Tuesday, 22 November 2016

ORGANIC FARMING METHODS


Organic Farming


No matter how much a man progresses, agriculture is an occupation that was, is and will always be undertaken since it suffices one of the most important basic needs of the population – Food. Hence, technology is added in this field to find ways to increase agricultural production in order to feed the ever growing demand for food due to the drastic increase in population. Therefore, many new ways and methods are being introduced in this field to harvest and cultivate the best quality crops.
Organic farming can be explained as an agricultural method wherein the following techniques are used:
  • Crop Rotation: A technique to grow various kinds of crops in the same area, according to different seasons, in a sequential manner
  • Green Manure: Refers to the dying plants that are uprooted and stuffed into the soil in order to make them act as a nutrient for the soil to increase its quality
  • Biological Pest Control: A method in which living organisms are used to control pests, without or with limited use of chemicals
  • Compost: Highly rich in nutrients, this is a recycled organic matter used as a fertilizer in the agricultural farms
The reason why organic agriculture is enforced in many nations is because it minimizes the use of various harmful chemicals that have hazardous effects on crops in the field. Here, there is more focus on using natural ways to enhance the quality of soil and the cultivated crops. Organic agriculture is nothing more than a modernization in agriculture. It is a combination of science, technology and nature. Following are the different methods that combine together to form organic agriculture:

Crop Diversity

Earlier, Monoculture was the only practice used in the agricultural fields wherein only one type of crop was harvested and cultivated in a particular location. However, in the recent world, Polyculture has come into the picture wherein different kinds of crops are harvested and cultivated in order to meet the increasing crop demand and produce the required soil microorganisms.

Soil Management

After the season of cultivation has been conducted, the soil loses its nutrients and becomes less in quality. Rather than using harmful chemicals to enhance this soil, organic agriculture focuses on implementing natural ways to not only increase the health of soil but also keep the nature and human health unharmed. One of the best examples of natural ways to enhance soil is the use of bacteria that is present in animal waste. This bacteria help in making the soil nutrients more productive; much higher as compared to the chemical containing liquids.

Weed Management

“Weed”, in simple words, is nothing but the unwanted plant that grows in agricultural fields. However, in organic agriculture, there is more focus on suppressing the weed rather than eliminating it completely.
The two most widely used weed management techniques are:
  • Mulching – a process wherein plastic films are used in order to block the growth of weed
  • Mowing and cutting – wherein there is a removal of weeds’ top growth
Controlling other organisms

While certain organisms prove to be beneficial to the health of the agricultural farm, there are many others that hamper the field. Hence, the growth of such organisms needs to be controlled to protect the soil and crops. Out of the long list, following are the three most commonly used and important ways of controlling other organisms in organic agriculture:

Encouraging ladybugs, minute pirate bugs and other such predatory beneficial insects that feast on pests and fly away from the farm.
Using herbicides and pesticides that are natural or contain less chemical
Proper sanitization of the entire farm in order to keep it free from pests
Livestock

There can be no better place for the pet animals to get fresh air, food and a great exercise than the green farm. Since everything is preferred to be in a natural way, just like the animals were used as labor in the earlier times for plowing, organic agriculture encourages the use of domestic animals to increase the sustainability of the farm.

Genetic Modification

Since organic agriculture encourages the use of natural ways to enhance the farm, crops and soil; there is a discouragement of genetically engineered animals and plants. Hence, genetic modification is kept out of this agriculture. However, there is an argument keeping in mind that the pollen present in such modified crops are present in the stock of seeds used for organic agriculture, making it impossible to keep this completely out of this agriculture.

Organic agriculture is being conducted by many countries with the rejection of using techniques and chemicals that harm animals, crops, soil, environment and even the human health. Hence, such a process of agriculture should be encouraged since it acts as a protection shield to all the main factors that form the planet.

biological pest control
compost
crop rotation
green manure
Methods
Organic Farming
Harmful Effects of Molds

The presence of mold in our homes and work places can have serious negative effects on the health of humans. People of any age and state of health can react with allergic reactions to the presence of molds. However, those who already suffer from respiratory ailments have an even greater sensitivity to molds that can cause an increase in the severity of reactions.

The most common reactions to mold exposure include respiratory problems such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nose and throat irritation, burning or watery eyes, runny nose, skin rash, headache, or fatigue. Exposure to mold may cause what seems like a constant cold or allergy symptoms. Prolonged exposure to mold can weaken the immune system, thus leaving the body vulnerable to infections.
If the smell of mold exists or those living in the home experience mold related symptoms, track down and remove the source of moisture and the mold itself as soon as possible. Serious mold contamination may require professional removal.

Specialized Landscape Companies

Many homes, offices, hotels, factories and commercial premises have a garden attached to them, which is a place for relaxation and also adds a touch of greenery to the surroundings. Many home owners and commercial premises spend large amounts on designing and developing the interiors of the offices and homes. To complement these homes and offices, the property owners would like the garden to be suitable designed with plants and garden accents selected appropriately. Since most homes and businesses lack the necessary in house expertise for landscaping their premises, they hire the services of specialized landscape companies

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