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So much has been talked about organic farming in recent years, but not many people seem to know exactly what it is all about. Is it just about not using artificial fertilisers and chemicals?
Organic farming works in harmony with nature rather than against it. This involves using techniques to achieve good crop yields without harming the natural environment or the people who live and work in it.
The methods and materials that organic farmers use are summarised as follows: To keep and build good soil structure and fertility:
- Recycled and composted crop wastes and animal manures
- The right soil cultivation at the right time
- Crop rotation green manures and legumes
- Mulching on the soil surface
To control pests, diseases and weeds:
- Careful planning and crop choice
- The use of resistant crops
- Good cultivation practice
- Crop rotation
- Encouraging useful predators that eat pests
- Increasing genetic diversity
- Using natural pesticides
Organic farming also involves:
- Careful use of water resources
- Good animal husbandry.
