What is Organic Farming?

Organic agriculture uses agricultural production systems based on green manure, compost, biological pest control, and crop rotation to produce crops, livestock and poultry. An ecologically-oriented agricultural production system promotes the cycling of resources to maintain biodiversity and promote ecological balance. The use of green cover crops, animal manures and crop rotation to disrupt the establishment of pests and diseases, improve soil fertility, and maximise the soil’s biological activity are the main aspects of organic farming.

Organic farming is based on the ecosystem’s on-farm management, using practices that improve soil health and avoid external yields. Organic practices are based on:
the art and science of plant breeding for maximum resilience without the use of genetic modification
careful pest control without the use of chemical pesticides the use of natural fertilisers, without the use of synthetic fertilisers.

“The organic no-till revolution will be a game-changer for flower growers and many other gardeners, big and small. The entertaining style, combined with practical and proven techniques, makes the no-till methods described in each case study very accessible and understandable. The book emphasises the many environmental and economic benefits of no-till and the fact that you don’t need expensive equipment to farm intensively, organically and profitably on a small scale.

There is little doubt that the proponents of organic farming have made people fearful of the dangers of pesticide residues and genetically modified crops. Their advertising has paid off, and farmers have been motivated to go organic by the higher profits. A few conventional farmers have even resorted to illegally labelling their products as organic. Attempts to develop a test to identify organically grown crops have so far failed. This is not surprising, as there are unlikely to be any fundamental differences between plants supplied with manure and those supplied with nutrients from fertilisers.

Pros of Organic Farming

What will it take to feed the additional two billion people who will emerge in a century or so? The planet is showing signs of limited land resources due to degradation from vast agriculture. According to a National Geographic News scientist (2005), food production already takes up almost half of the Earth’s land area and threatens to consume the remaining fertile land. In finding a solution to the problem, we must first understand the benefits and consequences of today’s farming methods, namely modern industrial agriculture and organic agriculture.

Organic farming absolutely does not allow the use of synthetic chemical fertilisers, antibiotics, herbicides or pesticides. The goal of organic farming is the agricultural production of fibre, grains, vegetables, flowers, fruits, food and milk, eggs and meat in the best natural way. Unlike other practices, organic farming performs better in protecting water and soil, maintaining ecological balance and using renewable resources. On the other hand, it also has its downsides. Here are the pros and cons of organic farming.

If you are interested in organic farming, I am sure that you always ask yourself the importance of organic farming or the necessity of organic farming or the future perspective of organic farming. On this point, I can help you. With the increase in population, there is a need to meet the demand for food acquired by growers and farmers with a lot of use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in agricultural production for the larger amount of production. In the process, soil, air, water and nature are polluted, leading to toxic food.

Organic agriculture occupies only 1% of the world’s agricultural land, making it a relatively untapped resource for one of humanity’s greatest challenges: producing enough food for a population that could reach 10 billion by 2050 without extensive deforestation and damage the wider environment. This is the conclusion my PhD student Jonathan Wachter, and I came to after evaluating many years of science and many hundreds of scientific studies comparing the long-term prospects of organic and conventional agriculture. A study, “Organic agriculture in the 21st century”, published in the journal Nature Plants, is the first to compare organic and conventional agriculture using the four main sustainability criteria established by the National Academy of Sciences: being productive, economically profitable, environmentally sound and socially just.

Cons of Organic Farming

Organic farming is not without its caveats. A study by CNN reports that yields of organic crops tend to be lower than those of conventionally grown crops – 25 per cent lower, according to some studies. Of course, this depends on the time of year and the crop, but there’s no denying that the considerations made to grow crops organically certainly slow the process down a bit. Also, the production methods involved in growing organic products tend to make the price a little higher than conventionally grown food.

Organic products are a big growth area for consumer demand. Organic food was once thought to preserve the wealthy or eco-eccentrics, but it has now become mainstream, and many people from all walks of life desire to buy organic food. Organic farming avoids using artificial fertilisers and pesticides instead of relying on more traditional fertilisation and pest control methods, such as crop rotation, barrier nets, and natural pest control.

The organic agriculture sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past two decades, with sales of organic food and beverages increasing from $1 billion in 1990 to $26.7 billion in 2010, with average annual growth rates ranging from 12% to 21% (OTA, 2011). In 2005, for the first time, all 50 states officially registered the existence of certified organic farms with a total area of over 4 million acres (USDA-ers, 2008). However, in recent years, with nearly 70% of US consumers now buying organic products (Hartman Group, 2008), organic farmers have been overwhelmed by this rapid growth in their markets. They have not been able to keep up the pace of expansion with their agricultural production increase (Dimitri and Oberholtzer, 2009).

The growing population in Florida is stimulating development throughout the state, affecting natural resources and contributing to environmental degradation. Organic agriculture could help reduce environmental pressure on Florida’s ecosystems by encouraging natural food production. Restricting pesticides and herbicides promotes diverse populations of plants, insects and other animals (McIlwain 2004). Organic production uses far less energy and produces minimal waste compared to conventional agriculture. A Washington State University study found that energy use for machinery, labour and production control in growing organic apples is 7% more energy-efficient than conventional apple production (McIlwain 2004).

What is Organic Farming? What is the Need and Key Features of Organic Farming

Organic farming does not damage the soil or promote the process of desertification—this low input and restorative process help preserve the land for future generations. Sustainability is the key!
Disadvantages of organic farming.

Organic Farming Magazine is the UK’s leading magazine on organic farming and cultivation. Is published up to three times a year by the Soil Association, and each issue updates readers on the latest news, policy issues and market information. There are technical articles and reports on the latest field trials and research, covering all aspects of organic farming and cultivation. Typical contents are
– Articles on livestock, horticulture and general agricultural topics.

Organic pest control is the key to organic farming. It does not use chemical pesticides, hence the name ‘organic pest control. ‘. It ensures that no chemicals are used in the process of farming. Organic pest control also helps to maintain the integrity of the soil. When done properly, natural pest control can maintain a healthy crop for generations to come. So, how does it work?

Organic fruit is a sought-after item at farmers’ markets as people become more health-conscious. Having a suitable space to establish and maintain such an orchard is also necessary. This book contains important information on designing the ultimate planting strategy and connecting with nature. It also provides information on sustainable farming practices in conjunction with advanced techniques such as grafting different varieties. Besides, the book provides you with the most suitable trees to grow and the species to avoid and facts about biodiversity and pollination practices that support organic farming.

What is Organic Farming – Definition, Features, Benefits & Principles

The disadvantage of modern agriculture is that pesticides can become toxic to plants, animals and the environment itself if not used properly. As it brings several advantages, it also has certain disadvantages. In the United States, 44% of agricultural imports are fruits, vegetables, wine, hops and other specialities. So much so that there is a temptation to claim ownership of other people and have them farm the land on your behalf, which is the kind of less than ideal social order that tends to be associated with farming communities.

How Supporting Organic Farming Benefits You and The Planet

Organic farming is good for the soil, and for the plants, for the planet, good for the animals, good for your fellow man and good for you. More specifically, as explained by foam organics international, organic farming benefits.

Either way, organic food is much more expensive than non-organic food. It can also lower your risk of being exposed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The items can be prepared and frozen without dramatically decreasing the nutrient density of the item. It can also reduce your risk of exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 11. organic foods may not be the most pocket-friendly. They have the disadvantage of being kept in a small container and not filling you up. Conventional growers of course use pesticides to protect their crops from mould, insects and disease.

Unfortunately, there is only about 1% of organic farming in the world right now. This is, as you have probably guessed, a minimal number. This is a big problem that we must all try to solve. If not just for better food quality, then to save our land and our planet, organic farming has many benefits, such as preserving the soil’s organic composition. There is also the constant destruction of the ozone layer by pesticides, exhaust fumes from various tractors, industry and much more, which organic farming mostly avoids.

Organic milk is one such example. There is never an excuse for soy milk. Some lactose-intolerant people drink it because they want a milk substitute. Organic food can taste better for some people. Cows take nine months to give birth to a calf and take care of it for seven months to a year. Some products say they are made with organic ingredients. The USDA requires that 70% of the ingredients in this item come from an organic source. These additives in the food supply have been linked to infertility problems, numerous cancers, Parkinson’s disease, endocrine disorders and autoimmune problems.

The Soil Association defines organic as:

Synthetic fertilisers run off into our waterways and damage habitat and water quality. Organic fertilisers do not run off as easily (if at all) and are linked to the soil structure. According to the Organic Trade Association, an organic fertiliser will also increase biodiversity by 30% compared to synthetic fertiliser.

The organic farming digest (1946-1954) was the very first organic farming magazine published by an agricultural association. The magazine was based in Sydney. Was published quarterly. pretty much half of the articles published were by Australian authors, the others by authors from the rest of the world. The Organic Farming Digest was published by the Australian Organic Farming and Gardening Society. It was also adopted and distributed as the official publication of the Living Soil Association of Tasmania. The last issue of the Digest was Volume 3, Number 5, dated December 1954.

The USDA Organic Agriculture Study Team defines the term as “a production system that avoids or largely eliminates the use of synthetically compounded fertilisers, pesticides, growth regulators and feed additives. “Instead, it relies largely on materials and techniques such as crop rotation, biological pest control, animal manures, crop residues and mechanical tillage to promote soil productivity and control insects. Basically, instead of dominating or controlling nature through artificial means, organic farmers try to cooperate with their environment using natural methods and products. As an example, instead of using chemical pesticides to minimise insects’ losses, organic farmers try to develop biodiversity in the field to make it uninhabitable for pest organisms.

The US Department of Agriculture defines organic farming as an agriculture system that creates a production system that responds to site-specific conditions and integrates cultural, biological and mechanical practices that promote the cycling of resources, support ecological balance and maintain biodiversity. This is a long way of saying that organic agriculture uses natural practices instead of synthetic ones to grow healthy crops, using resources that create healthy soils.

Better soil conservation and management

Achieving a friendly and green environment has always been a major concern worldwide, and research shows that organic agriculture can provide a partial solution. Long-term studies on organic farming show that it can provide a formidable mechanism for promoting ecological harmony, biodiversity and biological cycles critical for environmental sustainability. Organic farming’s definitive goals are based on managing and conserving the soil, promoting nutrient cycling, ecological balance, and maintaining biodiversity. On this basis, the practices wonderfully help mitigate the effects of global climate change and contribute to environmental conservation.

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, pest control in organic farming depends mainly on crop management and biological control. The ban on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides leads to conserving natural enemies, including predators and parasitoids. Eliminating harmful pesticides also increases the diversity of crop pollinators and minimises pesticide residues in food. The community of microorganisms thrives well on organically managed farms, leading to increased organic matter decomposition, higher soil fertility and greater ecosystem sustainability. Organic farming improves the ecosystem’s biodiversity through multiple cropping and the cultivation of hedgerows and refuges for beneficial insects and wildlife.

Existing research may downplay the environmental benefits of organic farming, new study claims

1 January,
2021
GMOs can hurt local biodiversity. The next benefit of industrial agriculture is that modern consumers have access to a broader palate and a more balanced diet. Genetically modified organisms, known as GMOs, have changed so much of our modern agriculture in recent decades. And while those involved in agriculture probably know all about the differences between GMO crops, non-GMO crops, and organic crops, the GMO crops’ issue is quite controversial among consumers.

Organic products are extremely expensive

Organic food is almost always a lot more expensive than conventional food or commercially grown produce. The market for organic food is also not as defined as for other crops. This can make it difficult for speciality farmers to compete with their own products. To counter this problem, many communities are developing food co-operatives with local farmers and markets. Customers can “prepay” for organic food for a small fee, which they can pick up when the growing season is over.

There is no doubt that natural products are more expensive for the consumer. Even a price comparison for typical products shows that organic products are 50-300% more expensive. Also, organic farming is more labour intensive than conventional farming. However, the price difference is also that natural products have a much higher return on investment for the retailer and farmer. Consumers also are happy to pay more for organically grown products, and the supply is quite limited.

Organic food has a shorter shelf life compared to conventional food. However, for the average farmer, producing crops for the market means a greater physical burden. Conventional farming methods focus on the growth of a specific crop. Organic farming must also reduce off-farm inputs and external inputs that can affect the growing process. Organic farming is environmentally friendly. The disadvantages of organic farming. Maintaining consistently the quality of the soil and the ecological balance in the environment.

“kusto agro” develop organic farming in its fields and annually increases the area under cultivation and the diversity of such crops. In the material, we will tell you why we have chosen to do this. In Europe, organic products are popular and in-demand among consumers, even though they are more expensive. This is a profitable business, as the world market for organic products grows by 10-15% a year. However, to be able to sell these products abroad, appropriate certification is necessary. Besides the benefits, organic farming has several advantages – we have identified the most important 5 of them.

Key Pros & Cons Of Organic Farming

Written by behind the plough | Feb 13, 2019, | Agricultural resources, Organic farming The debate about conventional vs organic farming has always been a hot topic. The truth is that there doesn’t really need to be a debate. Ultimately, both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Likewise, each farmer is up to decide which methods he wants to use on his farm.

Organic food has a shorter shelf life compared to conventional food. However, for the average farmer, producing crops for the market means a greater physical burden. Conventional farming methods focus on the growth of a specific crop. Organic farming must also reduce off-farm inputs and external inputs that can affect the growing process. Organic farming is environmentally friendly. The disadvantages of organic farming. Maintain the quality of the soil and the ecological balance in the environment. Advantages and disadvantages of organic farming. Organic farming is not able to meet the world’s food needs for survival.

The management of weeds, insect pests and plant diseases in organic production requires a systems approach to management. A systems approach means using various tools to address a problem rather than relying on just one approach, such as spraying. The systems approach is known as integrated pest management (ipm). Used alone, approved organic pesticides are rarely ever as effective as the synthetic pesticides available to conventional farmers; however, an ipm approach increases the effectiveness of organic pesticides and can also dramatically reduce the overall use. Ipm is nothing new, as integrated strategies have been used for centuries without having a catchy name.

The very basic principle of organic farming is to support the general idea that soil, plants, animals and humans are interconnected. The role of organic farming in agricultural practice is to maintain and improve the health of the soil and the environment, starting with the smallest organisms in the soil and working their way up the food chain. It must manage and balance natural and ecological resources for production and consumption in all fairness to people and all living things in their natural behaviour and well-being. Precaution, care and responsibility are the main concerns to ensure a healthy, safe and ecologically sound ecological economy for future generations.

Organic agriculture is based on the fact that farming is done without synthetic agricultural chemicals, including but not limited to fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides or insecticides. Genetically modified crops are also not used. Organic farming is agriculture that has been used on and off for centuries. Demand for organic farming is on the rise again. Many people learn about the health benefits of chemical-free organic food and the negative effects these agricultural chemicals can have on humans and animals.

Our agricultural food system’s unintended consequences – polluted air and water, dead zones in coastal seas, soil erosion – have profound impacts on human health and the environment. That is why more sustainable agricultural practices are needed as soon as possible. Some farmers have turned to less chemical-intensive techniques to reduce the negative impacts of farming, like organic farming, which has been shown to score better than conventional farming on many environmental sustainability standards. The all-important question is whether we can meet these environmental standards and at the same time satisfy the demand for food, which is projected to increase significantly over the next 50 years.

Organic and conventional food are different from each other. Below are some of the differences between organic and conventional food. The main difference between organic and conventional food is the method used to grow food on the farm. In conventional food growing, farmers use chemicals in the production and the processing of produce. The chemicals have a devastating effect on the environment and human health. The fact is that pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics and other types of chemicals are used in growing food. They may well be safe for consumption, as there is no known cases for anyone getting sick from eating conventional food.

The use of organic farming results in the production of food that is higher in nutrients than products produced using conventional methods. Products such as organically grown vegetables and fruits are also very fresh to eat! The flavours and tastes of organically grown produce are also much better and more natural.

The Article Organic Farming Pros And Cons was found on https://limitsofstrategy.com