organic farming method uses land far more efficiently and with less environmental impact than conventional farming methods, shows a 21-year study. Unlike conventional farming, organic farming uses no synthetic fertilisers or pesticides. Because of this, organic crop yield is little less. The study conducted by scientists from Switzerland-based Research Institute of Organic Agriculture shows that organic approach more than makes up the difference in crop yields through its ecological benefits. During their study, the scientists compared performance of agricultural plots using organic and conventional methods.

They found that overall, the organic systems were able to produce more with less energy and fewer resources. Over the course of the study, organic farmers added 34 per cent to 51 per cent less nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients to the soil than conventional farmers. Even so, crop yields from organic systems were just 20 per cent lower than those from the conventional systems, which the scientists say shows that the organic systems use their resources more efficiently. The organic soils were also found to be better in other key ways: they hosted a larger and more diverse community of organisms. This was also true for soil microbes. "Our results suggest that, by enhancing soil fertility, organic farmers help in increasing biodiversity,' says Paul M