The use of chemicals in agriculture was incredibly effective at first. All attention was paid to the increase in yield, and the negative impact on the soil was not noticeable. In addition, the pests have not yet developed resistance to chemical components. This practice quickly spread throughout the world and revolutionized agriculture.
Today, farmers worldwide are trying to reduce their use of chemicals and switch to other growing methods to increase yields. It’s connected with traditional methods that negatively affect the environment, people, and domestic animals in many ways. Chemicals can cause various diseases, as well as lead to pollution and soil degradation. For these reasons, many today are returning to organic farming.
What is organic farming?
The essence of organic farming is to eliminate chemicals, including pesticides, insecticides, hormones, and other chemicals for growing crops. The result is healthy products that are harmless to animals and humans. The same principle applies to livestock feed.
Foods should maintain their nutritional value without using ingredients that are hazardous to health and the environment. It’s necessary to preserve soil productivity and keep its cleanliness from synthetic substances. In addition, this practice involves taking care of the field employees.
Organic farming specific features
If you decide to go into organic farming, you need a certificate from an approved organization. Depending on the type of production, strict requirements must be met, which will be verified by the organization. The list of these requirements is not limited to a ban on the use of chemicals. Only natural fertilizers are allowed.
The use of GMOs is also prohibited. It is necessary to dispose of all organic waste and practice crop rotation for soil regeneration. Taking care of biodiversity and ensuring animal welfare is also of the utmost importance. It is necessary to go through a transitional period to move from traditional agricultural production to organic. The time it will take is determined depending on the type of production. The transition can take up to 3 years.
Organic farming practices
Crop rotation practice involves changing crop types in the same field season after season. This method can provide many benefits compared to monoculture. Crop rotation is practiced to resist pest infestations as well as erosion. In addition, this practice promotes the release of nutrients as crop diversity increases nutrient availability. Thus, you can reduce the use of various synthetic fertilizers and reduce costs.
Cover cropping is a reliable way to take care of the soil. Cover crops are grown between planting seasons of main crops or between rows throughout the year. This practice is used to protect soil from erosion and to improve soil aeration and water filtration. Legumes, herbs, or a mix of several species are grown as cover crops.
Green manures are used to enrich the soil with organic matter. Cover crops are often used as green manures, which are not entirely removed from the fields but remain on the surface and serve as the mulch. Green plants also saturate the soil with nitrogen and nutrients for microorganisms. In this way, the farmers can improve the soil quality and reduce the number of weeds significantly.
Animal manures are the practice of enriching the soil with nutritious organic ingredients of animal origin. For organic farming, the material mustn’t contain any synthetic additives. It is advisable to carry out the procedure at least three months before harvest. Such fertilizers can be applied in the form of compost or raw. However, the first method is preferable due to its compactness and lower content of potential pathogens.
Integrated weed management is a significant part of organic farming, as chemicals are not allowed. Instead, organic farming involves a range of weed control measures, including prevention, hand weeding, and mulching. Crop rotation also helps prevent weeds.
Integrated pests management does not imply the destruction of pests since actions of this kind can cause changes in the ecosystem. This practice involves the use of alternative pest control measures. These methods include creating natural barriers and physical removal. You can also use mild pesticides allowed in organic farming and do not harm the environment and people. Safe pest repellents include citronella, baking soda, and lavender oil.
Livestock management in organic farming involves providing animals with proper housing and grazing conditions. Various growth stimulants, synthetic additives, hormones, GMOs, and inorganic feed are prohibited. Livestock should be provided with requirements for the most natural environment, both outdoors and indoors.
Final Thoughts
The principles of organic agriculture are replacing traditional practices, as the latter harm the environment and human health. Organic farming involves using only natural ingredients as fertilizers and methods of caring for the soil, such as crop rotation and growing cover crops. This way, you can reduce the impact on the environment and produce healthy food.
