Event Title
Effects of Organic vs. Traditional Agriculture on Soil Health
Presentation Type
Oral and/or Visual Presentation
Presenter Major(s)
Natural Resource Management
Mentor Information
C. "Griff" Griffin
Department
Biology
Location
Kirkhof Center 1142
Start Date
11-4-2012 2:00 PM
Keywords
Environment
Abstract
By conducting field, laboratory and library research I hope to determine what biological differences occur in soils of farms that use organic agriculture and those that use traditional practices. I will obtain samples from organic and non-organic farms and test the samples to compare percentages, ratios and abundances of various soil factors. Laboratory testing will determine the samples’ pH, moisture content, organic material, nutrient levels, bulk density, and texture. I expect to see less soil erosion with organic farming as well as significant differences between the soils’ organic matter, moisture, and bulk density. I anticipate greater quantities of micronutrients in soils that are organically farmed but don’t expect much difference in macronutrients. If my predictions are correct they could have beneficial implications for the future use of organic farming, and I may be able to use the data to convey the benefits of farming organically to farmers.
Effects of Organic vs. Traditional Agriculture on Soil Health
Kirkhof Center 1142
By conducting field, laboratory and library research I hope to determine what biological differences occur in soils of farms that use organic agriculture and those that use traditional practices. I will obtain samples from organic and non-organic farms and test the samples to compare percentages, ratios and abundances of various soil factors. Laboratory testing will determine the samples’ pH, moisture content, organic material, nutrient levels, bulk density, and texture. I expect to see less soil erosion with organic farming as well as significant differences between the soils’ organic matter, moisture, and bulk density. I anticipate greater quantities of micronutrients in soils that are organically farmed but don’t expect much difference in macronutrients. If my predictions are correct they could have beneficial implications for the future use of organic farming, and I may be able to use the data to convey the benefits of farming organically to farmers.