Does organic certification guarantee optimal soil health?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Organic certification indicates that synthetics are not used, but it says nothing about the health of the soil, the standards concern only what is prohibited, rather than exploring ways to manage soils. Healthy soils will exhibit measurable improvements in organic matter management, not just different inputs, which will lead to enhanced outcomes. Many certified farms still exhibit little biological activity, as evidenced by compaction, among other factors.
Authentic soil health is achieved through active management with regenerative practices. Among these practices are frequent compost applications made at rates determined by science. After crops, cover crops are employed to create continuous organic matter inputs. Indirectly creating soil carbon through reduced tillage practices also helps to maintain soil structure and biological networks. All of the practices above lead to improved soil..
Biological Metrics
- Microbial biomass carbon levels above 500 µg/g
- Earthworm counts exceeding 15 per cubic foot
- Active mycorrhizal colonization rates over 40%
- Respiration rates indicating microbial activity
Functional Capacity
- Water infiltration rates faster than 2 inches/hour
- Aggregate stability percentages above 60%
- Cation exchange capacity exceeding 20 meq/100g
- Organic matter mineralization rates
I've looked at certified organic farms with only 1.2% organic matter and their nearby regenerative farms, which have 6.5% organic matter. The regenerative farms had a 70% better water-holding capacity, and none of these farms required irrigation during drought periods. There can be no functional differences without actively managing carbon, which cannot be achieved by a certificate.
To successfully build soil, specific application techniques must be followed. Apply compost at the rate of 10 to 20 tons per acre before the start of planting season. Establish cover crops within 10 days following harvest. Limit tillage operations to the maximum depth of 6 inches. Measure soil biological activity quarterly with standardized tests.
It typically takes 3-5 years to transition to a regenerative practice from certified organic. Start by focusing on improving the quality of compost and the time of its application. Introduce mixtures of cover crops seasonally. Gradually reduce the intensity of tillage each year. This will result in measurable improvements in soil function beyond the requirements of certification.
Read the full article: Soil Organic Matter: The Essential Guide
