5 organic farming basic concepts.pptx

basic concepts of organic farming

1. ORGANIC FARMING : BASIC CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS PRESENTED BY : PARANIVALAVANRAJ P PRK23AC2005 COURSE TEACHER : Dr.Bala Ganesh B

2. OBJECTIVES 1. Sustainable agriculture 2. Increasing agricultural production 3. Healthy foods 4. Environmental protection 5. Conservation of natural resources 6. Rural development

3. ORGANIC FARMING It is a production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizer, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock’s feed additive is called as organic farming.

4. Definition by USDA(United States department of agriculture) Organic production as one which will respond site specific condition by integrating cultural, biological, mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance and conserve bio diversity. Definition by FAO Organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including bio diversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity and this is accomplished by using on farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off farm inputs.

5. Concept of Organic farming Soil in the system is a living entity. Soil’s living population of microbes and other organisms are significant contributors to its fertility on a sustained basis and must be protected and nurtured at all cost. This system does not believe in mining of the soil of its nutrients and do it degrade it any way for today’s needs. It describes two major aspects of alternative agriculture • Substitution of inorganic with manures, farm organic resources, and bio fertilizer (INM) • Biological, cultural pest, disease and weed management instead of chemical control.

6. Components of organic farming • Conversion of land from conventional management to organic management • Management of the entire surrounding system to ensure biodiversity • Crop production with the use of alternative source of nutrient such as crop rotation, residue management, organic manures and biological inputs. • Management of weeds and pests by better management practices.

7. Characteristics of Organic farming Sustainable use of local resources Minimum use of purchased inputs Ensuring the basic biological function of soil, water, nutrient and humus Increasing crop and animal diversity Bio diversity management, soil and environment health Protection of long term fertility of soil by maintaining soil organic matter levels Active promotion of the soil organism Promotion of soil fertility Dissolving nutrient in the soil

8. Principles of Organic farming Principle of health : Organic farming sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human one and individual This principle points out that the health of individual and communities cannot be separated from the health of ecosystem – healthy soil produce healthy crops that foster the health of animals and people

9. Principle of ecology : Organic farming should be based on living ecological system and cycles, work with them, emulate them, help sustain them. The production is to be based on ecological process and recycling. Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling and efficient management of materials

10. Principle of fairness: This principle emphasis that organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels and to all parties – farmers , workers, processors, distributors, traders, and consumers.

11. Principle of care : This principle states that precaution and responsibility are the key concerns in management, development, and technology choices in organic agriculture. Organic farming should prevent significant risks by adopting appropriate technologies and rejecting unpredictable ones. Decision should reflect the values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent, and participatory process.

12. Principles of Soil Fertility Management in Organic Farming : Minimize soil disturbance : Reducing tillage and keeping the soil covered with crops, residues, or cover crops can help retain nutrients and support beneficial microbes. Manage organic matter : Using organic amendments, like manure and compost, can improve soil structure, nutrient retention, and water-holding capacity, while promoting beneficial microbial activity. Biodiversity and crop rotation : Diversifying crop rotations and planting cover crops can help maintain soil fertility, reduce pests and diseases, and prevent erosion.

13. Biodiversity Encourage diversity of soils Utilize different organic matter sources Emphasize soil biological activity Conservation Cover soils with vegetation or mulch Utilize permanent organic soil amendments Minimize soil disturbance Recycling Minimize nutrient losses to the environment Utilization of natural nutrient cycling Organic material recycling

14. Importance of Nutrient Management in Organic Farming : Sustainability Proper nutrient management can ensure that organic farming remains sustainable by preventing soil depletion and degradation. Increased yield Nutrient management can help increase the yield of crops by providing plants with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Cost effective Effective nutrient management can lead to cost savings as it can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

15. The Benefits of Organic Farming for Soil Health : Improves Soil Fertility : Organic farming focuses on soil health by using natural sources of nutrients like compost and manure, which helps to increase soil fertility and the capacity to retain water. In turn, this promotes the growth of healthy and nutritious crops. Reduces soil erosion : Organic farming aims to protect the soil from degradation and erosion by avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and tilling practices. This allows the soil to retain its structure and reduces the risk of soil erosion from wind and water.

16. The Importance of Soil Biology in Organic Farming : Symbiotic relationships : Organic farming methods also encourage beneficial relationships between different organisms in the soil. For example, leguminous plants help to fix nitrogen, which can benefit other plants in the area Microbial diversity : The soil is home to trillions of microorganisms, like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. Organic farming prioritizes maintaining healthy soil microbial communities, which are crucial for cycling nutrients and breaking down organic matter.

17. Practices for Nutrient Management in Organic Farming : Soil Testing and Analysis : Determine nutrient imbalances and deficiencies before deciding on fertilizer application rates Proper nutrient application timing : Provide organic fertilizers timed to coincide with the needs of specific crops Utilizing crop residues and organic amendments : Recycling of residues and composting of manure provides a valuable source of nutrients and organic matter for the soil

18. Role of Organic Matter in Soil Health : Carbon Sequestration By returning plant matter to the soil via composting, tillage, and cover cropping, the organic matter is broken down and stored in the soil as stable forms of carbon. Soil structure Organic matter is a critical component of soil structure, helping to create and maintain pore space and properly aerated soil. Nutrient cycling Organic matter in the soil provides the necessary nutrients for plants to grow and thrive, creating a cycle of growth and regeneration.

19. Practices in Organic Soil Management : Permaculture A system of integrated land management that mirrors the natural ecosystem, using techniques like companion planting, composting, and low tillage . No till farming A method of planting crops without disturbing the soil, helping to maintain soil health and reduce erosion. Agroforestry A holistic approach to farming that combines trees with crop production, offering numerous benefits such as carbon sequestration and habitat creation. Vermicomposting Using worms to compost kitchen scraps and other organic material, providing a rich source of nutrients for plants and improving soil structure.

20. Soil Management Techniques Used in Organic Farming Crop rotation : This technique involves growing different types of crops in a field in a specific sequence to discourage the proliferation of pests and encourage soil health. Cover crops : This technique involves planting crops like clover, rye, or vetch in between cash crops to protect the soil from erosion and to improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen and increasing organic matter content.

21. Challenges in Nutrient Management in Organic Farming : Nutrient imbalances : Excessive use of organic fertilizer may result in too much nitrogen and phosphorus and alkalinization of soil Slow release of nutrients : Nutrients in organic fertilizers take time to break down and become available to the plant, making it difficult to meet crop nutrient demands Organic fertilizer availability : Quantity and quality of organic fertilizers are subject to variations depending on climate and geographical location

22. Challenges and Drawbacks of Organic Soil Management : Weed control Managing weeds in organic farming can be time-consuming and labor-intensive without the aid of synthetic herbicides. Pest and disease control Controlling pests and diseases organically can be more challenging than using synthetic pesticides, requiring integrated pest management strategies. Transition period Transitioning from conventional to organic farming requires adjusting practices and may result in temporary declines in soil fertility. Nutrient availability Organic fertilizers require time to break down and release nutrients, which may lead to slower growth and yield for some crops.

23. Advantages of organic farming : Nutritional, poison free and tasty food Lower growing cost Enhance soil nourishment Increase in long term fertility of soil Supply primary, secondary and micro nutrient to plants. Improve physical and chemical properties of soil Organic matters restores soil Ph Disadvantage of organic farming In changing over to organic farming initial crop loss generally occurs No fully developed markets for organic products.

24. Future of Organic Farming in Soil Management : A positive future : Organic farming represents a promising future for soil management, promoting healthy ecosystems, sustainable practices, and increased crop yield. Consumer and Industry Shifts : Increased consumer awareness and concern for sustainable agriculture practices have led to a demand for more organic foods. As a result, the organic agriculture industry has seen steady growth in recent years.