Fertilization, mainly N, is the main driver for yield gap between the system and determine yield levels. Stability is mainly determined by crop protection and not by fertilization. The conventional system with reduced fertilization (K1) gained higher or similar yields over all crops compared to the regular fertilized organic systems (D2, O2), but it received less absolute amounts of nutrients with fertilizers. However, K1 received a higher amount of mineral N forms and additional pesticides. Main drivers to reduce the yield gap are an improvement of N availability and a synchronization between supply and crop demand. Further improvements in weed control by smart technologies and crop protection by cultivars that are more resistant or by crop diversification will be a key measure of future management.
