Organic farming is based on the natural cycles of energy and nutrients, and relies on the use of crop rotations, compost and green manure. 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".
This Scientific Session invites you to contribute with your experience in organic farming in relation to soil changes (biota, water, mineral and organic matter, erosion), soil productivity, plant protection, food quality or socio-economic aspects. Studies focused on optimal energy efficiency, water footprint (with an emphasis in green and grey water), greenhouse gasses (GHC) and soil nutrient balancing as indicators of sustainable agricultural practices, are also welcomed. Research conducted on different continents will be shown in order to know the sustainability of organic agriculture under different environmental, social and economic conditions. All these studies could provide robust scientific basis for governmental agricultural policies development and decision tools for stockholders.

The session will be organized with solicited speakers and abstracts. Fundings 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, are greatly appreciated.