Tarian Nabam Katung and Sonbeer Chack
Abstract
Organic maize farming has emerged as a sustainable approach to crop production, emphasizing soil health, ecological balance, and long-term yield stability. Unlike conventional systems that rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic maize integrates compost, green manures, crop residues, legume rotations, and biofertilizers to maintain nutrient availability and enhance soil microbial activity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on nutrient management, soil biological processes, yield performance, and yield stability in organic maize systems, comparing them with conventional practices. Evidence indicates that while organic maize may initially produce slightly lower yields, long-term adoption improves soil organic matter, microbial diversity, water retention, and ecosystem resilience, thereby narrowing the yield gap over time. Socioeconomic benefits, including premium market prices, reduced input costs, and enhanced livelihood resilience, further reinforce the viability of organic maize cultivation. Additionally, organic practices contribute to biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and reduced environmental pollution. The review also identifies key research gaps, including nutrient release dynamics, microbial ecology, varietal adaptation, socio-economic evaluation, and climate resilience, highlighting future directions for optimizing organic maize systems globally. Overall, organic maize farming represents a promising pathway for sustainable agriculture, combining ecological stewardship with socio-economic benefits while ensuring resilient and productive maize systems for future generations.