Organic farming as a sustainable approach to enhanced crop resilience against biotics and abiotic stress

Abstract

Modern agriculture is increasingly threatened by a combination of biotic stresses such as pests, pathogens, and weeds and abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, temperature extremes, and nutrient imbalances. These stressors are further intensified by climate change, which alters pest dynamics, increases the frequency of extreme weather events, and heightens crop vulnerability. Organic farming offers a holistic and ecologically grounded approach to mitigate these challenges. Unlike conventional systems reliant on synthetic inputs, organic farming emphasizes soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance through practices like composting, crop rotation, cover cropping, and biological pest control. These practices enhance soil structure, water retention, and microbial diversity, fostering plant resilience to both biotic and abiotic stressors. Mechanisms such as induced systemic resistance (ISR), improved nutrient uptake, and antioxidant activity contribute to enhanced plant defense and physiological stability under stress. Organic systems also support natural pest suppression by promoting habitats for beneficial organisms. However, organic farming faces limitations such as slower nutrient release, labour-intensive weed management, and variable pest control efficacy. Overcoming these challenges requires continued research into biostimulants, climate-resilient crop varieties, and precision organic technologies. Despite these constraints, organic farming presents a sustainable, adaptable pathway for improving agricultural resilience, promoting environmental health, and addressing global food security. This paper reviews the role of organic farming in mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses, examines the underlying ecological mechanisms, and outlines future research priorities to enhance system performance in the face of climate and environmental pressures.