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The implications of phasing out conventional nutrient supply in organic agriculture: Denmark as a case

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An Erratum to this article was published on 21 November 2015

Abstract

Soil fertility management in organic systems, regulated by the organic standards, should seek to build healthy, fertile soils and reduce reliance on external inputs. The use of nutrients from conventional sources, such as animal manures from conventional farms, is currently permitted, with restrictions, in the organic regulations. However, the reliance of organic agriculture on the conventional system is considered problematic. In light of this, the organic sector in Denmark has recently decided to gradually phase out, and ultimately ban, the use of conventional manures and straws in organic agriculture in Denmark. Core focal areas for phasing out conventional nutrients are as follows: (1) amendments to crop selection and rotations, (2) alternative nutrient sources (organic wastes) and (3) increased cooperation between organic livestock and arable farmers. Using Denmark as a case, this article discusses the background and implications of the strategy to phase out conventional manure and straw, and explores possible solutions to the challenge of ensuring a sustainable nutrient supply to organic systems. Alternative strategies to ensure nutrient supply will require a tapestry of small solutions. One element of this tapestry is to review the volume and type of nutrient sources available in alternative, non-farm organic waste streams and consider their suitability for use in organic systems.

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Notes

  1. For straw, from 2015, organic farmers will be required to document that: (1) straw used has not been sprayed with pesticide up to 1 month before harvest and (2) that no crop growth regulator has been applied. From 2021, the use of non-organic straw can only occur if approved by the authorities.

  2. For straw, the legislative requirements of proving the origin of straw require further investigation by The Danish AgriFish Agency. However, the new strategy stresses the desire to work towards a reduction in use of non-organic straw in organic agriculture.

  3. Animal manure includes faeces and urine excreted by the animal as well as bedding material and spilt feed depending on the different production systems

  4. According to Kyed et al. (2006), conventional pig slurry is the primary type of imported manure to organic farms. The proportion (DK total) of applied manures in 2002 was as follows: deep bedding, 26 %; cattle slurry, 39 %; pig slurry, 17 %; other liquid, 14 %; and other, 4 %.

  5. For specific scenarios, please see Fog (2010) and Tersbøl (2008).

  6. Particularly when used as a substrate for plant propagation.

  7. Heavy metals of concern are primarily cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr).

  8. For an overview of organic contaminants, see Table 2 in Smith (2009b).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark

    Myles Oelofse, Lars Stoumann Jensen & Jakob Magid

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  1. Myles Oelofse
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  2. Lars Stoumann Jensen
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  3. Jakob Magid
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Correspondence to Myles Oelofse.

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An erratum to this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13165-015-0139-x.

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Oelofse, M., Jensen, L.S. & Magid, J. The implications of phasing out conventional nutrient supply in organic agriculture: Denmark as a case. Org. Agr. 3, 41–55 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-013-0045-z

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