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Science 16 April 1993:
Vol. 260. no. 5106, pp. 344 - 349
DOI: 10.1126/science.260.5106.344
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Articles

Soil Quality and Financial Performance of Biodynamic and Conventional Farms in New Zealand

John P. Reganold 1, Alan S. Palmer 2, James C. Lockhart 3, and A. Neil Macgregor 2

1 Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
2 Department of Soil Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
3 Department of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems Management, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Biodynamic farming practices and systems show promise in mitigating some of the detrimental effects of chemical-dependent, conventional agriculture on the environment. The physical, biological, and chemical soil properties and economic profitability of adjacent, commercial biodynamic and conventional farms (16 total) in New Zealand were compared. The biodynamic farms in the study had better soil quality than the neighboring conventional farms and were just as financially viable on a per hectare basis.

Submitted on September 14, 1992
Accepted on March 4, 1993


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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Soil and Winegrape Quality in Biodynamically and Organically Managed Vineyards.
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Organic and Biodynamic Management: Effects on Soil Biology.
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Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 64, 1651-1659
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Performance of Soil Condition Indicators Across Taxonomic Groups and Land Uses.
L.A. Schipper and G.P. Sparling (2000)
Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 64, 300-311
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Statistical Analyses of Soil Quality.
D. A. Wardle and D. A. Wardle (1994)
Science 264, 281-282
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Response.
J. P. Reganold (1994)
Science 264, 282-283
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