Compared to the sandy site, the silty site was
characterized by a higher content of fine particles (clay- and silt-size
particles) which implies a better soil fertility status. This is
highlighted by a higher cationic exchange capacity (CEC in cmolc/kg)
which can partly explain the higher bioavailability of nutrients. The
silty site was also characterized by higher pH (lower soil
acidity). The soil physico-chemical properties of the sandy site
largely differs given the higher content of sand-size particles, which
are responsible for a lower CEC and bioavailability of nutrients.
The sand site showed nitrogen (Ntot) and carbon (Ctot) to be
higher under organic farming system, while the other variables
remained stable. The silt site, however, showed stronger
farming system effect than in the sand site. Results
identify phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and pH to be higher under
organic farming, while potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and CEC
showed to be higher under conventional farming system.