Plants that are grown in organic means are known to be healthier to eat than those that have been subjected to commercial grown enhancers. Also, the soil is maintained well with an organic system allowing natural microorganisms to work and help the plant grow. This process is usually hindered by chemical fertilizers, improvers, and pesticides that are known to kill even the healthy bacteria found in the soil.

Natural and all organic soil is characterized by the lives that to which it becomes a home, bacteria, fungi, and worms. All these organisms and microorganisms work hand in hand to make the plant grow. When chemicals are used on the soil, all these are destroyed and prevented even if they could be beneficial to the growth of the plant. Farmers are aware of the fact that there are microorganisms present in the soil and plants that help produce healthy and nutrient filled fruits and produces.

With the many new techniques in improving the soil, gardeners and farmers always try to ensure the fertility and natural structure of the soil to take good care of the plants. As part of the soil improvement in farms, the crop rotation is needed to ensure that the soil will be able to develop the needed nutrients these crops need.. The right way to choose crops for planting depends on the season and the condition of the land in the farm.

The use of fertilizers is still needed even in organic farming procedures. However, organic compost is usually preferred because it provides the most natural elements for the soil. An organic compost can be readily done by collecting kitchen wastes, garden pruning, and animal wastes. There are many ways to make an organic compost with the biodegradable wastes that may be collected from the home or the farms itself. Today, there are a lot of ways that farms can utilize the natural composting means in order to improve the condition of the soil of an agricultural land.

Even pesticides may also have an organic replacement in the form of green pesticides. Using compost tea, spinosad, or neem may be non toxic ways of killing unwanted pests from the garden or field. These kinds of green pesticides will help in removing the pests from the soil and plants but still maintain the health of the soil.

Clearing the land of diseased plants and materials is also important because these may take up space on the soil. With these left on the soil, the nutrients that other thriving plants need cannot travel at a faster rate. This would also help avoid possible diseases that may spread to other plants that are healthier and more productive.

farmcommunities.com

All agricultural lands would have animals that live within the area. An organic farm land would best benefit from animal farms in the area because of the availability of resources for making green fertilizers for the cultivation of crops. Organic farmers would make use of the livestock manure in replacement of the commercial fertilizers to help free the land from chemically made solutions and compounds to improve crop growth.

There are many reasons why organic farms utilize livestock manure composting and all these are beneficial in a lot of ways. Organic compost would reduce the incidences of runoff which is usually caused by contamination of the water and soil in the farm because of the chemicals that are found in the commercially prepared enhancers. This would best benefit the entire farming land because the water and soil is maintained which animals would also thrive healthier on. Because these green fertilizers and composts are all made with natural and biodegradable materials, there are no negative effects that are caused by its overuse unlike commercial fertilizers.

Animal manure coming from the livestock of the farm makes great green fertilizers because it provides the nutrients that the soil needs without having to spend any money. Farmers are able to save money by utilizing animal farm wastes as composts and fertilizers since there is no need or fewer requirements to purchase commercial products such as fertilizers and soil enhancers. In addition to saving money which is usually allocated for fertilizers, the waste accumulation is also lessened. Disposal of some farming wastes and garbage usually costs money because of the machines and vehicle needed to clear the farm area.

In making green fertilizers for the farm, it would be best to have a designated area for composting in the farm. Bigger and wider farms can easily arrange the farm to create a space for green fertilizer production. A higher level land would be most suitable for this purpose with three levels of decomposition areas. The first section is for the fresh manure which is then transferred to the area for decomposition. Finally, the last area would be the one with a collection of compost ready for use. Animal manure will usually take two to three weeks to decompose and after this time period, the soil may already be utilized to provide nutritious soil for crops to thrive in.

farmcommunities.com

Organic farming is a form of agriculture that is based on ecological management which excludes the use of synthetic inputs, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and antibiotics applied on plants and animals. It promotes and focuses on agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity while minimizing the risk to human and animal health and natural resources. It has been proven as an effective approach with the United Nations (UN) in their report on world hunger and poverty.

People during the World War II had experienced food shortages. After the war, the farmers were encouraged to use chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as everyone wanted affordable and plenty of food. Meat was affected as well when the animals were administered with growth hormones and antibiotics. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides had caused severe water and environmental pollution. Over the years, the consumers have become more concerned about its disadvantage and started to support organic farming.

How organic farming is done

In organic farming, farmers naturally nourish soil with the use of quality compost, cover crops. Plants that grow on healthy soil are much better and can actually protect themselves from pests and disease without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Organic farming also helps in protecting the global environment as they can significantly reduce the amount of factors that contribute to global warming such as carbon dioxide.

Animals are organically raised are fed with certified organic feeds, hormone-free and GMO-free. Organic farmers prevent disease on livestock by ensuring that they have are healthy, fed right, and have given comfortable shelters. One of the outcomes is some certified organic milk cows have a life expectancy 3 or 4 times the life expectancy of their conventional counterparts.

Organic foods

It is however that many in the industry are not convinced that organic foods are more nutritious than the conventionally grown food as there are no conclusive evidences shown.  Even though USDA certifies organic food, it does not claim that these are safer and more nutritious.

Some people prefer to choose organic food to avoid their exposure to the pesticide residues from conventional farming. But since organic foods tend to have more farming practices, they are more expensive than conventional foods.

Organic farming is very much debated topic and its environmental benefits will continue to be studied which in turn will find a better understanding on how it will cure or help in reducing the effects of environmental hazards brought by the modern agricultural practices.

farmcommunities.com

Organic milk is a little more expensive than regular milk.  This is because cows that produce organic milk do it the normal way.  They are fed with grass and are free to roam vast farmlands.  They are not given any hormone injections to boost milk production and their feeds are not sprayed with chemical fertilizers.  In short, they live easy stress-free lives, grazing and eating whenever they feel like it.

Regular milk producing cows on the other hand are given bovine growth hormones (BGH) to increase milk production.  They live in crowded pens where they eat feeds laced with ingredients that may have been genetically modified.  They live their lives in crowded barns with little exercise.  Their milk is cheaper to buy because of all the tricks used to increase milk production.

Studies have found that organic milk contains a higher quantity of vitamins and nutrients.  Organic milk contains 50% more Vitamin E, 75% more Beta Carotene and three times more antioxidants compared to normal milk.  Aside from this organic milk contains more Omega 3 essential fatty acids that help the body, specifically the heart function properly.  Organic milk is also easier for the body to break down and metabolize.  This property makes it easier for the body to fight of diseases and boost the immune system.

However, organic milk producers are still small in numbers compared to regular milk producers.  This is because of the price differential between the two.  Unless studies and advocates for organic milk take their case to the public, this disparity will continue and the number of organic milk farmers will not increase.  It is very clear that organic milk is more beneficial to humans than regular milk and the time is ripe for a change in milk.

farmcommunities.com

What’s even more ironic is that organic farming should be cheap and encouraging but it seems, only hobbyists are gaining benefits from it or actually enjoying it. On the other hand, farmers are hearing none of it since they see no point in organic farming. Organic farming involves giving up the comforts of chemical fertilizers and other nature-defying what-not. Aside from that, if you are a large-scale farmer, you will need a certification that your crops are indeed organic or else you cannot advertise as such. Mind you, getting certification involves time and money which most farmers hate much.

Fortunate are those who live in countries like India and Philippines for their farmers have long been practicing organic farming combined with chemical-based techniques in growing their crops. Transitions in this side of the world won’t be as hard since they will only apply certain adjustments. Farmers in these countries never really abandoned natural farming methods since most of them lack the resources to do so.

farmcommunities.com

Organic farmers believe that a free range chicken is one happy chicken and therefore is not oozing with harmful toxins. Not only will it help your energy levels and staying power last longer but also it was said to delay the aging process when introduced along with overall healthy lifestyle.

Most free range chickens are kept organic, since then it became so popular to health buffs the world over causing a shortage in supply. This alone makes it a very lucrative business for farmers worldwide especially in times like these when people are beginning to make a conscious effort in living a healthy lifestyle. Organically raised chickens are grass fed and they are encouraged to live a stress free life of clean air and water. As much as possible, no chemicals are introduced to the chicken’s system, whether directly to the chicken or to its surrounding areas.

Free range chickens are a great source of protein. Aside from that, it offers many benefits to humans when consumed. It is healthy and very delicious too unlike those that are raised in coops which tend to be less tasty. Be warned though, since free range chickens require special care, it tends to cost more than its supermarket counterparts.

farmcommunities.com

Organic farming is a form of agricultural method wherein farm communities relies on crop rotation, green manure, compost fertilizer, biological methods of pest control and cultivation of fertile soil to make it more productive thus yielding better produce. It also strictly limits the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, chemical-based plant grower, feed additives and GMO. Organic farming is closely based on the standards set by IFOAM or International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement and it is also regulated and enforced by most nations worldwide.

This core value is very similar to what sustainable living is all about. That same basic principle applies to all organic farm communities and it affects everyone that is working together for this common goal of lessening the human impact to the environment. By following organic farming methods, our soil is protected from erosion and it strongly promotes biodiversity among plant, animal and smaller organisms as well.

Some farmers would not adapt this kind of farming methods since organic farming is known to have lower yields. But since the population is getting more and more conscious of food safety due to health risks that some chemically contaminated produce can cause them, the demand is much stronger and people are willing to pay higher prices of organic ones. Because of this, along with the decreased cost of production since no synthetic fertilizers are used, it creates higher profit for organic farmers. This also called the attention of some farmers to join and manage their own organic farmlands.

Sustainable living is a lifestyle in which a person reduces his or her impact to the environment by limiting their usage of the Earth’s natural resources and avoids further damaging it. Sustainable agriculture works the same and provides better organic food which is not only good for human consumption but also great for maintaining balanced ecosystem.

Janice Hunter Creative Director for 11 Lions Media Group is raising awareness and spreading knowledge through creative content projects throughout the web. Learn more about organic farming visit 11Lions.com to reach higher levels of consciousness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_Hunter
http://EzineArticles.com/?Organic-Farming—The-Sustainable-Way-to-Farm-and-Eat&id=2006856

farmcommunities.com

Bee farms are cheap and easy. In fact, they are most recommended for small scale farmers with no resources to start their own businesses with. Many organizations are working on introducing this kind of activity for developing countries like Africa and Asia. So far, may farmers have responded and bee farms are faring well.

There’s no better time to start your own bee farm than today since the demand is very high and the supply is somewhat lacking. It opens a door for poor farmers to somehow generate enough income to support his or her family. It can even be a family business since beekeeping can be done by everyone in the family including kids. Best of all, it can blend perfectly with your crops, assuming you’re also growing them. As we all know, bees pollinate, making your crops all the more healthy therefore increasing their productivity level.

Bees produce honey while honey has high value when sold. They are very easy to harvest and won’t require any additional technology to do so. All it takes is a simple know-how which most free seminars will teach you. Furthermore, its byproduct is well sought-after by manufacturing companies and even health conscious individuals so there’s no need to fret where to sell your goods after each harvest.

farmcommunities.com

Although it’s to be expected, the slow phase organic fertilizer is currently experiencing is partly due to the fact that farmers are quite confused on what organic fertilizers are and how it can work on their farms. It seems that there is no existing group or organization that helps spreading the word to farmers while commercial fertilizers come complete with instructions and even extend support to small farm communities. According to surveys, almost a hundred percent of gardening hobbyists already made the switch and have been enjoying the benefits of organic fertilizers ever since. It’s because they can afford to wait, spend a little more money and most of all, can try again next time if this season’s batch won’t come out great while farmers don’t have this kind of luxury and unfortunately, they are not informed how to do it properly.

Basically, anything that comes from nature and encourages bacterial growth is considered as an organic fertilizer. Some examples of which are manure, fish emulsions, blood meal, bone meal and even sewer sludge. Organic fertilizers take time to generate results but if one can afford the wait, it will all be worth it.

farmcommunities.com

Forest farming involves trimming down, albeit cautiously, some certain genus to reestablish balance and equilibrium of a particular forest. Forest farming is encouraged in areas wherein there is an existing issue of overabundance of certain species which restrict growth of other living organisms essential in the biological cycle. Some of the most popular harvests are exotic mushrooms such as Shiitake and other medicinal, edible fungi. This method of farming is not only about harvesting but also it involves planning and cultivating to ensure that the biocycle is not destroyed in any way. Forest farming proves to be a fun and profitable venture that anyone could explore.

Several government funded seminars are conducted to teach locals residing near forest areas about forest farming methods and techniques, as well as the kinds of mushrooms that could be grown in the area. These seminars go as far as how and where to sell your produce after harvests. Aside from mushrooms, there are other crops you can find, grow and harvest in forests since they have rich and very fertile soil that could grow practically anything you can think of. These crops include, but not limited to:  ginseng and ferns which are used for medicinal and ornamental purposes.

farmcommunities.com