Organic farming reduces CO2 emissions by retaining carbon in the soil as well as reducing the energy needed to produce crops. A long-term study by the US-based Rodale Institute found that soil carbon increased by nearly 30% with organic practices, while conventional system showed no significant increases in either soil carbon or nitrogen.

This demonstrates that organic farming methods increase stored carbon and retain other nutrients because organic soils hold these nutrients in place for uptake by plants. Also, organically growing practices were found to use 63% less fossil fuels, resulting in an additional reduction of CO2 released into the atmosphere. 

The study concluded that organic farming can reduce the output of carbon dioxide by 37-50% as well as reducing costs and increase our planet’s ability to positively absorb and utilize greenhouse gases. These methods maximize benefits for the individual farmer as well as for society as a whole.

http://www.strauscom.com/rodale-whitepaper/

Related articles: