Comparison of risk in organic, integrated and conventional cropping systems in eastern Norway

The aim of this study was to compare risk of organic, integrated and conventional cropping systems. Experimental cropping system data (1991-1999) from eastern Norway were combined with farm budget data. Empirical distributions of net farm income for different cropping systems were estimated with a simulation model. The results show that the organic system had the greatest net farm income variability, but both the existing payment system and organic price premiums make it the most economically viable alternative

Effects of NPK

Series of farming practice methods have been employed to increase maize production but there is no adequate information on the effect of these methods on the nutritional and mineral content of organically grown maize. This study investigated the effects of inorganic and biochar fertilized soils on the proximate composition and mineral content of maize. Maize seeds were planted on organically fertilized soil (sawdust and gliricidia biochar), chemically fertilized soil Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK fertilizer), and soil without any amendment as control. The proximate compositions (protein, ash, crude fat, carbohydrate, and moisture) and mineral contents (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn) of the maize flour samples were determined using standard methods. The results showed that protein content ranged from 4.58% to 7.24% (protein), ash 0.82% to 1.09%, crude fat 3.84% to 4.61%, moisture 9.76% to 10.60%, and carbohydrate 76.85% to 80.31%. There was no significant (p ≤ 0.05) difference among the proximate compositions except for protein and carbohydrate. Maize planted on NPK fertilized soil had the highest crude protein content of 7.24%. Other results obtained included sodium (55.65 mg/100 g), magnesium (35.87 mg/100 g), and iron (6.78 mg/100 g). Maize from soil without amendments was significantly higher than maize from NPK fertilized and biochar fertilized soils. Also, maize from control plot had the highest calcium content value of 48.95 mg/100 g. We concluded that maize planted with NPK fertilizer had higher nutrient than those planted with biochar application. Also, the mineral content of maize planted in control plot was higher than those on the amended soil