Conversion to organic strawberry management changes ecological processes

Abstract

A three-year comparison of conventional (guidelines recommended by UC Cooperative Extension) and organic (in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code Section 2659.11-.17 and the California Certified Organic Farmers guidelines and enforcement provisions) strawberry (cv. Chandler) production systems on the coast north of Santa Cruz was carried out during 1987-90 in a field where strawberries had not been grown before. Slower plant growth, lower yields and increased labour requirements were observed in the organic system. Little economically important pest damage, no nutrient deficiencies, an increase in naturally occurring predators and higher numbers of beneficial nematodes were also observed in the organic system. Although yields were significantly lower in the organic system in all three years, price premiums for organic fruits permitted favourable returns.