Methods (practices) of organic farming Prevents soil erosion through different systems of. Eliminates pests and weed infestations as well as chemical contaminations to manage problems. Increases yields and also reduces costs involved. Many changes observed in the environment are long-term and occur slowly over time.
Organic agriculture considers the medium- and long-term effect of agricultural interventions on the agroecosystem. Its goal is to produce food while establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems. Organic Farming Takes a Proactive Approach Rather Than Treating Problems After They Arise, Soil. Soil construction practices, such as crop rotations, intercropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops, organic fertilizers, and minimal tillage, are fundamental to organic practices.
These promote soil fauna and flora, improving soil formation and structure and creating more stable systems. In turn, it increases the nutrient and energy cycle and improves soil retention capacities for nutrients and water, compensating for the lack of use of mineral fertilizers. These management techniques also play an important role in controlling soil erosion. The time the soil is exposed to erosive forces decreases, soil biodiversity increases, and nutrient losses are reduced, helping to maintain and improve soil productivity.
The export of nutrients from crops is generally offset by renewable resources derived from the farm, but sometimes organic soils need to be supplemented with potassium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium and trace elements from external sources. In many agricultural areas, contamination of groundwater courses with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides is a major problem. Since their use is prohibited in organic agriculture, they are replaced by organic fertilizers (for example,. compost, animal manure, green manure) and through the use of greater biodiversity (in terms of cultivated species and permanent vegetation), improving soil structure and water infiltration.
Well-managed organic systems with improved nutrient retention capabilities greatly reduce the risk of groundwater contamination. In some areas where pollution is a real problem, conversion to organic agriculture is strongly recommended as a restorative measure (eg,. For the Governments of France and Germany). Air and Climate Change.
Organic agriculture reduces the use of non-renewable energy by reducing the need for agrochemicals (these require the production of large quantities of fossil fuel). Organic agriculture contributes to mitigating the greenhouse effect and global warming through its ability to sequester carbon in the soil. Many management practices used by organic agriculture (for example,. Minimal tillage, return of crop residues to the soil, use of cover crops and rotations, and greater integration of nitrogen-fixing legumes) increase the return of carbon to the soil, increase productivity and favor carbon storage.
Several studies have revealed that soil organic carbon contents in organic farming are considerably higher. The more organic carbon is retained in the soil, the greater the mitigation potential of agriculture against climate change. However, a lot of research is needed in this field, but. There is a lack of data on soil organic carbon for developing countries, no comparison data for agricultural systems from Africa and Latin America, and only limited data on soil organic carbon stocks, which is crucial in determining carbon sequestration rates for agricultural practices, Biodiversity.
Organic farmers are both stewards and users of biodiversity at all levels. At the genetic level, traditional and adapted seeds and breeds are preferred because of their greater resistance to diseases and their resistance to climatic stress. At the species level, diverse combinations of plants and animals optimize the nutrient and energy cycle for agricultural production. At the ecosystem level, the maintenance of natural areas in and around organic fields and the absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife.
Frequent use of underutilized species (often as rotation crops to increase soil fertility) reduces erosion of agricultural biodiversity, creating a healthier gene pool, the basis for future adaptation. The provision of structures that provide food and shelter, and the lack of use of pesticides, attract new or recolonizing species to the organic area (both permanent and migratory), including wild flora and fauna (for example,. Birds) and organisms beneficial to the organ system, such as pollinators and pest predators. The number of studies on organic farming and biodiversity has increased significantly in recent years.
A recent study reporting on a meta-analysis of 766 scientific articles concluded that organic agriculture produces more biodiversity than other cropping systems. One of the most direct benefits of omitting pesticides is that working conditions are safer for farmers and farmworkers. It is well known that many agricultural workers die each year due to the use of pesticides, especially in third world countries. But even in regions where agriculture is modern and knowledge of the importance of protection is well known, the rate of certain forms of cancer among farmers is much higher than in the average population, due to the use of pesticides.
Elaine Ingham, just one teaspoon of organic soil rich in fertilizer can harbor between 600 million and 1 billion useful bacteria from 15,000 species. In addition, animals that live on organic farms are exposed to clean, chemical-free grasses that help keep them naturally healthy and resistant to diseases. With a passion for building healthy communities and food systems, Stacy has worked in organic commerce for more than 15 years, leading strategic marketing, education and outreach initiatives for organic and sustainable food companies and regional organizations. Organic farming can be profitable, and organic food appeals to consumers as both a healthy and ethical option.
This occurs with many people learning about the health benefits of chemical-free organic food products and the adverse impact of agricultural chemicals on humans and animals. Organic farming increases crop yields by producing on-site fertilizer using natural substances including green manure, cover crops, and composting. A large nine-year study by the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) shows that organic agriculture accumulates soil organic matter better than conventional no-till agriculture. Most farmers are illiterate or lack the scientific knowledge necessary to carry out organic farming and, therefore, do not engage in organic farming.
Organic agriculture generally generates less pollution of soil and water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and is more efficient in terms of. The conversion to organic farming takes three years and requires costly scrutiny and regulation to prove that the farm meets organic standards. The use of organic farming leads to the production of food products that are more nutritious; consisting of a higher nutritional content compared to products produced from conventional cultivation methods. The economic benefits are also clear, especially in rural areas, where communities are more likely to rely on extractive industries to work and where poverty rates tend to be higher.
Organic farming has the unlimited capacity to produce a diverse variety of crops that can then be sold in the local market for a higher price. . .
