Changes in soil ecosystem

Aside from attitude change, the other part to the conversion story is the change that occurs to the farm, particularly within the soil. Converting organic growers are usually attempting to rebuild soil ecosystems that have been destroyed by vegetation removal, burning, cultivation, chemical fertilisers and broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides, over a period of perhaps 150 years or so.

The organic soil management regime may require use of green manures, mulches, carbon-based organic fertilisers, changed rotations and new crops (or at least cultivars) in the rotation, alteration to irrigation delivery, new tillage equipment and amended stocking rates.

Other changes required in the physical environment of the farm may include protection of hilltops, creek banks, steep slopes, provision of refuge areas for natural beneficial animals and insects, and protection of spray-affected boundaries, which need to be re-fenced and treed.

These changes take time and require financial planning. Soil changes in particular are the essential reason for requiring a time period for conversion prior to certification as an organic unit.