This is also the first article I've seen mention daikon radishes - which come up here often.

Really? Were organic growers right all along?

I don't know - not clear to me that the folks above are advocating specifically for organic farming, although there's surely a lot of overlap (perhaps more so with no-till and cover cropping movements). Lots of farmers use manure and amend soil with organic materials (compost) and also use fertilizers, etc.

Overall more of a serious discussion about soil health, role for organic matter/compost in soil, and (bigger picture) role of soil in sequestering carbon. Doesn't seem to me that the issue is entirely solved scientifically re long-term carbon sequestration, but it makes a lot of sense.

I should formulate this as a question, but I'm a bit skeptical about statements made sometimes that all organic material in soil breaks down (completely?) eventually. It seems to me clear that humus and other organic materials can stay in the soil for a very long time indeed, depending on conditions, and that this is associated with some of the best soils in the world (black earth/chernozem for example).

Only partially related, I saw in California not long ago that there's some scuffle about the use of refuse like almond shells (I think it was) for a fuel source (burning) - some rule changed and now can't be done as much. Seems to me much of this stuff would make a good mulch or better uses (soil amendment?) than just burning.

Anyway, I've been chipping branches and waste wood at my place and after the snow melted got to see how some of the wood chips underneath have made it through winter. In many spots, a deep earthy smell and clearly breaking down; not so visible on the surface, but stick a finger down an inch and you can tell the difference.

For use of bioresouces as fuel, I think it depends on what it's replacing. Replacing coal? Great. Being shipped from Atlanta, Georgia to be burnt in Europe ( as is apparently being done)? Seems crazy.

I'm sure burning biofuel - particularly stuff that's waste - is sure better than sticking it in landfill (which also drives me crazy), or just burning it for nothing.

I think the article raises an interesting question though: maybe a better use for things like almond shells or a lot of other waste would be to use as compost or soil amendments.

armored wrote, "I don't know - not clear to me that the folks above are advocating specifically for organic farming."

They were not, but if one understands what organic growing is really all about you can see the parallels.

@kimmq, I agree with you, there are many parallels, and common tools and techniques - both clearly believe that soil health (and use of organic amendments esp) are important. The no-till movement has many similarities as well.

However, there are certainly some in the organic farming space that believe that exclusion of most/all synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides is the essential part of organic farming. The commonalities are likely more important than the differences, but alas, oftentimes not in discussion.

I was going to use a parallel about religion(s) (and what is considered essential in each), but on second thought realised that would only serve to stir things up needlessly. )

Yeah, we have enough trouble just debating about gardening and agriculture as it is! LOL