Transitioning apple farming towards sustainability: evidence from Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract Objective . This study evaluates the comparative impact of Natural Farming (NF) and Conventional Farming (CF) on soil health and economic outcomes in apple orchards across two agro-climatic zones in Himachal Pradesh, India. Findings . Soil analysis showed improved health under NF systems. Organic carbon levels were higher in NF soils, reaching 26.10 g kg −1 in Zone III and 12.50 g kg −1 in Zone IV. NF also maintained more favorable pH and lower electrical conductivity. Available nitrogen and phosphorus were consistently higher in NF, with nitrogen up to 522 kg ha −1 and phosphorus up to 198.26 kg ha −1 . Potassium levels were slightly higher in cf Micronutrient concentrations—including zinc, copper, iron, and manganese—were significantly greater in NF soils, with maximum values of 9.67 mg kg −1 for zinc, 12.15 mg kg −1 for copper, 91.25 mg kg −1 for iron, and 14.84 mg kg −1 for manganese, compared to notably lower values in cf Economically, NF farmers practiced more diverse intercropping systems such as Apple + Vegetables, Apple + Pulses, and Apple + Pea, whereas CF focused mainly on Apple + Pea and Apple + Kidney Beans. The Apple + Vegetables combination under NF resulted in a 31.29% increase in net returns and a 27.55% reduction in production costs, primarily due to the elimination of chemical inputs. Implications . NF improves soil quality, enhances farm profitability, and reduces dependence on synthetic inputs. These results support the need for targeted policies, including subsidies, training, and awareness campaigns, to promote NF and ensure sustainable apple farming in the region.