EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF ORGANIC FARMING ON SOIL HEALTH AND CROP YIELD IN COMPARISON TO CONVENTIONAL AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

Abstract

The increasing degradation of agricultural soils and environmental concerns associated with intensive conventional farming have intensified the need to explore sustainable alternatives. This study presents a mixed-method experimental comparison of organic and conventional farming systems to evaluate their impacts on soil health and crop yield performance. Field experiments conducted across multiple seasons assessed key soil physicochemical and biological indicators, including soil organic carbon, nutrient availability, microbial biomass, water-holding capacity, and soil quality index, alongside crop yield and yield stability metrics. The results indicate that organic farming significantly enhances soil biological activity, structural integrity, and nutrient cycling efficiency compared to conventional systems. Although conventional management occasionally achieved marginally higher short-term yields, organic systems demonstrated greater yield stability and resilience across seasons. Integrated analyses revealed a strong positive relationship between improved soil health and sustained crop productivity under organic management. The study also highlights the ecological benefits of organic farming, including increased biodiversity, reduced pest pressure, and lower environmental pollution risks. Overall, the findings suggest that organic farming provides substantial long-term agronomic and environmental advantages, supporting sustainable food production without compromising ecosystem health. The study contributes empirical evidence to the ongoing debate on the feasibility of organic agriculture as a cornerstone of sustainable and resilient global food systems.