Gemischtbetrieb mit Viehhaltung vs. viehloser Ökolandbau 3. Rotation im Dauerfeldversuch Gladbacherhof

An organic long-term field experiment with two factors has been carried out since 1998 at the experimental station Gladbacherhof, University of Gießen. The effects of different farm types (with and without lifestock raising) combined with tillage treatments on plants, soil and environment have been investigated. This article presents results on soil fertility and cash crop yields according to the farm system especially in the 2nd and 3rd rotation. All in all, the superiority of a management system with cattle over stockless organic farming is demonstrated. The mixed farm type led to higher amounts of humus in the soil and to higher yields. Long term reduction of humus in stockless farming is not acceptable. Therefore it is advisable that every crop rotation in organic farming should include a legume fodder crop element as a main crop