usefulness of organic forming
USEFULNESS OF ORGANIC FORMING
organic farming, 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.
Compared with conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes back into the farm. These benefits are counterbalanced by higher food costs for consumers and generally lower yields. Indeed, yields of organic crops have been found to be about 25 percent lower overall than conventionally grown crops, although this can vary considerably depending upon the type of crop. The challenge for future organic agriculture will be to maintain its environmental benefits, increase yields, and reduce prices while meeting the challenges of climate change and an increasing world population.
ADVANTAGES :
1. Minimized Chemicals Use
An agricultural sphere is one of the most significant environmental pollutants due to the use of harmful chemicals used for fertilization and artificial pest control. Organic farming can help eliminate millions of pounds of toxic substances from entering the environment annually.
Besides, various modern tools enable remote field tracking, analyzing the state of soil and plant health in different field zones based on vegetation indices, most used being the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Such an approach allows for smarter use of chemicals only in the required areas, which helps significantly reduce their use.
2. Preservation of Biodiversity
Organic farmers actively apply crop rotations, as well as the cultivation of different crop varieties. Such practices support biodiversity and create the basis for the adaptation of new beneficial varieties and species. Attracting organisms helpful to the organic system ensures natural pest control and disease mitigation.
3. Healthier Soil
The environment benefits the most from organic cultivation. Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals leads to diversification of the microflora in the soil. In fact, organic farming thrives in a diverse microflora environment. This keeps the soil rich and therefore leads to higher yields. The produce will also taste better and be healthier as it receives more nutrients than when traditional farming is performed.
Organic farming also helps to tackle such a dangerous issue as soil erosion, which can destroy farmlands, habitats, and entire ecosystems, spreading disease and resulting in poor food security.
4. Ecological Benefits
Although eco and organic are not the same things, ecological preservation is among the most significant advantages of organic farming. The benefits of organic farming for the ecology include water conservation and protection, reduced toxins content in the soil.
Besides, with organic farming, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, which means that you significantly reduce your carbon footprint by choosing organic, local, and seasonal products, lowering the risk of global warming triggers overall.
5. Healthier Foods
Organic products are produced without the use of the achievements of the chemical industry, without the use of mineral fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides. The entire process is controlled in organics, from raw materials to already packaged products that go to store shelves.
Ultimately, organic farming leads to the production of food products that are healthier and more nutritious, consisting of higher vitamins and minerals content compared to products produced from conventional methods of farming.
Disadvantages:
1. There are no subsidies offered for most organic farmers.
Most industrialized countries offer farm subsidies of some type to encourage people to become farmers. Without farmers, it would be difficult to have our food and fuel demands met, after all. Unfortunately, most of the subsidies that are authorized only apply to farmers that are growing commodity products. Without access to subsidies, organic farmers take on many more risks that could wipe them out, such as weather changes or a crop failure.
2. It requires more work to produce goods that are ready for sale.
Organic farming may still allow for certain “organic” fungicides or pesticides, which can reduce the work burden for some. For the average farmer, however, there is a greater physical burden that applies to the production of crops for the marketplace. Pulling weeds and other cultivation techniques must be used frequently.
3. Organic farmers must have specific knowledge about localized growing systems.
The quality of a crop that can be produced through organic farming is heavily reliant on the skills, knowledge, and wisdom of the individual farmer. In organic farming, the farmer must monitor crop growth patterns during every critical stage of growth. If a farmer is unable to recognize a problem that may be present, then the value of the crop may be reduced. In extreme circumstances, crop loss may even occur for some farmers.
4. There are unique marketing challenges in place for organic goods.
Organic foods are more expensive than commodity foods or commercially-grown products. The marketplace for organic foods is not as defined as it is for other crops either. That can make it difficult for specialty farmers to compete with their own products.
5. Organic farms and foods must go through a rigorous certification process.
In the United States, organic certifying agents that are accredited by the USDA must certify the farms before an organic label can be associated with the crops and products produced. Farms or product processors which create less than $5,000 in gross income from organic sales are exempt from this standard. Otherwise, it is illegal to market a product as being organic.
For many organic farms, that means the organic certifying agent must be hired to verify that the farming methods meet the current organic standards that have been authorized. The total cost of the initial authorization can be as high as $1,500. There are also annual certification fees that must be paid.
6. It usually costs more to be competitive with organic farming.
7. There are different levels of “organic” permitted in the United States.
8. Synthetic chemicals can still be used in organic farming.
9. Organic crops generally spoil faster.
Methods of Organic Farming:
The following are a few methods that are used in several types of Organic Farming:
- Crop Rotation: This technique means that the farms are used alternatively for crops, instead of growing the same crop in one field every year. The rotation helps in the addition of several nutrients to the soil and killing the cycle of insects and parasites.
- Mulching: Many Farmers practice mulching by increasing soil health by adding a layer of organic material (straw, compost) over the soil and removal of weeds. This technique helps in the prevention of weeds, captures moisture in the soil which enriches crop production.
- Green Manuring: Farmers practice this technique by growing cover crops by using cereal seeds, oilseeds, etc., and then plowing them back into the soil. This penetrates the hardpans of the soil, brings up nutrients, and increases aeration in the soil.
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