Photo credit: Navaneeth KN

A new study published in theInternational Journal of Current Microbiology and AppliedScienceshas found that organic farming is linked to greater soil health and higher levels of micronutrients than conventional farming.  Researchers sampled soil from organic and conventional farms in 11 districts of Haryana, India.  Organically farmed soils had significantly higher levels of zinc (44% higher than conventional soils), iron (21% higher than conventional soils), copper (7.5% higher than conventional soils) and magnesium (6% higher than conventional soils).  “It can be concluded from results of the study that organic farming sustains a higher micronutrient level in soils as compared to their counterparts and thereby sustaining the soil quality,” the authors wrote.