Studies of agroecology in long-term organic cropping systems
An international scientific workshop to celebrate the 25 years anniversary of the long-term experiment on organic arable
crop rotations at Aarhus University – Foulum
Innovating and developing cropping systems for the benefit of high production of quality foods as well as the support of soil resources and other services such as low environmental footprint and climate impacts requires deep understanding of the ecological functions of cropping systems. This is of importance in systems that rely on organic farming principles, where agroecological approaches are critical to maintain long-term fertility, for ecosystem services and the support of productivity.
Ongoing long-term experiments (LTE) have provided evidence on the short- versus long-term implications of the interacting processes between soils, plants and the soil fauna. They have also provided important information about soil, nutrient and crop management and effects on yields, nitrogen balance and soil carbon. Finally they have served as living laboratories for the innovation of sustainable cropping practices.