Organic farming

organic farming, sustainable agricultural system that uses ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers derived largely from animal and plant wastes and nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Modern organic farming was developed as a response to the environmental harm caused by the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in conventional agriculture, and it has numerous ecological benefits.

History

The concepts of organic agriculture were developed in the early 1900s by Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, Rudolf Steiner, and others who believed that the use of animal manures (often made into compost), cover crops, crop rotation, and biologically based pest controls resulted in a better farming system.

Regulation

Organic agriculture is defined formally by governments. Farmers must be certified for their produce and products to be labeled “organic,” and there are specific organic standards for crops, animals, and wild-crafted products and for the processing of agricultural products. Organic standards in the European Union (EU) and the United States, for example, prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, ionizing radiation, sewage sludge, and genetically engineered plants or products. In the EU, organic certification and inspection is carried out by approved organic control bodies according to EU standards.Organic farming has been defined by the National Organic Standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) since 2000, and there are many accredited organic certifiersacross the country.

Advantages of Organic Farming

Economical:

In organic farming, no expensive fertilisers, pesticides, or HYV seeds are required for the plantation of crops. Therefore, there is no extra expense.

Good return on Investment:

With the usage of cheaper and local inputs, a farmer can make a good return on investment.

High demand:

There is a huge demand for organic products in India and across the globe, which generates more income through export.

Nutritional:

As compared to chemical and fertiliser-utilised products, organic products are more nutritional, tasty, and good for health.

Environment-friendly:

The farming of organic products is free of chemicals and fertilisers, so it does not harm the environment.

Disadvantages of Organic Farming

Incompetent:

The major issue of organic farming is the lack of inadequate infrastructure and marketing of the product.

Less production:

The products obtained through organic farming are less in the initial years as compared to that in chemical products. So, farmers find it difficult to accommodate large-scale production.

Shorter shelf life:

Organic products have more flaws and a shorter shelf life than that of chemical products.

Limited production:

Off-season crops are limited and have fewer options in organic farming.

Types of Organic Farming

Organic farming is divided into two types, namely: 1.Integrated organic farming 2.Pure organic farming

Pure Organic Farming

As the name of this farming process suggests, it uses natural ways for cultivation. Pure organic farming completely avoids inorganic chemicals that may harm the soil, crop, and people who consume it.In this process, farmers use organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides derived from natural sources—for example- bone meal, blood meal, etc.

Integrated Organic Farming

The integrated farming process consists of integrating pest management and nutrients management to achieve ecological requirements and fulfill the economic demands also. Methods of Organic Farming

Crop Rotation:

Crop rotation, planting a different crop on a particular piece of land each growing season, is required in organic crop production because it is such a useful tool in preventing soil dis- eases, insect pests, weed problems, and for building healthy soils.

Green Manure:

Green manure is a type of organic fertilizer where an entire fresh plant or plant part (e.g.,. Leaf) is directly used as manure in agriculture lands, without any prior decomposition or composting.

Compost:

A mass of rotted organic matter made from waste is called compost. The compost made from farm waste like sugarcane trash, paddy straw, weeds and other plants and other waste is called farm compost.

Crop diversity:

Diversity within a crop includes genetically-influenced attributes such as seed size, branching pattern, height, flower color, fruiting time, and flavor. Crops can also vary in less obvious characteristics such as their response to heat, cold, a drought, or their ability to resist specific diseases and pests.

Soil Management:

Organic farming recognises the soil as being central to a sustainable farming system. Soil fertility is determined by a set of interactions: Organic matter is essential for soil fertility.It maintains good soil physical conditions (e.g. soil structure, aeration and water holding capacity).

Controlling pests Biologically:

Practices that are often compatible with biological control include cultural controls, crop rotation, insectary plantings, trap crops, planting pest-resistant varieties, using approved insecticides with selective modes of action, or spot treatments that leave untreated areas to serve as refuges for natural enemies.

Weed Management:

Organic weed control is an approach to weed removal and prevention that does not involve the use of synthetic chemicals and weed killers. Some organic weed control strategies are cultural and mechanical methods, focusing on prevention, crop rotation, and cultivation

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Livestock:

Livestock on an organic farm plays the main role in Nutrient cycling a process in which nutrients are returned to the soil through manure & compost. Amending soils with animal manures can increase microbial biomass, enzymatic activity & alter the structure of the microbial community.