mainly using rice bran and oil mill sludge, and the MI was a liquid product containing many beneficial microbes such as lactic acid bacteria, yeast, photosynthetic bacteria and actinomycetes. The application amounts of the organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizers were based on the same rate of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Sweet corn plants fertilized with organic materials inoculated with beneficial microbes grew better than those without inoculation. There were no significant differences in physiology and growth of the sweet corn plants between treatments of chemical fertilizers with and without MI. Among the organic fertilization treatments, only the sweet corn plants with organic fertilizer and MI applied 4 weeks before sowing had similar photosynthetic capacityj total dry matter yield and ear yield to those with chemical fertilizers. Sweet corn plants in other organic fertilization treatments were weaker in physiology and growth than those in chemical fertilization treatments. There was no significant variance among chemical fertilization treatments at different time. It is concluded from this research that this organic fertilizer would be more effective if it was inoculated with the beneficial microbes. Early application of the organic fertilizer with beneficial microbes before sowing was recommended to make the nutrients available before the rapid growth at the early stage and obtain a yield similar to or higher than that with chemical fertilizations.

Analysis of Differences in Productivity,Profitability and Soil Fertility Between Organic and Conventional Cropping Systems in the Tropics and Sub-tropics

Organic farming aims to stimulate soil fertility by avoiding the use of synthetic fertiliser inputs, relying instead on locally available natural resources. It is regarded by many as a sustainable alternative to conventional fanning because it ensures higher biodiversity, restricts environmental pollution, prevents land degradation and is easy to apply for smallholder and subsistence farmers. Although widely practiced and studied in temperate regions, little is known about the potential overall benefits of organic farming in the tropics and subtropics. This paper addresses this gap by undertaking an analysis of the differences between organic and conventional agriculture in the tropics and sub-tropics based on an extensive literature review including 88 papers with 458 data pairs. The comparison is based on three main indicators： yield, gross margin and soil organic carbon （SOC）. The differences between the organic and conventional systems for each of these main indicators is represented by the ratio of the value of the indicator in the organic system divided by the corresponding value in the conventional system. This was initially calculated for each data pair individually, and grouped by a variety of explanatory factors, such as precipitation, human development level, soil texture, crop type, organic input type, time after conversion and certification. The results demonstrate that under organic management, yields were on average 26% higher, gross margins 51% higher and soil organic carbon 53% higher than under conventional management. The highest yield increases in organic cropping systems were achieved in the least developed countries, in arid regions and on coarse soils. For gross margins, certification was the main reason for differences between organic and conventional systems. Certified farmers, mostly located in developed countries, receive significantly higher prices. Furthermore, organic farming in the driest regions results in higher profits than in other regions. Even though soil organic carbon was significantly higher overall under organic management, the results do not show significant differences when grouped by the explanatory factors. They do however suggest that the highest carbon sequestration potential occurs in systems that had a high level of inputs, in regions with 1000-1 500 mm of rainfall and on clayey soils.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Phosphorous on Growth of Roselle(Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

To investigate the performance of organic and inorganic phosphorous on growth of Roselle （Hibiscus sabdariffa L.）, an experiment was carried out at Newly Developmental Farm （NDF）, Horticulture Section, the university of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan, during 2012. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design （RCBD） with split plot arrangement and replicated three times. The chemical fertilizer Single Super Phosphate （SSP） was used as inorganic source of phosphorus, while Organic Phosphate （OP） from organic product produced by Niha corporation containing 20% organic mineralized P205, was used as the source of organic phosphorous. Both the sources of fertilizer were applied at the rate of 10, 20, 30 40 and 50 kg. hm2 and control. The statistical analysis of data revealed that both the sources and levels of phosphorus significantly affected most of the growth parameters of Roselle except germination percentage and survival percentage. Plant height （112.09 era）, numbers of leave plant1 （177.87）, numbers of branch plant1 （4.08）, leaf areas （126.60 cm2）, days to flowering （142.83）, fresh flower weight （2.56 g）, fresh calyx weight （1.70 g）, dry calyx weight （0.43 g）, numbers of calyces （94.10）, numbers of root plant-1 （11.03）, root length （22.67 cm） and root weight （27.50 g） were observed in plants fertilized with organic source of phosphorous. Phosphorous levels significantly affected all of the parameters except germination percentage and survival percentage. The maximum plant height （124.39 cm）, numbers of branches （5.32）, numbers of leave plantl （204.89）, leaf areas （148.14 cm2）, fresh flower weight （3.32 g）, fresh calyx weight （2.04 g）, dry calyx weight （0.51 g）, numbers of calyces （105.30）, numbers of root plant-1 （12.78）, root length （24.50 cm） and root weight （29.94 g） were observed in plants fertilized with 40 kg. hm-2 phosphorous and the maximum numbers of days to flowering （148.17） were observed in the control plants. It was concluded from the experimental results that organic phosphorous at the rate 40 kg. hm2 would be used for better production of Roselle under agro-climatic condition of Peshawar.

Social and Economic Considerations for Creating Sustainable Climate Change Haven Communities

As Climate Change Haven Communities are constructed across the Northern Hemisphere, it will be necessary to attract two types of migrants to populate them. The first group consists of professionals and companies in eco-sustainable businesses, such as law firms, insurance companies, investment firms, banking, technological innovation, mass media, medical research and pharmaceutical research. The second group will consist of persons engaged in organic/eco-sustainable agriculture whose crops and animal husbandry practices can be transferred successfully to Climate Change Haven regions. The present research focuses on the social and economic variables that must be taken into account to insure that each new Climate Change Haven Community becomes successfully integrated with the local population and forms a cohesive, harmonious social structure. Examples are given from the United States, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy.

Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxins in Organic Spelt and Its Products

This study shows that the main cause of Fusarium head blight of spelt was F. poae. In 2007 deoxynivalenol was found up to 0.27 mg/kg in 2 of 18 samples of winter spelt kernels from organic farms. Also in 3 samples T-2 toxin was found in amount below 0.075 mg/kg. Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A were not found in kernels. Among nine of the examined samples of winter spelt in 2008, DON was identified in all samples （up to 0.31 mg/kg）, while T-2 toxin, aflatoxins and OTA were not found. Among twenty of the examined cultivars of winter spelt, deoxynivalenol was identified in 6 samples （up to 0.3 mg/kg）, T-2 toxin was identified in one sample in very low amount （below 75 μg/kg） while aflatoxins and ochratoxin A were not found. Deoxynivalenol was found in following winter spelt cultivars： T. spelta L. album, T. spelta BG, T. spelta BG 1166, T. spelta, Schwabenspelz and Franckenkorn. T-2 toxin was identified in T. spelta L. album BG 31. Among 13 products from spelt, DON was detected in 1 sample, OTA in 1 sample and zearalenone in 1 sample, T-2 toxins and aflatoxins were not found.

Econometric Analysis of Risk Preference Patterns among Smallholder Organic Producers in South Africa

The article assesses the determinants of farmers＇ decisions to participate in organic farming, eliciting farmers risk preferences and empirically analysing farmer＇s sources of risk and risk management strategies. The ordered probit results indicate that older farmers, who are less risk averse and reside in the sub-ward Ogagwini, Ezigani and Hwayi were more likely to be certified organic. Similarly, the propensity to adopt organic farming is positively correlated to household size, livestock ownership, asset base and tenure security. At higher pay-offs, farmers were intermediate to moderately risk-averse, with little variation according to personal characteristics. In general, price, production and financial risks were perceived as important sources of risk. Seven principal components, explaining 66.13% of the variation were extracted. Socio-economic factors having a significant effect on the various sources of risk were age, gender, education, location, information access and risk taking ability. The dimensions of risk strategies were named as diversification, precautionary savings and social networks. Results provide practical insights for policy changes relevant in motivating the adoption of organic practices, increasing smallholder farmers＇ capacity to manage risk and driving growth in the organic food market.

Comparison of Organic Sector Development in Six Balkan Countries

The study elaborates and examines a method for evaluation of organic farming development according to 10 indicators estimated by experts＇ opinion. It could be used for making comparisons in different countries, regions, or even time periods on the basis of the 10 main indicators determined considering organic operators, organic area, organic production, organic farms＇ structure, resources, access to market, institutional support, education and training, science and technology, environmental protection, each one of them including sub-indicators. The proposed organic development index （ODI） could be used as a complex indicator for organic sector development embracing different and very significant aspects rather than only nowadays used organic area, percentage, sales, etc collected data for which are still questionable and difficult. The method was put into practice for six Balkan countries （Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, and Romania）. The calculations of ODI show very low results--not well developed and competitive sector suffering the interference of international open markets. Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania perform better while Western Balkan countries （Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina） are still at the beginning of organic sector development.

Diversity of Organic Produce in Indonesia

Organic farming in Indonesia has been developed quite pass in the last five years. This evidence was pushed by increasing the demand either in domestic or in foreign market. The increase of demand was due to the icrease of awareness of society to healthy and savety food for people. Related to this isues the Government of Indonesia has built an Organic Farming Competence Authority （OKPO）. This Competent has responsibilities to facilitate and administrate organic farming business in Indonesia. The diversity of organic produced in Indonesia is mostly paddy/rice, and followed by other organic products such as nutmeg, cashew nut, cinnamon, capsicum, mangosteen, brown sugar or other coconut products, cocoa bean, coffee bean, clover, pepper, Zalacca, lychee, longan, duku （lanseh） and some fruits and vegetables. Mostly organic produce is exported to foreign coutries. There are also some assosiations such as Indonesia Organic Aliance （AOI）, Indonesia Farmer Organic Assosiation （APOI）, Community Concern Organic Farmer （CCOF） who support the development of organic movement. Certification Body for Competency of Inspectors and Facilitators for organic divelopment either for plant or livestock has just been established.