Organic farming is not just for human. It become necessary for our environment.
In 2006, Bhutan became one of the first countries with 100% organic agriculture. In today’s world, this level of natural, sustainable farming is beyond imagination. Bhutan has a small population with Buddhism, where it’s wrong to kill or poison any life. As organic farming contains no pesticides or mass killing of important environmental members, organic farming fits well with Bhutan. Bhutan is also one of the happiest countries in the world. I want to believe there must be some connection!
Are you thinking of going organic? As you may already know, organic is not about shopping for organic-tagged foods from supermarkets. It’s a lifestyle of being conscious about food, the environment, and health. It is a peaceful practice of aligning with nature. Starting farming organically is a calm way to engage yourself with the process and enjoy nature taking care of itself.
Hi, we are MyOrganicBD. We are a group of nutritionists, microbiologists, doctors, and writers working together to create and share essential insights about organic foods and lifestyle. With an organic garden on the rooftop of our office and vast experience in the niche, this article can change how you see food and production.
Let’s start.
What is organic farming?
Organic farming is a collection of farming methods that focuses on sustainability, quality, and nature dependency. Biological fertilizers from animal and plant wastes, crop rotation, natural pest control, and the use of non-GMO species are some of the central techniques of organic farming. In contrast to traditional farming with tons of fertilizer, toxic pesticides, and heavily human-dependent farming, organic farming depends on organizing the natural environment with natural components to achieve sustainable harvest with originality. With the increasing climate crisis, the destruction of ecological balance, and rising health problems, organic farming has become more relevant than ever.
History of Organic Farming
Organic farming was developed in the 1900s by Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, Rudolf Steiner, and others. They believed that the use of organic fertilizers, biological pest control, and crop rotation is a better way than conventional farming. Howard was an agricultural researcher researching the farming methods of India. Traditionally, organic farming techniques were common practices in India. Howard was quite inspired by the techniques, and he developed sustainable farming practices when he went back to the West. Organic farming was not a system made by some inventor. It’s a continuously developing process to which many people and cultures have contributed. In the 1940s, J.I. Rodale published his book, Organic Gardening, and Farming Magazine played an important role in the organic revolution. Within a few decades, the popularity of organic food and farming was rising steadily. The book Silent Spring 1960 was also a crucial milestone in the history of organic. The book is about the environmental impact of traditional farming techniques. Over time, as environmental and health problems increased, the popularity of organic farming also grew. In 1999, there were over 10 million hectares of organic farmland. In 2014, it grew by over 40 million hectares. In recent times, organic has almost become a brand of premium food. Although it is heavily commercialized, sometimes overpriced, this practice is playing a crucial role in sustainability.
What Are the Basics of Organic Farming?
There are numerous methods for organic farming. But everything can be described through some basic practices. Check out the following points.
Soil Preparation: Organic farming relies on compost and animal manure. Soil is not just the medium where plants grow. It is inhabited by countless bacteria, nematodes, protozoa, fungi, and other organisms. Those organisms interact with each other and process the organic matter of the soil. This entire ecology is vital for plant growth in a healthy way. But chemical fertilizers and pesticides severely affect the ecosystem of the soil. This distribution causes the production of food with low nutrients and taste. Organic manure and composts enhance the natural process and increase the soil fertility organically.
Synthetic fertilizers are used in organic farming. But some inorganic fertilizers, such as copper and sulfur, are allowed. Animal products such as blood meal, feather meal, or manure are used in organic farming. But swage is prohibited due to its potential risks. Any type of animal-related fertilizers must be used before 90-120 days of harvesting to minimize the risk of contamination.
Pest Control: Not every insect is harmful to farming. Some even play a crucial role in farming, killing pests. In organic farming, pest control involves different biological methods without the use of toxic pesticides. Birds and predatory insects like spiders, ladybugs, and wasps are introduced into organic farms to control pests. Bacillus thuringiensis is a type of bacteria that kills different pests that harm plants. Organic pesticides made with herbal plants can also be used. Neem oil, garlic oil, etc., are some examples of organic farming.
Water conservation: In organic farming, different techniques are used to make the best use of water. Drip irrigation is a technique of watering directly to the roots. Mulching and covering the soil is also a common practice to reduce water loss. Rainwater storage and other sustainable natural water sources are used. This minimizes water waste as well as carbon emissions from watering.
No Hybride: Hybrid species may produce more in traditional farming, but they are not often a good choice in organic farming. This is because those species are not natural and often can not thrive in natural processes due to their genetic changes. As an example, a non-GMO local tomato species is growing perfectly with the local soil, weather, and environment. It had thousands of years to adapt. Whereas GMO tomatoes are newer inventions and require nonorganic care to thrive. So for organic farming, non genetically modified organisms are always preferable.
Crop Rotation: Crop rotation is a technique to rotate the crops to maintain the nutrients and improve the harvest of the crop. Every crop has different nutrient requirements. A crop also adds some components that may benefit the next. This is one of the fundamental techniques of organic farming.
Biodiversity: Maintaining biodiversity is one of the cornerstones of organic farming. Such as raising cattle and livestock with an organic garden. The cattle can eat organically grown weeds and grass you farm, while you can use their manure as organic fertilizer. Integrating trees and shrubs that require a bit of a shady environment is also a common technique. Growing multiple crops on one farm may also benefit the soil condition and pest control.
How does organic farming differ from conventional farming?
Organic farming is different from conventional farming in many ways. Let’s make a table to point out the differences more clearly.
| Aspect | Organic Farming | Traditional Farming |
| Definition | Organic farming is a technique that emphasizes organic ways of production without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on sustainability. | Traditional farming is the farming technique of maximizing production with the use of GMOs, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. |
| Soil Management | Organic matter and natural processes are used to improve the richness and biodiversity of soil. | Dependent heavily on chemical fertilizers, which often damage the ecosystem of soil ecosystem. |
| Pestisides | Natural pesticides and some permitted inorganic pesticides are used while maintaining regulation. | Chemical pesticides are used to remove any parasitic organisms, which often destroy the helpful species, too. |
| Fartilizers | Dependent on organic fertilizers such as animal and plant waste compost. | Dependent on synthetic fertilizers with very well-researched techniques. |
| Diversity | Organic farming comes with crop rotation and mixed cultures to achieve the best benefits from nature. | Traditional farming is usually monoculture, which heavily destroys ecosystems and biodiversity. |
| GMO | Organic farming does not use hybrid species. | Traditional farming techniques involve high-yielding GMO crops. |
| Use of Water | Sustainable use of water through mulching and utilization of rainwater. | Requires a lot of water due to chemical farming methods. |
| Health Impact | Organic farming is quite is as it involves no chemical exposure. | Traditional farming can become unhealthy and even risky due to the use of pesticides. A huge number of farmers develop cancer in underdeveloped countries. |
| Cost | Requires higher production costs and effort, but also sells at a higher price in the market. | Usually cheap due to efficient and established farming methods. |
| Animal welfare | Involves human animal treatment and organic feeds, and a better environment. | Involves the most efficient ways of production, which often ignore animal welfare. |
| Regulation and Certification | Organic farming requires maintaining some regulations that are given and certified by organizations like USDA Organic and EU Organic. | Usually less regulated and monitored. |
How to Prepare Soil for Organic Farming?
Organic soil preparation focuses on the condition and living nature of the soil. A soil that does not have living organisms is called dead soil. Bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and various other small organisms maintain the soil condition and improve the nutrient availability of plants. Here is how to prepare nutritious soil –
Organic Fertilizers
Organic matter is the food for living organisms within the soil. Compost, manure, and green manure add nutrients to the soil and maintain a good soil structure. Healthy soil is loosely bonded and allows air and water to be retained inside. Organisms such as earthworms, protozoa, and insects do the trick naturally. They break down the nutrients and make nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium available for the plant. In traditional farming, the use of chemicals massively disturbs the living part of the soil.
pH Balance
The pH balance is a crucial part of organic soil. A pH of 6-7 is ideal for the plants to grow. Measure the pH of your garden soil and take the necessary steps to balance it. When the pH is below 7, it indicates acidic soil, and a pH above 7 is alkaline soil. You can add calcium carbonate when your soil is too acidic. Adding sulfur and peat moss can help improve alkaline soil. Note that some plants do like a specific pH. It is always best to do proper research and prepare your soil accordingly.
Mulching
Mulching is a vital step in organic farming. It helps to maintain the soil moisture and structure. The sun also harms the organic life of the garden soil. Addi straws, dead leaves, grass, and wood chips on the top of the soil. Those components eventually decompose and add nutrients to the soil. This technique can also help reduce weed growth and improve the organism’s activity.
Crop rotation
We previously discussed crop rotation. Let’s talk about it from the perspective of soil. When you rotate your crop, no single nutrient is exhausted from the soil. Rotating can add a lot of benefits for the next crop when done properly. For example, plant crops that fix nitrogen in the soil, such as beans and peas, after harvesting tomatoes or rice. This restores the lack of nitrogen in the soil. After harvesting the legumes, you can again plant a crop that requires nitrogen.
Farming with Natural Amendments
Farming can sometimes become really confusing when you have no idea what you are doing. Often, your crop can lack essential components, which is vital to recognize. To balance the nutrients in the soil, different amendments can help. Here are some examples—
- Biochar— soil condition, structure, moisture retention, and improved microbiological activities.
- Wood ash— balancing acetic soil, add potassium.
- Rock phosphate— a consistent source of phosphorus.
- Eggshell— adds calcium, helping the plant cell wall metabolism.
- Seaweed and fish manure— Add trace minerals to the soil.
What are the best natural soil improvement methods?
The best soil improvement methods depend on the condition and type of the soil. If your garden soil lacks organic activity, adding organic manure will be effective. If you have too sandy or clay soil, it will require different techniques to improve. You must also take into account which crop you are going to cultivate next. Different plants require different types of nutrients and soil conditions. Preparing the soil accordingly is the best way to go.
How does composting benefit organic farming?
Composting is one of the integral parts of organic farming. It is not only effective for plant growth but is also one of the most sustainable techniques. Converting waste into something useful is the best thing you can do for the environment. Check out the short points of the benefits of compost in organic farming—
- Compost fertilizer adds different nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and various micronutrients for plant growth.
- It improves soil structures by enhancing microbial activity and creating a moistening, retaining, breathable soil environment for root development.
- It benefits organic activity by helping bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and earthworms to do their work, which benefits soil fertility and structure.
- Compost often works like an organic sponge, which helps the soil retain moisture.
- As compost helps the beneficial organisms, other harmful pathogens get outcompeted.
- You can turn your kitchen waste, animal manure, and other organic matter which is an amazing form of environmental sustainability and recycling.
- Compost often works similarly to a buffer solution and helps maintain the soil’s pH.
What Are Natural Pest and Disease Control Methods?
To control disease and pests in organic farming, it is essential to know pests and their natural control methods. Firstly, choosing healthy seeds and species is the first step of disease control. Garden hygiene is also very crucial. If your plants grow in a healthy, nutrient-rich environment, they will naturally build disease immunity. However, if you see a diseased plant, steps to take care of it or remove it from your garden can be viable in different situations. Consider reading organic farming books to grow related knowledge.
To control pests in your garden, you can apply techniques like companion planting, introducing predatory insects, using organic pest repellent, and others. (described briefly in the next section)
How can to manage pests without chemicals?
Unlike conventional pest control, you don’t have the option of easy pest control with pesticides. But you would be wrong if you think natural pest control techniques are not effective. It is fascinating how you can combat nature with nature. Check out some of the disease control methods of organic farming.
- Companion planting
There are different plants that help to fight different types of pests. When you mix-culture those plants with your crop, you can get an effective layer of natural pest control. Such as marigolds for nematodes and aphids, basil for mosquitoes, nasturtiums for deterring aphids, garlic and onion for beetles and fungal infection, etc.
- Predatory Insects
If you see dragonflies in your garden, that’s a good example of natural pest control. Many other insects can eat pests and help your garden organically. Ladibugs can be amazingly effective for controlling aphids. Praying mantis, wacewings, and hovorflies can help you control many different types of pests. So how do we collect them? Your garden probably already contains a good number of them. But if you feel your garden lacks predatory insects, it is possible to collect them from somewhere else and release them in your garden. You can visit nearby woods and natural fields and catch them with nets.
- Organic and Non-harmful Pesticides
There are tons of organic pest control components you can use in your garden. You may need to use different items for different components, but it gets easy with some experience. Neem oil and chili-garlic spray is an effective pest repeller for organic gardens. If your garden has a mite attack, soap sprays can be effective. You can combine chili-garlic and soaps in the spray to get a better effect. Baking soda does a great job of removing fungal infections from your garden. Mulching prevents weed growth and pests.
It is also important to know which plants attract which bugs. Mustard and radish attract beetles, while sunflowers can attract aphids and stink bugs. That knowledge will build up over the years, and you can become an experienced, wise farmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of organic farming?
Organic farming is an agricultural practice that avoids synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs, and uses natural methods such as composting, crop rotation, and biological pest control etc.
What are the 4 principles of organic agriculture?
According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement, Health, Ecology, Fairness, and Care are the 4 principles of organic agriculture. Fair means fair treatment of farmers, workers, and customers. While care means careful, sustainable agriculture.
What are the methods of organic farming?
Crop rotation, composting, biological pest control, green manure, and avoiding synthetic chemicals are some of the core methods of organic farming.
Who is the father of organic agriculture?
Sir Albert Howard is considered the father of organic agriculture for his book Agricultural Testament (1940).
What is the biggest problem for organic farmers?
One of the main problems of organic farming is its low yields due to the use of fewer chemicals. It is often hard to find a good market for organic products in many places in the world. Pest and disease, soil fertility, and market competition are some other main problems of organic farming.
What are green manure plants?
Plants that are grown to improve soil nutrients and fertility are called manure plants. Legumes, grasses, mastered, buckwjeats are some of the manure plants.
Which country has the highest number of organic producers?
India has one of the largest communities of organic farmers with over 1.3 million farmers. But if you ask in terms of area, it will certainly be Australia with 53 million hectares.
What are the disadvantages of organic farming?
Low yield, higher cost and effort, ineffective pest and disease control, time-consuming soil preparation, and shorter shelf life are some of the main problems of organic farming.
What is organic manure?
Organic manure is a natural fertilizer made with plant and animal waste. Farm manure, plant compost, fish emulsion, and eggshell powders are some examples of organic manure.
What is the purpose of organic farming?
The purpose of organic farming can be explained in many layers. In general, organic farming helps achieve healthy food production, environmental sustainability, healthy soil, economic sustainability, and consciousness of nature.
Final Thoughts
Organic farming is not some attention-seeking, exotic way of farming. It is the way that humans have farmed for millennia. Organic farming may give you less harvest (25% on average), but why care when it is healthy for the body, sustainable for the environment, and refreshing for the mind? You are not only growing food for yourself, you are also growing an ecosystem for countless natural inhabitants. Farming is cool, but it can never be cooler than organic farming.
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Jehrin Islam, MS, is a Nutritionist. A seasoned organic wellness Content writer at MyOrganicBD, a Shape Communications LLC brand. She holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Food and Nutrition from the University of Dhaka.
She completed her clinical training at BIRDEM Hospital. Worked with healthcare professionals. Jehrin is certified in Therapeutic Diet Chart Making and Diet Counseling. Her work is reviewed by team MyOrganicBD and medical reviewer Dr. Gautam Banik before publication.
