What Is Organic Farming And How Is It Different From Regular Farming?
Organic farming is a concept that few people understand. We tend to believe that everything in a farm is done organically but that is not the case. Every single person should see organic farming as a combination of modern technology, traditional farming and ecology. The purpose is always to offer healthy crops that do not negatively affect the environment. Farmers always strive to maintain natural ecological balance. This is done by never using synthetic substances or any dangerous chemical that could have negative effects on humans, animals and nature.
The truth is that in order to gain additional information about organic farming, we need to talk to organic farmers. Most people do not properly understand the concept. If you do not have who to talk with, here are some things you should be aware of. Contrary to what you may think, there are various facts that you are not aware of.
Crop Diversity
Crop diversity is the name of an organic farming method. It is associated with polyculture and basically means that different crop species will be grown in a succession on the exact same area. That is important as different plants will release and absorb different nutrients. When you use a variety of crops, soil fertility is retained. If you plan the same crops every year, it is inevitable that you will end up with a soil of inferior quality.
Crop diversity promotes the support of beneficial insects, microorganisms and wild plants. This leads to an increased biodiversity. The conventional farms will never use something like this and will always employ the same fertilizers so that they obtain a reduced production cost.
The Size Of The Farm
Organic farms will always use small farm lots. They are easy to manage and the use of machinery is minimized. A smaller area will also make it easier for the farmer to use the crop diversity method mentioned above. Crop rotation becomes more effective and we have an increased biodiversity. When the farm is large, machines have to be used. Organic farmers do not want to do this. They want to always use few machines so that pollution is reduced.
Increased Soil Fertility
This is a highly important factor that is considered by absolutely all organic farmers. The organic farm will try to maintain a natural soil cycle and will do nothing to disrupt it. Organic matter is supposed to return to earth in a natural way under the form of plant fertilizer. Soil fertility stands out as a factor that is taken into account because it will ensure a farm operation that can continue effectively even after tens of years. A conventional farm will hurt soil sustainability. Various synthetic substances will degrade it. After some years pass, we are faced with a lack of nutrients when synthetics are used. Because of this, soil cannot support farming.
On the whole, using organic farming methods is a really good idea. You should think about that the next time you support a farmer. Contrary to what you may be tempted to believe, not all the farms that you see in the countryside are natural or organic. Most of them simply aim to produce as much as possible in a short period of time. Do not believe all claims made by farmers. Sometimes they simply want to be labeled as being organic when the truth is opposite.
