http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/296/5573/1694?ijkey=Fh/EYrZtSiFKc&keytype=ref&siteid=sci
European researchers examined several ag systems including BD. "Organic" and BD are pretty similar in yield, lower than conventional ag, but with less inputs so that profits are comparable. What is interesting is the pronounced difference between BD and "organic" regarding soil microbiota. Both have better organic structure due to use of compost but BD shows some dramatic differences in the bio-activity level of the soil. The lower yields are a disappointment -- one could wish they had tested for food quality rather than just quantity. I also wonder if the BD practices could have been improved, given that they report Phytophtora blight on the "organic" and BD potatoes contributed to lower yield. In contrast, grain yield was 90% of conventional
David Robison
