AGRICULTURE REPORT - Organic Farming Study

AGRICULTURE REPORT
–
June 25, 2002: Organic Farming Study

By George Grow

(Photo -Scott Bauer)
This is the VOA Special English Agriculture Report.

Agricultural scientists in Switzerland have demonstrated the long-term effects of organic farming methods.
Organic farms use no man-made chemicals to increase crops or control insects and disease. The study showed
that organic fields produced fewer crops, on average, than other fields. However, the scientists say the organic
methods improved the health of the soil and used half as much energy.

Scientists at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture in Frick, Switzerland, supervised
the study. They reported their findings in Science magazine, the publication of the
American Association for the Advancement¹ of Science.

It was one of the longest-running studies of its kind. The Swiss scientists compared the
effects of organic and traditional farming methods over a period of more than twenty years.
They grew crops on four fields of land in Switzerland.

Two fields were grown using traditional farming methods. The others were grown using
organic farming methods. The scientists grew potatoes, barley², winter wheat, beets³ and
grass clover. The crops, planting methods, and soil use were similar in all the fields studied.

The study found that the organic fields produced about twenty percent fewer crops than the other fields.
However, the farmers used less fertilizer and energy on the organic fields. They found the organic fields were
healthier.

The scientists say the organic fields had more nutrients⁴ in the soil. The soils in the organic fields also had more
biological activity than the other fields. The organic fields had more helpful organisms and a larger number of
different organisms. The organic fields had almost two times as many insects, including helpful insects. In
traditional farming, chemicals designed to kill harmful insects also can kill helpful ones.

The researchers say the findings show that organic crop production rates change little over time, and that soil
fertility increases. They say the findings suggest that organic farmers can help the environment by increasing soil
fertility.

Organic farming is becoming increasingly popular in some countries. Many people believe that eating organic
food is more healthful than eating food grown with chemicals. Some people are willing to pay more money to
buy organic food.

This VOA Special English Agriculture Report was written by George Grow.

Email this article to a friend
Printer Friendly Version

1 advancement   

n.前进，促进，提升

参考例句：

• His new contribution to the advancement of physiology was well appreciated.他对生理学发展的新贡献获得高度赞赏。
• The aim of a university should be the advancement of learning.大学的目标应是促进学术。

2 barley   

n.大麦，大麦粒

参考例句：

• They looked out across the fields of waving barley.他们朝田里望去,只见大麦随风摇摆。
• He cropped several acres with barley.他种了几英亩大麦。

3 beets   

甜菜( beet的名词复数 )； 甜菜根； （因愤怒、难堪或觉得热而）脸红

参考例句：

• Beets are Hank's favorite vegetable. 甜菜根是汉克最爱吃的蔬菜。
• In this enlargement, barley, alfalfa, and sugar beets can be differentiated. 在这张放大的照片上，大麦，苜蓿和甜菜都能被区分开。

4 nutrients   

n.（食品或化学品）营养物，营养品( nutrient的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• a lack of essential nutrients 基本营养的缺乏
• Nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. 营养素被吸收进血液。 来自《简明英汉词典》