Organic farming has grown in importance and influence from its modest beginnings in the first half of the last century. Farming organically is truly a wonderful thing. It’s the method of cultivating crops and raising livestock, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Organic methods are non-invasive, relying on natural processes to promote healthy soils for better plant growth. As it does not damage our incredible environment, it’s a highly sustainable method, unlike the conventional way. Organic farmers rely on natural feeding habits and habitat preservation in order to maintain their land’s fertility, but there’s so much more to it than that.
In this article, we’re going to learn about the 6 methods of organic farming and just some of the many benefits that come with it. In addition, we’ll also answer the question, “is organic farming sustainable?”
Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Organic Farming
Today, our world is filled with vast amounts of misinformation, especially when it comes to what we put inside our bodies. However, with so many companies using harmful pesticides and fertilizers throughout their farming methods, organic farming is a true breath of fresh air for many.
It’s no secret that organic farming comes with a world of benefits. Let’s take a closer look at just some of them now:
- Organic farming methods rely on natural, non-chemical means to promote healthy plant growth – Pesticides and chemical use in traditional farming lead to many negative environmental impacts. Pesticides allow disease resistance to build up in plants, weeds, plant-eating insects, fungi, and bacteria. Overall, organic farming produces a decreased risk of global warming triggers.
- Organic farming builds healthy and strong soil – When it comes to raising healthy crops, organic practices are best. Chemical-based agriculture may kill soil itself in the process of killing weeds and pests, while natural cultivation techniques ensure a rich agricultural field that self-perpetuates.
- Farming organically combats erosion – Organic farming not only builds healthy soil but also combats serious land and soil issues.
- Organic farming supports animal health and welfare – Conventional farming puts undue stress on the animals living in natural habitats for their own benefit. Farming organically boasts improved and protected biodiversity.
6 Organic Farming Methods Explained
Step 1. Crop Diversity
Some new methods have come into the practice to help the world’s need for more and different crops. A prominent example of this is called polyculture. Here, a variety of crops can be cultivated concurrently just to meet the booming demand of that region. Poly Agriculture differs from an ancient farming practice called monoculturtion, in which only one crop is grown in a single field at the same time.
Step 2. Soil Management
Soil management is an essential part of organic farming. This includes the use of natural methods to increase the health of the soil. This step covers crops, mulching, and manure to maintain the soil’s health. These practices are all implemented with care to ensure that proper biodiversity is maintained for plants and other organisms, such as worms.
Step 3. Weed Management
Weed- is a plant that grows in agricultural fields, and organic farming encourages weed growth and management rather than removing it.
Step 4. Controlling Organisms
There are both beneficial and harmful organisms in the agricultural farm that affect the field. The growth of such organisms needs to be controlled to protect the soil and crop. This can be done by using fewer chemicals, natural herbicides or pesticides, and proper sanitization of the entire farm.
Step 5. Livestock
While still an emerging market trend, organic farming increases the sustainability of farms by relying on domestic animals that can be raised in green spaces and produce a diverse diet for themselves.
Step 6. Genetic Modification
Organically farmed produce is made without genetic engineering due to the focus on natural alternatives with organic farming.
Is Organic Farming Sustainable?
Farming organically uses various methods and materials that differ from traditional agricultural practices to promote healthy plant growth, build firm soil for crops, and maintain carbon balance in the environment. Organic farming is a sustainable practice due to its reliance on natural alternatives, with the goal of delivering the best produce possible.
