unit 3 organic crop production pratices.pptx

Organic crop production is a method of farming that relies on natural processes and materials to grow crops while maintaining environmental sustainability, soil health, and biodiversity. It excludes the use of synthetic chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic crop production is based on ecological principles and aims to produce food in a way that is harmonious with the environment, promoting soil fertility, plant health, and biodiversity.

Key Principles of Organic Crop Production:
Soil Health and Fertility Management:

Organic farming treats soil as a living system, emphasizing the need to enhance soil fertility and structure.
Farmers use organic matter like compost, green manure, and animal manure to add nutrients and improve soil texture.
Crop rotation is practiced to reduce the risk of pest and disease buildup and maintain nutrient balance in the soil.
Cover crops and mulching are employed to conserve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and add organic matter to the soil.
Natural Inputs:

Organic fertilizers (e.g., compost, bone meal, or green manure) are used to provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil.
Farmers avoid synthetic chemicals and rely on natural pest and disease control methods such as biological control, trap cropping, and crop rotation.
Organic seeds and planting materials that are free from chemical treatments and GMOs are used.
Pest and Disease Management:

Organic crop production uses integrated pest management (IPM), which focuses on preventing pest outbreaks rather than controlling them after they occur.
Techniques like biological control (using beneficial insects), crop diversity, and companion planting are used to create a balanced ecosystem that naturally suppresses pest populations.
Natural pesticides such as neem oil, pyrethrum, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are permitted in organic farming for managing pest outbreaks.
Weed Management:

Instead of chemical herbicides, organic farmers use mechanical weeding, mulching, and crop rotation to manage weeds.
Cover crops are often grown to suppress weed growth by shading the soil and outcompeting weeds for nutrients.
Water Management:

Efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting are used to minimize water usage and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
Techniques such as mulching and maintaining soil organic matter improve water retention in the soil.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Preservation:

Organic farms promote biodiversity by growing a variety of crops and using practices that encourage the presence of beneficial organisms like pollinators and natural predators.
Hedgerows, wildflower strips, and natural habitats are maintained to support a diverse ecosystem that helps control pests and improve pollination.

1. KONGUNADU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Autonomous) Department of Agriculture Engineering Course: ORGANIC FARMING FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION Unit 3 : Organic C r op Management By Mr. M.Sundharan , Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology

2. Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production Lectu r e 21 : Int r oduction to Organic C r op Management

3. Land preparation Tillage Practicing conservation tillage, zero tillage, minimum tillage techniques to prepare the land. Tillage operation is confined to areas where crop is to be planted leaving rest area undisturbed. Through this the soil environment is least disturbed thus maintaining the soil flora. This provides drainage, proper root movement to obtain the necessary water and nutrients, and aeration.

4. Planting Technique Broad Bed and Furrow System Bed width of 1.5 to 2.0 m Furrow width of 45 to 60 cm and depth 15 to 20 cm Controls soil erosion and hold moisture for longer period Better infiltration of rainwater Better aeration and radiation interception of the crops

5. Nutrient Management Nutrient management implies managing all nutrient sources – fertilizers, organic manures, waste materials, soil reserves, biological nitrogen fixation, and biofertilizer in such a way that yield is not jeopardized, with a minimum loss of nutrient to the environment with high nutrient use efficiency. Criteria of essentiality of nutrients: Arnon (1952) proposed the following criteria of essentiality of mineral nutrients: A deficiency of element in question results in failure to complete the life cycle of crop. Deficiency of element in question can be corrected by supplying particular nutrient element The element must extend its effect directly on growth and metabolism of crops Plant tissue contains 60-90% water and rest dry matter. The dry matter: Carbon: 40% Oxygen: 40% Hydrogen: 10% Inorganic element: <10%

6. . Nutrient Management Essential element in plant nutrition: Macronutrients : nutrients needed in concentration of 1000  g/g dry matter or more . Micronutrients: Nutrients needed in concentration equal or less than 100  g/g dry matter. Essential nutrients and their forms of uptake by plant Form of uptake CO2 H2O H2O, O2 4 3 NH + , NO - - 2- Nutrie n t C H O Mac r onutrie n t s : N P K Ca Mg S H 2 PO 4 , HPO 4 K + Ca 2+ Mg 2+ SO 4 2- , Fe 2+ Mn 2 + Zn 2+ Cu 2+ 3 H 2 BO - 4 MoO 2- Micronutrients: Fe Mn Zn Cu B Mo Cl Cl -

7. . Nutrient Management Nutrient deficiency symptoms Nutrient Functions Deficiency symptoms N Component of many organic compounds ranging from protein to nucleic acid, an integral part of chlorophyll and associated with leaf greenness. Stunted growth, yellowing of lower leaves, reducing tillering in cereals P Energy transfer and protein metabolism. Associated with increased root growth and early maturity New leaves become dark green, poor root system and stunted growth. K Activator of many enzymes. Imparts disease resistance in cereal and drought resistance in many crops. Marginal burning starting from tip Ca Cell division Growing point die and curl, new leaves become white Mg Component of chlorophyll Interveinal chlorosis of older leaves with veins remaining green S Associated with chlorophyll formation and sulphur containing aminoacids Chlorosis of younger leaves

8. Nutrient Management Factors considered for nutrients management: Amount of plant available nutrients already present in soil Nutrient use efficiency of crop Yield of crop Physio-biochemical needs of the crop Organic carbon status of soil The 4R’s in precision nutrient management: Right quantity Right source Right time Right method

9. Blanket/General recommendation: General Recommendations are based on large number of experiments conducted at different locations. General fertilizer recommendation is equated with medium fertility status of soil. For low and high rating, the does is correspondingly decreased or increased by 25% of the recommended dose. Major problems : Soil is categorized to medium, low and high, irrespective of crop. Crops have variable requirement of nutrient and respond differently to applied fertilizer in different soils Recommended Nutrient Quantity Rating limits of soil test value used in India Nutrient Low Medium High Organic carbon, % <0.5 0.5-0.75 >0.75 Available N, kg/ha <280 280-560 >560 A vailable P , kg/ha <10 10-25 >25 Available K, kg/ha <108 108-280 >280 Nitrogen dose in rice: Medium fertile soil: 100 kg N/ha Low fertile soil : 125 kg N/ha High fertile soil : 75 kg N/ha

10. Balance sheet method: Y.b = (N rec + N min )E 1 + No.E 2 + Na.E 3 Y = Crop yield target, kg/ha b = Nutrient uptake by the entire crop for unit yield (economic + byproduct), kg/kg N rec = Nutrient recommendation, kg/ha N min = Amount of mineral N present in the soil, kg/ha No = Amount of N mineralized from organic matter present in the soil, kg/ha Na = Amount of N supplied to soil through dry and wet atmospheric deposition, kg/ha E = Efficiency factors Recommended Nutrient Quantity

11. Balance sheet method: Y.b = (N rec + N min )E 1 + No.E 2 + Na.E 3 Compute the N recommendation, kg/ha for rice crop with the following information: Y = 5.0 t/ha for grain yield and 4.0 t/ha for straw yield on dry weight basis 1.5 %, S traw N content = 0.8% b, Gran N content = N min = 150 kg/ha No = 20 kg/ha Na = 05 kg/ha E 1 = 0.40, E 2 = 0.50, and E 3 = 0.40 Recommended Nutrient Quantity

12. Material Content, % N P2O5 K2O Cattle dung 0.35 0.12 0.17 FYM 0.75 0.2 0.5 Rural compost 0.75 0.2 0.5 Urban compost 1.75 1.0 1.5 W ater hyacinth compost 2.0 1.0 2.3 Rice straw 0.61 0.18 1.38 Wheat straw 0.48 0.16 1.18 Sugarcane trash 0.40 0.18 1.28 Neem cake 5.22 1.08 1.48 Nutrient composition of some of organic resources N recommendation = 100 kg/ha Quantity, kg/ha 13333 5000 Nutrient Source FYM Water hyacinth compost U r ea 218

13. Right Timing of nutrient application Darker the shade is the better time of fertilizer application in Rice Nutrient Management Farm yard manure is applied @ 5 t/ha Fertilizer dose:100:50:50 kg/ha of N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O Full P and K as basal at the final land preparation N in three splits at Basal (Planting/sowing) Tillering, 15 days after planting Panicle initiation stage

14. Right method of application Broadcasting Placement Pellet application Through irrigation (Fertigation) Broadcasting Basal application Top dressing Placement Plough sole placement Deep placement Band placement Hill placement (orchard crops) Row placement (row crops)

15. Nutrient use efficiency Agronomic N Use Efficiency (AE N ) Nutrient Recovery Efficiency (RE N ) AE N (kg kg − 1 )= Grain yield in N fertilized plot − Grain yield in control plot Quantity of N fertilizer applied in fertilized plot - 1 R E N ( kg kg )= Total N uptake in fertilized plot - Total N uptake in control plot Quantity of N fertilizer applied in fertilized plot

16. Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production Lectu r e 2 3 : Organic V egetable C r op Manage m ent

17. POTATO ( Solanum tuberosum ) Family: Solanaceae Origin: The probable centre of origin of potato is in South America Climatic Requirements A cool season crop Potato is a long day plant It grows well in temperature between 15 ° C to 25 ° C. High day temperature 20-25°C is good for vegetative growth while 15-20°C night temperature is good for tuber formation. Soil Well- drained sandy loam and medium loam soils are most suitable. Soil should be friable, well aerated, fairly deep and well supplied with organic matter. Alkaline or saline soil is not suitable for potato cultivation. Well suited to acidic soils (pH 5.0 to 6.5) as acidic conditions tend to limit scab diseases.

18. Propagation Use disease free, well sprouted seeds weighing 30 – 50 grams. Plant the tubers at 20-25 cm apart. Seed rate is 20-25 quintals/ha. Land Preparation Prepare the land to fine tilth. The land is ploughed at a depth of 25 cm and exposed to the sun. The soil should have a higher pore space and offer least resistance to tuber development. Method of Planting Planting Potatoes on ridges: After preparation of field, ridges are made at a distance of 45-60 cm. Planting is done on the ridges. Flat Bed Method: Planting of potato is done on flat method in shallow furrows. This method is for light soils. Planting on flat surface followed by ridges: In this method shallow furrows are prepared and immediately after planting tubers, small ridges are made.

19. Chemical P r opert i e s Conventi onal VC (%) Mic r obia l Enriched VC (%) Rock enriched VC (%) FYM Total N 1.3-1.5 1.8-2.4 1.4-1.5 0.5 Total P 0.8-1.0 0.9-1.3 2.9-3.5 0.2 Total K 1.0-1.1 1.1-1.60 2.8-3.5 0.5 SOURCE DOSE, Based on K content Conventional VC 11 tonnes/ha. Microbial Enriched VC 8 tonnes/ha Rock enriched VC 4 tonnes/ha FYM 25 tonnes/ha Chemical fertilizer 120-100-150 kg of N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O NUTRIENTS MANAGEMENT

20. Nutrient Management: Application of biodynamic compost @ 5 t/ha at the time of land preparation Application of neem cake @ 1250 kg/ha at the time of land preparation Application of biofertilizers like Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria @ 25 kg each/ha at the time of land preparation. Spraying cow pat pit @ 5 kg/ha in 100 liters of water on 45th, 60th and 75th day after planting

21. Potato Scab Growth regulators Foliar spraying of panchagavya (Cow dung - 7 kg, Cow ghee - 1 kg, Cow Urine - 10 litres, Cow milk - 3 litres, Cow curd - 2 litres, Water - 10 litres, ) @ 3 % at 10 days interval from 1st month after sowing Spraying 10% vermiwash 5 times at 15 days interval from one month after sowing

22. Plant protection Pests Aphids Foliar spray of 10% garlic- chilli extract on 45th, 60th and 75th day after sowing Foliar spray of 3% neem oil Potato tuber moth Avoid shallow planting of tubers. Plant the tubers at 10 – 15 cm depth Install pheromone traps @ 20 numbers per hectare Earth up at 60 days after planting to avoid potato tuber moth egg laying in the exposed tubers To control foliar damage, spray 5% neem seed kernel extract Potato tuber moth Aphids

23. Diseases Potato blight Plant healthy and blight free seed Select varieties with high blight resistance Spraying Agni Hotra ash (200 g Agni Hotra ash soaked in 1 liter cow urine for 15 days and diluted in 10 litres of water before spraying). Spray 3 times at one month interval from one month after planting Blight affected Potato field

24. Virus diseases Use virus free potato tubers Rogue the virus affected plants regularly Control the aphid vectors by spraying 10% nettle leaf extract on 45th, 60th and 75th day after planting Nematodes Avoid growing potato year after year in the same field Follow rotation of crop with vegetables and green manure Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 kg/ha can be done Sow mustard as intercrop at the time of potato planting and harvest the mustard greens and incorporate on 45th day for the control of potato cyst nematode.

25. TOMATO ( Lycopersicon esculentum ) Family: Solanaceae Climatic Requirements Tomato is a warm season crop. Thrives well in temperature 10 C to 30 C with optimum range of temperature is 21-24 C. Lycopene is highest at 18 to 26°C Avoid water stress and long dry period as it causes cracking of fruits. Bright sunshine at the time of fruit set helps to develop dark red coloured fruits. Soil Sandy loam soil is best suited . Grows best at pH 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be well prepared & leveled by ploughing the land 4 - 5 times .

26. Land Preparation Cover crops in Tomato field Soils should be prepared early by incorporating organic matter. Ridges and furrow type of layout is used. The spacing recommended for tomato crop is 60 cm to 75 cm x 60 cm. Nutrient Management: Commonly used organic fertilizers include: calcitic or dolomitic limestone (for Ca, Mg); mica (for K) ; rock phosphate or bone meal (for P); blood meal or Chilean nitrate Nutrient dose: N:P2O5:K2O - 100:100:80 kg/ha

27. Disease Management Some of the control measures for early Blight, Damping Off and Fruit Rot are Supporting the plant properly, planting on ridges in irrigated soil. Planting on well drained soil, Spraying Bordeaux mixture. Some control measures for viral diseases like Tomato Mosaic Virus are Uprooting and burning the disease affected plants as soon as they are noticed is the best method to check the spread of this disease. Tomato Mosaic Virus affected plant Damping Off

28. Organic Tomatoes vs. Conventional Tomatoes A study conducted by researchers at the University of Barcelona shows that organic tomatoes contain higher levels of phenolic compounds than conventional tomatoes . Phenolic compounds are organic molecules with proven human health benefits and are found in many vegetables. Organic tomato juice and ketchup contain higher polyphenol content than juice and ketchup made from conventionally grown tomatoes. Polyphenols are natural antioxidants of plant origin and are of extreme interest because they are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular and degenerative diseases, and some forms of cancer.

29. Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production Lectu r e 2 4 : Organic Field C r op Manage m ent (Ce r eals)

30. Rice ( Oryza sativa ) Family: Poaceae Origin: Sou t h-east Asia Climatic Requirements Rice cultivation in India extends from 8 to 35 N altitude and from sea level to as high as 3000 meters. It needs a hot and humid climate. It is best suited in regions which have high humidity, prolonged sunshine and an assured supply of water. The average temperature required through out the life period of the crop ranges from 21 to 37 C. At the time of tillering, the crop requires a higher temperature. Temperature require for blooming is in the range of 26.5 to 29.5 C. At the time of ripening the temperature should be between 20-25 C. Rice is a short-day plant. Soil Rice can be grown in any type of soil. The major soil groups where rice is grown are alluvium, red-yellow, red loamy, laterite, costal alluvium, red sandy, mixed red and black and medium and shallow black soils. optimum pH range for rice is 5.5-6.5.

31. Land Preparation 1. Upland rice/ Direct seeded Rice: In this method, the soils are not puddled and there is no free standing water in the field. It requires less water and is effective for soil aeration. STEPS : i) Construct bunds: 50 cm x 30 cm bunds, around the field. Bunds should be well compacted and properly sealed, with no cracks, holes, etc. This will minimize water losses through seepage (particularly in sloping lands). ii) Primary Tillage: Primary tillage is normally undertaken when the soil is wet enough to allow the field to be plowed and strong enough to give reasonable levels of traction. This can be immediately after harvest or at the beginning of the next season, depending on soil moisture and water availability. Summer ploughing is preferred.

32. ii) Secondary Tillage Operations Harrowing and rotavating the soil to loose the soil. Levelling the field Sowing of seeds 2. Lowland Rice/ Puddled Transplanted Rice Construct Bunds Impound water Puddling: Tillage operation in standing water Level the field

33. Systems of Rice Intensification Young seedling (15 days) Wider spacing (25 cm × 25 cm) One seedling per hill Saturation water maintenance

34. Nutrient Management i) Green Manure Cultivation Green Ma n ure crop of Sesba n ia aculeata and Crotalaria juncea can be taken. The 60-day-old crop can contribute approximately 100 kg N/ha, 25-30 kg P/ha and 75 kg K/ha and these can meet the requirement of organic rice crop. A seed rate of 25-30 kg/ha of Sesbania should be used. Sowing from last week of April to first fortnight of May Incorporated around 55-60 days after sowing ii) FYM If available, well decomposed FYM should be applied @15-20 t/ha, which can supply about 75-100kgN/ha, 35-40 kg P 2 O 5 /ha and 75-100 kg K 2 O/ha. FYM should be decomposed by adding Trichoderma powder. Incorporation of green manure crop Green manure in field

35. Enriched compost Various methods of composting for nutrients enrichment through rock phosphate, pyrite and micro-organism have better quality with respect to N, P, K and S content. Azolla Inoculation of Azolla bio-fertilizer at 7 days after transplanting of rice crop @ 2 t/ha in standing water and its growth during the rice crop adds organic matter and nitrogen to the soil. The Azolla incorporation at the time of puddling of rice soil @ 6t/ha can also provide about 25-30 kg N/ha to the rice crop in organic farming system. v) Vermicompost Application of Vermicompost @ of 5 tonnes /ha can meet the nutrient requirement of organic rice partially.

36. Chemical P r opert i e s Conventi onal VC (%) Mic r obia l Enriched VC (%) Rock enriched VC (%) FYM Total N 1.3-1.5 1.8-2.4 1.4-1.5 0.5 Total P 0.8-1.0 0.9-1.3 2.9-3.5 0.2 Total K 1.0-1.1 1.1-1.60 2.8-3.5 0.5 SOURCE DOSE, Based on N content Conventional VC 7 tonnes/ha. Microbial Enriched VC 4 tonnes/ha Rock enriched VC 7 tonnes/ha FYM 20 tonnes/ha Chemical fertilizer 100-50-60 kg of N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O NUTRIENTS MANAGEMENT

37. Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production Lectu r e 25 : Organic Field C r op Manage m ent (Ce r eals contd.)

38. Chemical P r opert i e s Conventi onal VC (%) Mic r obia l Enriched VC (%) Rock enriched VC (%) FYM Total N 1.3-1.5 1.8-2.4 1.4-1.5 0.5 Total P 0.8-1.0 0.9-1.3 2.9-3.5 0.2 Total K 1.0-1.1 1.1-1.60 2.8-3.5 0.5 SOURCE DOSE, Based on N content Conventional VC 7 tonnes/ha. Microbial Enriched VC 4 tonnes/ha Rock enriched VC 7 tonnes/ha FYM 20 tonnes/ha Chemical fertilizer 100-50-60 kg of N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O NUTRIENTS MANAGEMENT

39. Pest and Disease Management 1. General precautions: Select the resistant and well adopted varieties for specific areas. Select the clean and diseased free seeds. Proper agronomical practices like optimum planting time and seedling age, planting geometry, depth of planting, etc. Good water management for example at the time of attack of insects and diseases, water should be drained out. 2. Field preparation: Apply FYM pre-colonized with Trichoderma harzianum (TH) or Pseudomonas fluorescens (PsF). For the precolonization of FYM, TH/PsF is to be added at monthly interval in FYM pits @ 100 g/pit. These pits should be covered with sugarcane leaves or rice straw. Water should be sprayed at regular intervals (at least once after bioagent application) to maintain moisture. In green manuring, spray Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 5g/litre of water just at the time of incorporation of green manure crop.

40. 3. Nursery sowing time: water fol l owed Seed by treatme n t with sal t ed Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens (PsF) @ 5 g each /kg seed . Use o ne pheromone trap for stem borer per 100 japoni c um or T . chil o n i s m 2 nursery area. Release T richogramma @ 150000 parasitoids/ha. 4. Transplanting: Drenching of PsF (1 g/ m 2 ) in nursery soil one day before uprooting of seedlings or dipping of roots of seedlings in suspension of PsF (5g/l).

41. 5. After transplanting till maturity Use pheromone traps (5 mg pheromone per trap; 20 traps/ha; 20 m x 25 m distance) within a week of transplanting for stem borer and replace lure after 30 days. Avoid water stagnation and at the time of attack of insects and diseases. Spray 10% cow urine mixed with neem leaves . The spray of cow urine should be started 25 days after transplanting and subsequently 3-4 spray at 15 days interval. Spray 5% vermiwash/compost tea treated with Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens Spray mixed formulation of compatible strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma harzianum (5g each per liter of water) at panicle initiation for sheath blight, sheath rot & neck blast. One spray to be given at weekly interval.

42. Wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) Family: Poaceae Climatic Requirements Wheat is cool season crop. Average temperature during sowing: 10°C to 15°C , ripening or grain filling: 21°C to 26°C. Wheat grows better in those areas where rainfall occurs in winter. Irigation serves the best if rainfall falls below 50 cm. Soil Wheat grows best in well drained fertile loams of either alluvial soils type or black soils type. Optimum pH range is 6.0 to 7.0. Land preparation and sowing: Primary tillage followed by secondary tillage to loose soil for sowing of seed. If needed irrigation can be provided to have proper moisture content for the tillage operation Seeds sown in rows of 20 cm spacing Sow one row Sarson on all four sides of the field. This will serve as ‘Trap Crops’ for some insect-pests.

43. Chemical P r opert i e s Conventi onal VC (%) Mic r obia l Enriched VC (%) Rock enriched VC (%) FYM Total N 1.3-1.5 1.8-2.4 1.4-1.5 0.5 Total P 0.8-1.0 0.9-1.3 2.9-3.5 0.2 Total K 1.0-1.1 1.1-1.60 2.8-3.5 0.5 SOURCE DOSE, Based on N content Conventional VC 8 tonnes/ha. Microbial Enriched VC 5 tonnes/ha Rock enriched VC 8 tonnes/ha FYM 24 tonnes/ha Chemical fertilizer 120-50-60 kg of N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O NUTRIENTS MANAGEMENT

44. Pest and Disease Management Aphids Aphid populations are usually kept in check by biological control agents, such as lady beetles, parasitic wasps, syrphid fly maggots, and fungal pathogens, which are often abundant in small grains. Armyworm Spray Pyrethrum (20 g in 10 litre water) in 10 days interval Aphids on Wheat Armyworm

45. Loose smut Certified seed fields are inspected for loose smut, and strict standards are enforced. Seed from fields with loose smut are rejected. So using certified seed is a highly effective way to avoid loose smut. Leaf rust Organic producers must select varieties with good resistance to leaf rust select varieties that have a combination of powdery mildew and leaf rust resistance. Loose smut Leaf rust

46. Qual i ty There was no difference in amylose and protein contents between organically grown and ordinarily grown rice. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of methanol extracts from organically grown rice were higher than those of ordinarily grown rice (Gi-Soo et al., 2007). Organic nutrient sources can perform comparatively well as regards chemical and physico-chemical properties, and cooking quality of rice, if not better in some parameters than inorganic fertilization (Saha et al., 2007). High wheat quality in organic farming is achievable by lower inputs, thereby safeguarding natural resources ( Mäder et al., 2007)

47. Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production Lectu r e 26 : Organic Field C r op Management (pulse and oilseed c r op)

48. Arhar ( Cajanus cajan ) Family: Leguminosae Origin: India Climatic Requirements Pigeonpea can be grown between 14°N and 28°N latitude, with a temperature ranging from 26° to 30°C in the rainy season (June to October) and 17° to 22°C in the postrainy (November to March) season. The length of growing season extends from 120 to 180 days. Pigeonpea is very sensitive to low radiation at pod development Soil It is grown well on a wide range of soils varying from sandy loams to clay loams. It does best on fertile and well drained loamy soils. The saline-alkaline and waterlogged soil unfit for its cultivation, as they adversely affect nodulation. Optimum pH range is 5.5-7.5.

49. Land Preparation Land pre p ar a t i on f o r pigeonpea requir e s a t least one ploughing during the dry season followed by 2 or 3 harrowing. The "summer" plowing helps in minimizing the weed flora and to conserve moisture. W ell - drained soi l s are necessary for good root and nodule development. Ridge-and-furrow system are useful in preventing water logging by draining excess surface water and in preventing soil erosion. In acidic soils 2-4 t ha -1 of lime is incorporated 3-4 weeks before sowing to neutralize the acidity.

50. Fertilizer management Use of green manure crops. Taking advantage of monsoon showers sow 1-2 kg seeds each of Sunhemp, Sesbania, Horse Gram, Cow pea, Green gram and Black gram and allow them to grow for 30 days. Incorporate this green manure crop into the soil by shallow tilling during first week of July and go for red gram sowing after 7- 8 days of incorporation. Addition of Neem leaf/seed manure at 5-10 quintal/ha has also been found to be beneficial not only in terms of increased nutrient supply, but also in terms of reduced problem of soil borne pathogens and nematodes. Liquid manure prepared from cattle dung and cow urine is a key on-farm input in fertility management of soils under organic management. Liquid manure Neem leaf/seed manure

51. Amrutpani(0.25 kg ghee, 0.5 kg honey, 10 kg fresh dung, 200 litres of water), a soil tonic can also be used in soil application. Minimum of three applications, first at the time of sowing, second after 25-30 days (after first weeding) and third after 50-60 of sowing (after second weeding). Foliar spraying of Panchagavya (Cow dung - 7 kg, Cow ghee - 1 kg, Cow Urine - 10 litres, Cow milk - 3 litres, Cow curd - 2 litres, Water - 10 litres, ) @ 3% at 10-15 days interval from 1st month after sowing

52. Chemical P r opert i e s Conventi onal VC (%) Mic r obia l Enriched VC (%) Rock enriched VC (%) FYM Total N 1.3-1.5 1.8-2.4 1.4-1.5 0.5 Total P 0.8-1.0 0.9-1.3 2.9-3.5 0.2 Total K 1.0-1.1 1.1-1.60 2.8-3.5 0.5 SOURCE DOSE, Based on P content Conventional VC 3 tonnes/ha. Microbial Enriched VC 2 tonnes/ha Rock enriched VC 1 tonne/ha FYM 13 tonnes/ha Chemical fertilizer 30-60-40 kg of N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O NUTRIENTS MANAGEMENT

53. Disease and Pest Management Pod borer or Boll worm (Helicoverpa), aphids, jassids, thrips, mites, etc are some of the important insect pests of red gram. Fusarium wilt disease can also be a serious problem in some places. Preventive Measures Intercropping of red gram with soybean, moong, ground nut, sorghum/maize and planting of marigold in bunds helps in keeping the pest population under control. Release of Trichogramma 50,000 eggs (2-3 cards) after 30 days of sowing can keep the problem of pests below threshold level. Curative Measures 2-3 Sprays of 5% Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) at an interval 15 days. NSKE enriched with 5% cow urine has been found to be more effective. The Azadirachtin in the NSKE controls the boll worm and other sucking pests. Alternatively, 20 kg of Neem leaves boiled with 100 liter water can also be used. Alternatively, Garlic, Chili and Neem crushed in cow urine can be sprayed on leaves.

54. Groundnut ( Arachis hypogeae ) Family: Leguminosae Climatic Requirements Requires a long and warm growing season. Requires at least 50 cm rainfall during growing warm seaso n , more sunshine and re l at i vely sunshine. Optimum temperature range is 21-26.5 °C Soil Well drained sandy and sandy-loam soils are best suitable. Heavy soils interfere peg development. Optimum pH is between 6.0-6.5

55. Land Preparation Deep ploughing should be avoided in Groundnut due to its pod-forming habits. This is due to the fact deep ploughing encourages development of pods in deeper layers of soil which makes harvesting difficult. One ploughing with soil turning plough followed by two harrowings is best for the crop. 1-2 summer ploughings will minimize weeds and insect pests. Nutrient Management In groundnut, application of FYM at 10 to 15t/ha increased the pod and haulm yields and improved the yield parameters like shelling percentage, 100 seed weight and sound mature kernel compared to the recommended dose of fertilizers. Foliar application of cow urine @ 10 % and Panchagavvya spray @ 3% as a source of nutrient and growth promoter at 45 and 60 DAS.

56. Chemical P r opert i e s Conventi onal VC (%) Mic r obia l Enriched VC (%) Rock enriched VC (%) FYM Total N 1.3-1.5 1.8-2.4 1.4-1.5 0.5 Total P 0.8-1.0 0.9-1.3 2.9-3.5 0.2 Total K 1.0-1.1 1.1-1.60 2.8-3.5 0.5 SOURCE DOSE, Based on P content Conventional VC 3 tonnes/ha. Microbial Enriched VC 2 tonnes/ha Rock enriched VC 1 tonne/ha FYM 13 tonnes/ha Chemical fertilizer 30-60-40 kg of N:P 2 O 5 :K 2 O NUTRIENTS MANAGEMENT

57. Disease and Pest Management Use of pheromone traps @ 5 per hectare for monitoring of S. litura. Neem seed kernel extract @ 5% as a foliar spray at 45 and 60 DAS against management of defoliators. Groundnut leaf miner ( Stomopteryx subscecivella ) Cultural Control Stray planting of cowpea or soybean as trap crop. Crop rotation with non leguminous crop is advised in case of severe recurring problem. Crop rotation of groundnut with soybean and other leguminous crops should be avoided. Use resistant/tolerant varieties. Mechanical Control Collect and destroy egg masses and early instars larvae. Install pheromone trap @ 5/ha for mass trapping. Spray neem based formulation @ 5%.

58. Biological Control Release Trichogramma Chilonis @ 50000/ha twice (7-10 days interval) Conserve the natural bio control population of spiders, long horned grasshoppers, praying mantis, robar fly, green lace wing, damsel flies/dragon flies, flower bugs, shield bugs, lady bird beetles, ground beetle, predatory cricket, earwig, braconids, trichogrammatids. Mulching with rice straw causes reduction in leaf miner incidence and increase in percentage parasitism. Intercropping groundnut with Pennisetum glacum enhanced the parasitoid Goniozus spp . on leaf miner. Tricho card

59. Red Hairy caterpillars ( Amsacta albistriga ) Cultural Control Deep summer ploughing After the kharif crop, the field should be ploughed to expose the pupae to predatory birds. Early sowing is done to escape insect pest damage. Inter crop one row of castor for every 5 or 6 rows of groundnut. Crop rotation with sorghum/pearl millet or maize should be followed. Vegetative traps utilising Jatropa or Ipomoea prevent the migration of the grown up larvae. Irrigate once to avoid prolonged mid season drought to prevent pre-harvest infestation. Mechanical Control Install of 12 light traps/ha. Erection of light traps soon after the monsoon for 20-45 days and collecting and killing of adult moths are found very effective. Collection and destruction of egg masses in the fields around light trap areas.

60. Biological Control Release of Bracon hebetor @ 5000/ha in two times at 7-10 days interval. Conserve dominant predators like Coccinella sp. and Minochilus sexmaculata and parasitoids like Chelonus spp. Conserve the bio control population of spiders, long horned grasshoppers, praying mantis, green lace wing, damsel flies/dragon flies, flower bugs, shield bugs, lady bird beetles, ground beetle, predatory cricket, Use 5% neem seed kernel extract on need basis. Bracon hebetor feeding on a pest larva

61. Late leaf spot Cultural Control Use of resistant/tolerant varieties wherever late leafspot is severe. Intercropping pearl millet or sorghum with groundnut (1 : 3) is useful in reducing the intensity of late leafspot. Crop rotation with non-host crops preferably cereals. Mechanical Control Deep burying of crop residues in the soil, removal of volunteer groundnut plants are important measures in reducing the primary source of infection. Biological Control Foliar application of aqueous neem leaf extract (2-5%) or 5% neem seed kernel extract at 2 weeks interval 3 times starting from 4 weeks after planting.

62. Rust Cultural Control Crop rotation and field sanitation. Strict plant quarantine regulations should be enforced to avoid the spread of rust on pods or seeds to disease free areas. Early sowing in the first fortnight of June to avoid disease incidence. Intercropping pearl millet or sorghum with groundnut (1 :3) is useful in reducing the intensity of rust. Use resistant/tolerant varieties. Mechanical Control Destroy vol u nteer (s e lf sown) groundnut pla n ts and crop debris to reduce / limit primary source of inoculum. Biological Control Foliar application of aqueous neem leaf extract @ 2-5% is useful and economical for the control of rust.

63. Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production Lectu r e 2 7 : Organic Plantation C r op Management

64. Mango ( Mangifera indica ) Family: Anacardiaceae Origin: Sou t hern Asia Climatic Requirements Mango trees can tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions. It can grow from very hot and humid to cool, dry and very hot and arid. For optimum growth and production, the average maximum temperature should be between 27 and 38 °C. Soil Mango trees grow and produce well on various soil types. The ideal soil texture for mango cultivation under irrigation is a sandy loam or loam (with a clay content of 15 to 25 %), but soils with a clay content of up to 50 % are also suitable. Mango trees grow best on a slight slope which enables runoff of excess water and prevents waterlogging Mango trees grow best in soils with pH values of 6 to 7.2.

65. Land preparation The land is prepared by usual ploughing, harrowing and levelling. A gentle slope is provided to facilitate proper irrigation and prompt drainage to avoid the harmful effects of water stagnation. After marking of the points for the plants, pit size 90cm × 90cm × 90 cm are prepared during summer months. While digging of pits, it is essential to keep the topsoil and subsoil separately in two heaps near each pit for two to four weeks. This helps in exposing the harmful soil organisms to weathering agencies, providing better aeration to the root zone and in making provision for nutritional requirements for healthy development of the soil. The pit is filled with 20 kg of FYM, 5 kg of vermicompost and Biofertlizers (Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria), Neem cake 500 g and Bone meal 500 g and covered with soil. Green manuring is also done with the onset of SW monsoon in July/August with Daincha and Sunhemp. Growing of leguminous green manuring crops helps in Nitrogen fixing besides providing excellent green cover to entire field, which in turn prevents moisture loss.

66. Spacing Spacing varies from 5 m to 7 m either way. Planting material Mango is propagated by grafting . Planting material is procured from nurseries, which propagate by organic means. Planting It is done with the advent of monsoon. The planting season could be July to December, depending upon the monsoon and availability of irrigation facilities. Mango sapling

67. Nutrient Management Mulching: Mulching materials used include bark, nut shells, weeds, grass, wood chips, silage, paddy/wheat straw, rice husk, coir dust, banana, sugarcane leaf trashes etc,. The fallen leaves of the same plant can also be used as mulch material Green manuring: Sun hemp ( Crotolaria juncea ) and dhaincha ( Sesbania aculata ) are ploughed into the field, mulched on the top soil and used as composting material. Biofertlizers: Apply PSB and azospirillum during the pit preparation and also as soil application during the crop growth period Organic manures: Application of Organic manures (10-20 kg/tree/year) through Vermicompost, Biodynamic Compost or Microbe Mediated Compost Growing of legume for green manuring or as inter/cover crops as per requirement Mulching after application of 100 g Cow Pat Pit (CPP), Spray of cow horn manure (BD 500) and release of earthworms Need based foliar spraying of biodyanmic liquid manures/vermin wash/ (CPP)

68. Tea ( Camellia sinensis ) Famil y : Theaceae Origin: China Climatic Requirements It requires moderate humid and cool climate conditions. The optimum temp should range between 21 o C to 29 o C. Temperature more than 35 ° C and less than 15 ° C causes reduction in growth. Annual Rainfall: 150 to 250 cm Soil It is able to thrive in well drained, deep and friable and loamy soils. The ideal soil pH is from 4.3 to 5.8.

69. Nutrient Management Pit size: 45cm × 45cm × 60 cm, Spacing: 100cm × 75cm Nutrients dose as N:P2O5:K2O is 200:60:120 kg/ha/year Apply Vermicompost at 13 t ha -1 . Application per pit is about 01 kg vermicompost, 50 g neem cake and 100 g bone meal in planting year. Compost, oil cakes and rock phosphate are the main inputs to substitute the removal on nutrients. Manure and fertilizers are given, at least three times per year after plantation. The dose of manure should be maintained on the basis of soil status and crop demand.

70. Use of botanical pesticides A s a lon g -li v ed w ood y pe r en n i a l and monoc u lt u r e , p la n ta t ion c r ops provides a stable microclimate and a continuous supply of food for rapid build up of phytophagous species that includes insects, mites and nematodes. Tea mosquito bugs, Red spider mite, Termites, Flushworm, Aphid, Jassid, Thrips and Nematodes are the major pests of plantation crops Botanical antimicrobials derived from plants are currently recognized as biodegradable, systemic, eco-friendly and non-toxic to mammals and are thus considered safe. Their modes of action against pests are diverse. Natural compounds are well suited to organic food production in industrialized countries and can play greater roles in the protection of food crops in developing countries. Some plant based antimicrobials (e.g. neem products, pyrethroids and essential oils) are already used to manage pest populations on a large scale.

71. Use of botanical pesticides Potential plant extracts: Neem Karanja Tobacco Rotenone Annona Lantana Datura Ch r y sa n themum Effective against several pests Neem: Root knot nematode Karanja: Root knot nematode and Helopeltis Tobacco: thrips, scales, aphids, looper caterpillars Rotenone: sucking pests, caterpillars and beetles Annona: Helopeltis Datura: Tea mosquito bug, thrips, jassids, aphids Lantana: Red spider mites, Aphids Chrysanthemum: Tea mosquito bugs, thrips, aphids, scale insects

72. Use of botanical pesticides Potential plant extracts: Neem Karanja Tobacco Rotenone Annona Lantana Datura Ch r y sa n themum Preparation of aqueous plant extracts Collection of Leaves/Seeds/Rhizomes De-pulping and drying Remove seed coat Oven dry & make powder Take 25 kg of powder , Add 250 ml adjuvant and Soak in 50 liter of water overnight Extract and filter through fine cloth Add 500 liter of water Spray in 1 hectare area of plantation

73. QUALITY OF ORGANIC TEA The total phenol and catechin content of organically produced tea (Vermiompost + Vermiwash) was significantly higher than the conventionally produced ones (Palit et al., 2008) ] Nutrient source Total Content of Catechins (mg g ‐1 tea leaves) Percentage of Increase/ Decrease of Catechins Content over Control Treatment No application (Control) 14.79 - Chemical 7.32 -51 Organic ( v ermi c ompo s t ) 16.37 +11 Organic (vermicompost+Ver miwash) 18.69 +26

74. Organic Farming for Sustainable Agricultural Production Lectu r e 2 8 : Organic Meat P r oduction

75. What is organic meat? What is required for meat to earn the organic label? The USDA passed rules in 2002 that set guidelines to be considered for certified organic meat. They include the following criteria: The cattle are born and raised on certified organic pasture They never receive antibiotics They never receive growth-promoting hormones They are fed only certified organic grain and/or grasses They have unrestricted outdoor access “Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.”

76. Characteristics of Different Types of Meat Co n v e n tional Meat Organic Meat Natural Meat Grass Fed Meat USDA Definitions No special definition Produced according to USDA National Organic Standards No artificial ingredients, minimal processing None Usage of Hormones Yes No Vary Vary Antibiotics Yes No Vary Vary Feed Grown with Chemical Pesticides and Fertilizers Yes No Vary Vary Necess a ry to Allow the Cattle to Graze on Pastures? No Yes No Standards (Normally farmers allow cattle to graze) No Standards (Normally farmers allow cattle to graze)

77. Characteristics of Different Types of Meat Conventional Meat Organic Meat Natural Meat Grass Fed Meat Animal Confinement Yes No (Outdoor access not necessary, if weather is not favorable) No Standards (Normally farmers provide outdoor access) No Standards (Normally farmers provide outdoor access) Meat Irradiation Carried Out Vary No No Vary Presence of GMOs in Feed Yes No No Vary

78. What is Animal Welfare? iii. Nowadays meat producers are beginning to use animal welfare methodologies. Animal welfare, in organic meat production or otherwise, calls for implementing various guidelines including: Providing more space to animals and reducing the number of animals per acre Provide access to sufficient open fields, water, and food Ensuring holistic food instead of feeding purely energy-rich diet iv. Greater healthcare facilities and reducing the stress levels of the animals

79. Four Types of Freedom for Animals Farm Animal Welfare Council, a UK-based organization, has laid stress on five types of freedoms for animals, whether on the farm, in transit, or at the slaughter house. These five freedoms are: Freedom from Hunger and Thirst The livestock should be given a free access to a fresh water source and a fresh diet. Freedom from Discomfort The animals should be given a comfortable shelter. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease Healthy conditions should be maintained and immediate attention should be paid to diseases and disorders. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior The animals should be given free space and company of their own species.

80. Breeds and breeding Breeds should be chosen which are adapted to local conditions. Reproduction techniques should be natural. Embryo transfer techniques are not allowed. Hormonal heat treatments not allowed. Use of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) not allowed. Feeding The livestock should be fed 100% organically grown feed. More than 50% of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself or shall be produced within the region. However, in some cases 15-20% of total feed could be obtained from conventional farms. The use of synthetic growth promoter substance, synthetic appetizers, preservatives, artificial colouring agents, urea, solvent extracted oilcakes, genetically engineered organisms or products thereof, are not allowed.

81. Animal health An important objective of organic livestock husbandry is the avoidance of reliance upon routine and/or prophylactic use of conventional veterinary medicines. Natural medicines and methods, including homeopathy, ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture, shall be emphasized. The use of conventional veterinary medicines are allowed when no other non-allopathic alternative is available and where these are used, the withholding period shall be twice the legally required period. Vaccines shall be used only when diseases are known or expected to be a problem in the region of the farm and where these diseases can’t be controlled by other management techniques. However, genetically engineered vaccines are prohibited. VACCINATION

82. Organic Cattle Rearing Principles Space Allowance Indoor area to be supplemented by outdoor area i.e.: 75% of indoor area. Animals should not be kept in close confinement as it influences both physical and behavioural issues. Greater space and environmental diversity permit expression of a wider range of behaviour. Flooring and provision of bedding Farm animals must be provided with litter. Completely slated floors are not allowed. Nutrition and feeding Cattle: grass-based system. At least 60% of dry matter in daily ration has to consist of roughages, fresh or dried fodder, or silage

83. Organic Cattle Rearing Principles Human care Cleaning, disinfection and vaccination. Cattle reared in organic system had less liver and kidney disease compared to conventional system. Mutilation Mutilation is an act of physical injury that degrades the appearance or function of any living body. Ex: Castration, dehorning, tail docking, beak trimming that causes fear, pain and distress among the animals and birds. Dehorning

84. Health treatment Regular, patient, careful observations are essential. In order to perform clinical examination, animal showing disease symptom has to be separated from the group. In organic farming phytotherapeutic and homeopathic products are used in preference to chemically synthesized allopathic medicinal products or antibiotics If the use of authorized substances are not effective, and if the treatment is essential to avoid suffering and distress, chemical products may be used. If the animal receives more than two courses of treatment with chemical product within a year, the product derived may not be sold as organic.

85. Pros of organic meat : Reduces exposure t o harm f ul che m ic a ls a s well as growth hormones and genetically modified organisms. Organic meat tastes better. Organic meat is tracked from farm to plate. Reduces exposure to i l lne s s trans m i t ted through animals. m o s t Cons of eating organic meat: Organic meat tends to be more expensive. Organic butcher shops are not conveniently located O r ganic meats are not usual l y available at restaurants.

86. There was little difference in meat quality (pH, shear force and colour), but the fat profiles varied considerably between production systems and season. Meat fat from organic cattle contained higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid and omega- 3 fatty acids and had a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids compared with non-organic meat. Content of dry matter, crude protein, ash, fat and n-3 fatty acids was higher in organic chicken meat. Sensory panelists assessed organic broiler meat as tougher and tastier Quality of Organic Meat