Steve Diver wrote:
> Steve Diver wrote:
> > >Table 1. Average changes in the mineral content of some fruits and
> > >vegetables*, 1963-1992 [Bergner]
> > >
> > >Mineral Average % Change
> > >
> > >Calcium -29.82
> > >Iron -32.00
> > >Magnesium -21.08
> > >Phosphorus -11.09
> > >Potassium -6.48
> > >
> > >* Fruits and vegetables measured: oranges, apples, bananas,
> > >carrots, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, celery, romaine lettuce, broccoli,
> > >iceberg lettuce, collard greens, and chard
> >
> >
> Bart Hall wrote:
> > Given these declines. Given organic vs. conventional studies from the
> > late '80s that were (at best) inconclusive. Given the high dedication
> > to organic production principles at the time (ie, money was not the
> > motive as it so often is these days) ... the organic
> > movement/community/industry should go into a corner and hide from
> > embarassment.
>
> I'm not sure what Bart is saying here.
>
> The data I posted from Bergner's book is not a comparison of
> organic to organic, or organic to conventional.
>
> The data are taken from USDA figures on composition of foods
> typically found in the marketplace. Thus, the data almost certainly
> describe conventional to conventional food composition as analyzed in
> 1963 and again in 1992.
>
> They indicate that as a general rule, mineral content in foods have
> declined over time.
>
> It supports the argument from the alternative farming crowd that
> minerals are being depleted from soils due to farming practices.
> And likewise, that attention to mineral fertilization and balanced
> soil nutrition is very important.
>
> Nevertheless, I am in agreement with Bart's views on the mineral
> situation on organic farms. Certified organic in itself does not
> imply good criteria for food quality.
>
> On the other hand, the alternative farming movement (at least
> certain parts of the organic, biodynamic, and ecofarming
> crowds) have addressed food quality at an advanced level.
>
> Soil tests, fertilizer recommendations with attention to balanced
> nutrients and calcium levels, and qualitative/quantitative
> measurements of the food product itself are an important part of the
> picture.
>
> That food quality differences do in fact exist, and can be
> tweaked and improved through a series of soil management
> and foliar feeding practices, is without a doubt one of the
> biggest stories of alternative farming.
>
> Here, I am reminded of the following observation from well known
> ridge-till farmer from Boone, Iowa, Mr. Richard Thompson, in
> response to academic types at a farming conference who insisted
> that "nitrogen is nitrogen is nitrogen":
>
> "Men say no, but mice know the difference"
>
> This was in reference to a on-farm trial where mice ate
> organically-raised corn but would not touch chemically-fertilized
> corn; further supporting William Albrecht's views that animals have
> more food sense than most Americans, as witnessed by our food
> production and consumption habits.
>
> Steve Diver
>
>
>
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