Name - Soham Pilanker

Class - 12th Arts

Economic Assignment Roll no – 16

Reference – Grow Green
Organically
Organic Farming
• With the increase in crop/plant yields from monde
technique reaching a plateau is most countries, and the
environmental problems due to excessive use of fertilizers
and pesticides becoming a matter of concern the need for
sustainable agriculture farming is increasingly being felt the
world over .
• What is Organic Farming
Organic farming is all about nurturing the earth and producing
food naturally, without relying on synthetic chemicals like pesti
cides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms. The focus i
s on sustainability, using techniques such as crop rotation, com
posting, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and
ecosystems. It’s a method that echoes traditional practices, res
pects natural processes, and aims to create a harmonious bala
nce between farming and the environment. Some argue it lead
s to tastier, healthier food, but it also requires careful planning
and hard work to be successful
• Fundaments of organic farming
1.No synthetic chemicals: This means no chemical pesticides, herbicides, o
r fertilizers. Natural alternatives like compost, manure, and green manure a
re used instead.
2.Soil health: Maintaining and improving soil fertility is crucial. Techniques l
ike crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage help keep the soil rich
in nutrients and biodiversity.
3.Biodiversity: Growing a variety of crops and using natural pest predators
helps manage pests and diseases.
4.Animal welfare: Livestock is raised with organic feed and treated humane
ly, without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones.
5.Sustainability: The goal is to work in harmony with nature, promoting en
vironmental sustainability, and minimizing pollution and resource depletion
• Requirements for organic farming
Stepping into organic farming requires dedication and a few key components:
1.Certified Organic Seeds or Plants: Start with seeds and plants that are certified organic.
2.Healthy Soil: This is your farm’s foundation. You’ll need to enrich it using compost, green ma
nure, or animal manure.
3.Organic Fertilizers: No synthetic fertilizers—
only natural ones like compost, bone meal, or kelp.
4.Natural Pest Management: Use beneficial insects, traps, or natural pesticides instead of che
micals.
5.Crop Diversity: Practice crop rotation and plant a variety of crops to maintain soil health and
reduce pest/disease cycles.
6.Water Management: Conserve water through efficient irrigation systems and soil moisture p
ractices like mulching.
7.Certification: If you want to sell your products as organic, you’ll need to get certified, which i
nvolves meeting specific standards and undergoing inspections.
Starting with these fundamentals, you’ll be on your way to creating a sustainable and healthy f
arming ecosystem.
• Soil Fertility and Manure
1.Soil Health: Healthy soil is rich in organic matter, full of life (like worms and microbes), and w
ell-
structured. Organic farmers focus on enhancing soil health through natural means. Techniques
include:
1. Crop Rotation: Alternating the types of crops grown in each field to prevent pest and
disease cycles and to improve soil nutrients.
2. Cover Cropping: Growing specific crops to cover the soil, preventing erosion, and imp
roving soil quality.
2.Organic Manure: This is essential for providing nutrients to the soil. Options include:
1. Compost: Decomposed organic matter, like vegetable scraps and yard waste, which a
dds nutrients and improves soil structure.
2. Animal Manure: Well-
composted manure from animals like cows, chickens, or horses, which is rich in nutrie
nts.
3. Green Manure: Plants that are grown specifically to be plowed back into the soil to i
mprove its fertility.
• Drainage
1.Good Soil Structure: Ensuring your soil has the right balance of sand, silt,
and clay helps with natural drainage. Organic matter like compost improves
this.
2.Raised Beds: These can enhance drainage by keeping the roots above wa
terlogged soil.
3.Cover Crops: They improve soil structure and water infiltration, preventin
g runoff and erosion.
4.Mulching: This helps retain soil moisture without causing waterlogging a
nd reduces soil compaction, which aids drainage.
5.Swales and Ditches
• Pests and Diseases
Managing pests and diseases in organic farming relies on natural, eco-
friendly methods. Here are the fundamentals:
1.Biological Control: Using natural predators like ladybugs to control pests.
2.Crop Rotation: Changing crops yearly to disrupt pest and disease cycles.
3.Intercropping: Growing different crops together to reduce pest problems.
4.Resistant Varieties: Planting crops that are naturally resistant to certain p
ests and diseases.
5.Physical Barriers: Using nets or row covers to physically block pests.
6.Organic Pesticides: Using naturally derived substances like neem oil, but
sparingly.
Thank You