Kamal Hinduja | New to Organic Farming Community

Farm Questions
1

Hi,

I’m Kamal Hinduja from Geneva, Switzerland. I’m new to this community and excited to contribute positively to the discussions while learning from everyone’s insights.
Can anyone suggest how long it typically takes for soil health and yields to stabilize under organic systems?

Thanks in Advance,

Kamal Hinduja Geneva, Switzerland

2

It depends on number of factors. major being SOC- Soil organic carbon. Soil test for SOC and few other tests can help decide interventions to improve soil health and yields.

3

Kamala, under organic farming systems, soil health and crop yields typically take 3 to 5 years to stabilize, though this can vary depending on initial soil condition, climate, crops, and management practices.

Here’s a breakdown:

Soil Health Stabilization: 1–3 Years- Year 1: Initial soil disturbance from shifting practices (e.g., removal of chemical inputs) may cause temporary declines in microbial activity and nutrient availability.

  • Year 2–3: Organic matter begins to build up through compost, cover crops, and green manures. Soil biota (microbes, earthworms) rebound. Physical structure and water retention improve.

Yield Stabilization: 3–5 Years- Years 1–2: Yields often drop initially—sometimes by 20–30%—especially in systems previously dependent on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

  • Years 3–5: With improved soil fertility and pest resilience, yields begin to rebound. By year 5, they can approach or match conventional yields, especially for legumes, vegetables, and certain grains.

Key Factors Influencing the Timeline:1. Initial Soil Condition – Poor soils take longer to regenerate.

  1. Crop Type – Perennials and legumes adapt faster; cereals may lag.
  2. Organic Inputs – Quality and consistency of compost, vermicompost, biofertilizers, etc.
  3. Climate – Warm, moist climates accelerate microbial regeneration.
  4. Crop Rotation & Diversity – Accelerates nutrient cycling and pest control.

Would you like a phased year-by-year roadmap for transitioning a specific crop?

With Warm Regards,
Krishna Kumaar.U
+919677227423

4

The Organic Farming produce will have some of lead, arsenic etc traces but the natural farming that is 100% safe. I have formed a startup that is to scientifically validate my decade long research findings to combat in the fields of Agriculture, Climate Change, Dairy, Environment and Human Health. If interested please contact me at pulavarty@gmail.com

5

It takes 3months if it’s planned properly

6

Welcome to the community—and great question!

In Switzerland and similar temperate regions, transitioning to organic farming typically involves a conversion period of 2 to 3 years. During this time, synthetic inputs are phased out, and organic practices are introduced. Here’s what generally happens in terms of soil health and yields:

:potted_plant: Soil Health:

Short-term (0–2 years): Microbial activity begins to increase, but nutrients might become temporarily less available. You may see more weeds and pest pressures initially.

Medium-term (3–5 years): Organic matter improves, soil structure stabilizes, and microbial populations diversify. Soil water retention and nutrient cycling become more efficient.
Santosh Rai
Indian organic cultivate farming company faridabad HR

7

Use AI for your location to get the perfect answer with soil related question and Switzerland organic community or farmer market give you the best inside information with above reply.

8

It all depends on how you do the process and the capability of research. It is a big matter for soil regeneration and better yields than other farming methods.

9

Use Cow Dong 10 tones per acor then Ploughing during the Summer season, after rain falls ten days to 15 days soil will be fertility. Then crops are growing healthy and immune.

10

Thanks for your interest, There are some immune systems for soil health maintenance in organic systems . If we follow it continuously then no question at all for the soil heath as well as yielding.

Regards
Rajesh
919493963648

11

As per our natural/ organic Agri scientist Mr Nammalvar ( Tamil Nadu)
“Soil is life. Revive its strength naturally—without chemicals, through nature’s own tools.”
Nammalvar Ayya’s Method to Regain Soil Fertility

  1. Soil Recovery through Natural Inputs
    Use of organic bio-inputs to enrich soil microbes and natural fertility:
    • Jeevamrutham (mix of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, gram flour, soil) – to boost microbial activity.
    • Panchagavya (five cow-based products) – acts as a growth promoter and soil revitalizer.
    • Amirthakaraisal – similar to Jeevamrutham; improves root health and soil richness.
    Apply weekly or bi-weekly for 3–6 months
  2. Green Manuring and Cover Crops
    • Grow green manure crops like Sunn Hemp, Daincha, Kolinji, and Sesbania.
    • Plough them back into the soil after 45–60 days.
    • Builds humus and restores nitrogen and microbial activity.
    Do this for at least 1 cropping season (~3 months).
  3. Compost and Farmyard Manure (FYM)
    • Apply well-decomposed compost or vermicompost to improve soil texture and moisture retention.
    • Mulching with dried leaves, straw, or crop waste helps maintain moisture and reduce weed growth.
    Compost/FYM application needed for 1–2 crop cycles (6–12 months).
  4. Rainwater & Soil Washing (for salt-affected areas)
    • Let natural rainwater percolate into the soil (no ploughing during early rains).
    • Rainwater leaches out salts naturally.
    • Good drainage system should be created to remove excess water and salt residues.
    Minimum 1 rainy season (3–4 months) required for visible changes.
  5. Crop Rotation and Mixed Cropping
    • Rotate with legumes (black gram, green gram) and hardy crops like millets.
    • Practice intercropping to avoid pest buildup and balance nutrients.
    It will take 1 to 1.5 years for a poor / salt affected soil to recover.
12

Asking for which area? soil condition?

13

It will depend on the present condition of that particular land. If already under cultivation of non-organic methods then it will take 2-3 years or if it is not cultivating or organic cultivation is going then it may take a consecutive year only.