Organic farming is based on the natural cycles of energy and matter. Organic farming regulations support the use of crop rotations, compost, manure and green manure, with the subsequent effects on soil properties. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) agrees to define the “Organic agriculture as a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects". In the same way, increasing interest in production of renewable energy by using crops, crop residuals, or purposely grown feedstocks may further intensify agricultural management and practices. Thus, understanding the impact of the management on energy and greenhouse gases (GHG) balances of agricultural systems could provide a basis for sustainable and environment friendly choices and policies. While with energy balances we will compare different agricultural systems and managements, we will use GHG balances to compare proposed systems for biofuel feedstock production (or energy production) by agriculture. Calculation of the energy efficiency could provide robust scientific basis for governmental agricultural policy development and decision tools for stockholders.
This Scientific Session invites you to contribute with your experience on soil properties (biota, water, mineral and organic matter) and soil productivity under organic farming. Studies focused on renewable energies and energy efficiency as an instrument of economic growth and social well-being, with lower CO2 emissions and environmental impact, are also welcomed.

After the session, selected abstracts (orals and posters) will be proposed for an Special Issue of an International Journal.

Funding provided by INIA (Spanish National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology), CEIGRAM (Research Centre for the Management of Agricultural and Environmental Risks)and Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN) through projects no. RTA2011-00104-C04-03, CGL2008-02879/BTE and AGL2010-21501/AGR, respectively, is greatly appreciated.