Ecological farming which produces healthy foodstuffs at the expense of lower productivity, with higher prices for the consumer, generally has not gene beyond the experimental stage. It is mainly dealt with during discussions on - agricultural and food policy, etc. We have published two significant opinions on this subject here.
The aim of this study is to analyse the influence of organic and mineral fertilization on water retention properties of soil under permanent grassland. The studies were carried out on the basis of a field experiment set out in 1997-2002 in Brzesko on silty soil. The experimental factor was mineral fertilization of NPK and manure with two doses 12.5 t ha⁻¹ and 25 t ha⁻¹ in comparison with no-fertilized, control object. Samples of soil were collected in autumn 2002 and water retention was determined using Richard's chambers method. Full dosage fertilization with 25 t ha⁻¹ of manure reduced water retention in soil about 15% relatively to not fertilized soil. Mineral ferilization (NPK) and lowered dosage of manure e.g. 12.5 t ha⁻¹ did not affected significantly water retention. After six years mineral or organic fertilizing both productive and available water retention were unchanged.