The Basics of Organic Farming Methods
Organic farming methods are means by which farmers utilize to produce crops that are very healthy for humans while having no negative effects upon the ecosystem. These techniques mix scientific knowledge, technology, as well as traditional means of farming in order to maintain a sustainable agricultural discipline that is good for both the people and the environment. Here are some organic farming methods that are used in order to attain the purposes of this alternative agricultural practice.
One of the essential organic farming methods that are employed is crop diversity. It refers to the procedure of planting multiple crops within a similar farming land with the purpose of making the soil healthier. This is unlike conventional farming wherein a single crop is planted on a farming lot. Crop diversity brings in more useful insects to the crops which protects them, as well as helpful soil microorganisms that make the land more suitable for plants.
Another significant aspect of organic farming methods is ensuring the nutrition of the crops without using chemical fertilizers. Organic farmers use crop rotation so that the fertility of the land will be maintained, as the alternating plants will not use up all the nutrients in the soil. Green manure crops are also utilized on the soil as a provider of nitrogen, because it is a crucial nutrient for plant growth. Animal manure from livestock is also used as a form of organic fertilizer.
Pest control as well as weed management are also essential in organic farming methods. Organic farmers do not make use of pesticides and herbicides because of their negative impact on the environment and the human body. This forces organic farmers to tolerate a certain level of pest damage. However, they also take steps to handle pests and weeds. As an example, they put beneficial insects that hunts on pests like minute pirate bugs, ladybugs, praying mantis, parasitoid bugs, lacewings, predatory mites, and big-eyed bugs. Concerning weeds, organic farmers employ mechanical means on the land, for instance cultivation, mulching, tillage, flame weeding and thermal weeding, and mowing and cutting.
