Allotments could be key to sustainable farming

So, did you catch this :
Allotments could be key to sustainable farming, study finds
From University of Sheffield. So, allotments are better for soil health. Combine that with mental health benefits and physical health benefits of gardening, lower food miles, encouraging people to eat more vegetables which benefits both health and the environment, it must surely be a no-brainer !

That's so interesting - I had no idea that the soil on arable farms was in such a poor condition.

The lower carbon content of agricultural land does not surprise me in the least. Heavy reliance on Ammonium nitrate fertiliser. Not only is its production energy intensive (using ammonia synthesised by the Haber process), but it is a powerful oxidising agent, so will oxidise soil carbon to ... carbon dioxide . Add to that all nitrates are very soluble in water, so it quickly washes away.

It's another reason why I have so rapidly become a fan of Charles Dowding's no-dig gardening method. Apart from the excellent results it produced, the regular application of organic matter improves the soil health and structure. He also mentioned that vegetables grown organically will contain micronutrients not available to plants grown in intensive agriculture, which in turn benefits our own health.

This may just be coincidence, but over the last couple of years, since I started with organic gardening, both my and the man's health has improved. Normally expect 2 or 3 colds over winter. Haven't had a full-blown one during that time. It was the sole reason I made such an effort to get my winter salad leaves going, even if rather reduced quantity. I just wanted to know that we can be eating some organically grown produce over the winter months when we are otherwise so dependent on mass produced and imported food.

I agree that the no dig definitely produces a lovely soil texture. I can't go wholeheartedly that way at the lotty because of horse tail control, but yesterday just eased what I could out with the fork, then worked compost just into the top few inches with a Wolf cultivator thing. Hope the garlic likes it !