Environmental, energetic, and economic comparisons of organic and conventional farming systems

Abstract

Since 1981, the Rodale Institute Farming Systems Trial (FST) has compared organic and conventional grain-based farming systems. The results presented here represent a 22-year study of these farming systems, based on environmental impacts, economic feasibility, energetic efficiency, soil quality, and other performance criteria. The information from this trial can be a tool for developing agricultural policies more in tune with the environment while increasing energy efficiency and economic returns.