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Soil properties at the beginning of the MEE (Multi Environment Experiments) were statistically analyzed in order to verify the field homogeneity. The initial soil properties represent the starting point to interpret the effect of CC and LM on soil fertility during crop cycle.Soil properties of the fields were quite homogeneous at the beginning of crop cycles (first and second). The soil properties of the experimental fields in the selected areas showed a wide variety of pedons to be used for the comparison of CC and LM effect in different climate zones. Soils from the Northern European sites are more acid and richer of nutrients and organic matter with respect to the soils in Southern sites.

Limited fossil fuel reserves, growing populations and rising input prices highlight the importance of increasing the efficiency of food production systems and reducing GHG emissions. GHG emissions from fossil fuel use in agriculture are important along with the production of CH4 and N2O. In this context, organic agriculture has developed with an emphasis on resource use efficiency. The relative energy efficiencies of organic and non-organic farming were compared through a review of 50 studies including direct on-farm use and embedded energy in inputs. Organic systems use less fossil-fuel energy on a unit of land area basis for nearly all crop and livestock types, although results are more variable per unit of product. In many cases the difference can be attributed to the high energy requirements for the manufacture of nitrogen fertiliser. Organic farms avoid this input by sourcing most nitrogen input through biological fixation by legumes. Despite this, lower yields and higher energy requirements for weed control can make some organic cropping systems perform worse. Higher feed conversion ratios and mortality rates also make some organic poultry systems less efficient per unit output. Higher human energy (labour) requirements were also found on organic farms because of increased mechanical weeding and greater diversity, but this may not be accounted for. Overall, the review found that organic farming systems have potential to contribute towards more efficient agriculture, but with lower yields. The review also highlighted that organic systems do not offer a radical alternative, as they are still reliant on fossil fuel sources and the differences in energy use per unit of product were often marginal. Organic methods could still be applied to increase the efficiency of the agriculture sector as a whole, although energy use is only one aspect of sustainability that needs to be considered when comparing systems.

Development of organic plant breeding and seed production will have a valuable impact on organic plant production. Breeding of plant material adapted for organic agriculture is crucial in order to cope with stresses such as climate change, weeds and seed borne diseases. Conventional varieties may not meet the specific needs of organic agriculture. The use of plant material adapted to conditions of organic agriculture will have a positive effect on the productivity and sustainability of organic crop production.