We want to help you learn everything you need to know to better understand organic farming.
And as a quick aside --- we are here to help you purchase a new tractor and implements when the time is right.
Let’s get started.
What is Organic Farming?
Organic farming started in the 20th century.
It accounts for nearly 70 million hectares globally.
Organic farming is done by growing foods using natural fertilizers. This includes compost manure, green manure, and bone meal.
Techniques are also way different. Organic farming relies on the principles of Integrated Pest Management also called IPM. This is to avoid crop damage without the use of pesticides.
Regulation
Organic agricultural methods are internationally regulated and legally enforced by many nations - as per the research. They are part of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).
The founder of Organic agriculture, Sir Albert Howard, developed his theory of organic farming while directing agricultural research centers in India. He practiced methods of soil conditioning. Howard was impressed by the composted organic matter and manure which produced an excellent quality of vegetables. Based on his studies, he also wrote a book, An Agricultural Testament --- which explained the basic theories of organic agriculture throughout the western world.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are not natural.
They are grown by injecting medicines or pesticides --- which is not good for health. Therefore many restaurants and families have started adopting organic food to keep them healthier and away from all the chemicals.
There are also portals and websites where you can buy organic vegetables and fruits. People tend to prefer quality over quantity even if it is a bit expensive.
Benefits
When it comes to organic farming --- the major benefit is environmental.
Nature and the environment are affected the most when it comes to farming. Organic farming is a long-term process and changes are to be adopted slowly over the period. Soil-building processes like crop rotation, inter-cropping, and using organic fertilizers help the soil formation and structure to be more stable.
In many agriculture areas --- the pollution of groundwater courses with synthetic fertilizers. Pesticides are a major problem and the use of them is aborted in organic farming and replaced with organic fertilizers like green manure, compost, and animal manure. Organic farming adds life to your soil and prevents it from diversification.
Climate Change
Organic agriculture also helps air and climate change.
It helps mitigate the greenhouse effect and global warming. There’s also an increase in the return of carbon to the soil, raising productivity, and favoring carbon storage.
Researchers revealed that soil organic carbon contents under organic farming are considerably higher. The more organic carbon that is retained in the soil --- the more the mitigation potential of agriculture against climate change.
Biodiversity is practiced by organic farmers. The frequent use of under-utilized species reduces any erosion of agro-biodiversity. This creates a healthier farm for future adaptation.
Natural Resources
The impact of organic farming on natural resources favors interaction within the agroecosystem.
It is vital and helpful for both the agricultural production as well as the conservation of nature. Though it might seem expensive in terms of cost and management --- this practice will be a boon for future generations.
Once it is normalized it wouldn’t be that much costlier than in coming years. The output of organic farming tends to be much healthier than inorganic production. The level of nutrients is rich in terms of nature --- which makes the inner-body strong. It concludes that people do not have to take multiple vitamins and other supplements to gain nutrients if they eat right. Many do not get many nutrients now as they eat mostly inorganic vegetables and fruits.
Organic Producers
Just a couple of years ago --- 2.9 million organic producers were reported.
India continues to be the country with the highest organic producers --- followed by Uganda and Mexico.
The growth record has also increased 20%.
At least 10% of farmland is now organic --- spread across fourteen countries.
Organic farming is focusing mainly on the sustainability and on environment-friendly crops in good quality soil.
There are also a few obstacles when it comes to organic farming. This includes high costs, very labor-intensive, and that effective inputs may not always lead to the appropriate quantity.
Changes
A shift to organic agriculture can bring a lot of significant changes in agricultural practices.
This includes synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, farm machinery, and better knowledge of biological processes.
A recent study also reported that organic farming produces more biodiversity than other farming systems.
Sufficient food production and a cleaner environment are the major objectives of agriculture at present.
Major drawbacks are limited land and water resources. Vertical farming and organic farming should also be adopted as alternatives to meet the changing demands of modern agriculture and the needs of mankind.
Further exploration and integration of scientific knowledge for practicing it would be mandatory.
Turning a nation into a developing category and fulfilling the needs of humans could be challenged altogether for quality, quantity, and varieties.
Innovation can always lead to greater heights if it is done with the utmost dedication and effort.
Things can fall into place if we think about the environment and agriculture as a whole unit. Why? Because if organic farming is applied 100% --- this would be so much help to the environment in terms of global warming.
Plus we will all eat rich, nutrient-filled food instead of ingesting steroids and medicines to stay alive.
Hopefully, this brief article has helped you better understand organic farming.
If you need any further help or have any questions about organic farming, tractors, implements, or anything else equipment-related, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944. Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.
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