Organic Farming and Its Characteristics

(Newswire.net — February 23, 2021) — Organic farming system has become quite a practice now. It is a farming system method which majorly aims at the cultivation of the land and raising crops in such a manner to keep the soil rejuvenated and healthy with the help of organic wastes such as animals and plant waste and crops and marine waste. There are many other biological materials along with advantageous microbes which release nutrients to the plants for higher sustainable production in an environmental-friendly and pollution-free ecosystem.

According to the definition of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), organic farming is a system which excludes the utilization of artificial inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, etc. to the highest extent feasible reliable crop rotation, crop residual, organic waste, off-farm organic waste and more.

Need of organic farming

With the rise in population, it has become compulsory for humans to not just stabilize agricultural production but also enhance it in a sustainable manner. The scientists have come up to a conclusion that the Green Revolution with high input has risen to a position with diminished returns. Hence, a natural balance requires to be maintained at any cost for the sustenance of life. In the present era when the agrochemicals produced from fossil fuel are diminishing. It may cost a lot in the future.

The major characteristics of organic farming involve:

• Safeguarding the fertility of the soil in the long term by keeping its organic matter levels maintained. It enhances the biological activity of the soil.
• Offering crop nutrients indirectly with the help of insoluble nutrient resources which are made accessible to the crops via soil micro-organisms.
• Offering self-sufficiency of nitrogen via the use of legumes and nitrogen fixation along with efficient recycling of organic materials involving residue of crops and manure.
• Pest control and weed majorly rely on crop rotations, live predators, organic manuring, diversity, resisting variations and limited thermal, bio and chemical involvement.
• Better attention to the farming system on a global level may conserve wildlife and their natural habitats.

Specs of organic farming

Getting and maintaining an organic farming accreditation can be achieved. If businesses comply with the strict specs depending on the type of produce they are farming, they will get the certificate. Some of the common organic farming principles are given below:

1. No use of artificial chemicals. Only organic pesticides and fertilizers are permitted.

2. You cannot use genetically modified organisms.

3. All organic wastes are recycled first

4. Crop rotation for enhanced soil regeneration

5. Pest control through biological organisms

6. Support animal welfare. The soil should be habitable.

7. Care for the environment and natural resources

8. Maintenance and growth of biodiversity (development and growth of different species and planting hedges).

It is essential to keep in mind that a transition period is needed for the transformation of a traditional farm to an accredited organic farm. The period relies on the kind of production you have chosen, but it usually takes around three years. Choose Ductor’s fertilizers if you want to switch to organic farming.