Organic agriculture and climate change

Abstract

This article discusses the mitigation and adaptation potential of organic agricultural systems along three main features: farming system design, cropland management and grassland and livestock management. An important potential contribution of organically managed systems to climate change mitigation is identified in the careful management of nutrients and, hence, the reduction of N2O emissions from soils. Another high mitigation potential of organic agriculture lies in carbon sequestration in soils. In a first estimate, the emission reduction potential by abstention from mineral fertilizers is calculated to be about 20% and the compensation potential by carbon sequestration to be about 40–72% of the world's current annual agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but further research is needed to consolidate these numbers. On the adaptation side, organic agriculture systems have a strong potential for building resilient food systems in the face of uncertainties, through farm diversification and building soil fertility with organic matter. Additionally, organic agriculture offers alternatives to energy-intensive production inputs such as synthetic fertilizers which are likely to be further limited for poor rural populations by rising energy prices. In developing countries, organic agricultural systems achieve equal or even higher yields, as compared to the current conventional practices, which translate into a potentially important option for food security and sustainable livelihoods for the rural poor in times of climate change. Certified organic products cater for higher income options for farmers and, therefore, can serve as promoters for climate-friendly farming practices worldwide.

Review: Redesigning Canadian prairie cropping systems for profitability, sustainability, and resilience

“…In contrast, well-designed organic farming systems that effectively harness ecological processes are both productive and environmentally sustainable (Halberg 2012). Organic systems also have potential for mitigation of climate change through reductions in N 2 O emissions, elimination of synthetic fertilizers, and C sequestration, and for adaptation to climate change through farm diversification, building of soil organic matter, and independence from external inputs (Scialabba and Mu¨ller-Lindenlauf 2010).…”

Organic Agriculture and Undernourishment in Developing Countries: Main Potentials and Challenges

“…uses water more efficiently (Thierfelder Muller & Davis, 2009;Thierfelder & Wall, 2009;Giller et al, 2003;Lotter et al, 2003); 2. relies much less on fossil fuels (Scialabba & Müller-Lindenlauf, 2010); 3. prevents land degradation and even improves soil fertility (Niggli et al, 2007;Kaihura et al, 1999); 4. is more resistant to drought (Muller & Davis, 2009;Thierfelder & Wall, 2009;Lotter et al, 2003;Ramesh et al, 2005); 5. produces higher yields under dry conditions (Muller & Davis, 2009;Thierfelder & Wall, 2009;Lotter et al, 2003;Ramesh et al, 2005); 6. includes local knowledge/varieties (Willer & Yussefi, 2007;Muller & Davis, 2009);and 7. is more resistant to pests (Meyling et al, 2010;Birkhofer et al, 2008;Letrouneau & Bothwell, 2008;Badgley et al, 2007;FAO, 2007;Marinari et al, 2006).…”

“…On top of these advantages, OA contributes to climate change mitigation (Scialabba & Müller-Lindenlauf, 2010;Niggli et al, 2007;Borron, 2006;Kotschi & Müller-Sämann, 2004;Hansen et al, 2001;Hodge, 1993) and stimulates biodiversity (Norton et al, 2009;Mäder et al, 2002).…”

Mitigating Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Review of Scientific Information for Food System Planning

“…In 2004, 77% of total global anthropogenic emissions (49,000 MtCO 2 e) were from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), 14% from methane (CH 4 ), 8% from nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and 1% from other GHGs (IPCC, 2007b). The global food system is estimated to contribute at minimum onethird of all global anthropogenic emissions, more than twice that of the transport sector (IPCC, 2007a;Scialabba & Muller-Lindenlauf, 2010). Agriculture alone contributes between 10% and 25% of annual GHGs, both directly and indirectly, through land-use changes, land management, and production practices (Scialabba & MullerLindenlauf, 2010;Smith…Sirotenko, 2007).…”

“…Regionally appropriate improved agriculture practices can reduce the amount of GHGs entering the atmosphere (Scialabba & Muller-Lindenlauf, 2010;Smith…Sirotenko, 2007), and carbon sequestration is considered a partial solution to short-and medium-term removal of atmospheric carbon (Hutchinson, Campbell, & Desjardins, 2007;Lal, 2009;Morgan et al, 2010). However, the science of mitigating GHGs through agriculture is sometimes variable, conflicting, and inconclusive.…”