Organic farming: The new concept in farming

Organic farming is a practice that advocates for the natural growth of crops without using fertilisers and pesticides. The farming practice requires low cost inputs thus translating into increased incomes. It is a farming method that has helped most farmers to reap more returns from their farming practices.

One of the benefits attached to this farming method is that it helps in maintaining soil fertility and is resilient to climate change.

Some of the organic farming techniques include:

Organic manure

This will be economical for farmers practising both crop and livestock production. It saves most farmers from having to buy fertilisers in case the soils require additional nutrients for healthy growth of crops. One of the merits of organic manure is that it increases soil fertility and productivity level. It also adds soil organic matter, improves soil structure and preserves essential nutrients required for crop growth. Excessive use of fertilisers can harm your plants and that’s why farmers are urged to make use of organic manure.

Crop rotation

Farmers can do crop rotation that is aimed at reducing pests, insects and pathogens buildup in the farm. It also helps in improving soil nutrients usage and improve soil fertility. Soil fertility is improved by rotating crops like sweet potatoes and beans that are legumes that have properties that help to balance the soil ph.

Mulching

This will help reduce evaporation thus maintaining soil moisture. Mulching will inhibit crop growth by conserving soil moisture. It will save the cost that can be incurred in paying water bills during irrigation. Mulching hinder emergence of weeds thus reducing weed seed germination. It enhances the growth of healthy crops by ensuring that nutrients available in the soil are not used up by weeds.

This will save the farmer from having to purchase fertilisers.

Soil aeration

This is the process of leaving some of the root systems in place during harvesting. The roots will decompose over time leaving behind nutrients and loose empty spaces that can allow water and air to penetrate in soil.

Trap crops

These crops help control pests by either acting as repellants or attracting insects to protect target crops. It prevents pest attacks by preventing pests from reaching the crop or directing them to specific parts of the field where they can be destroyed economically. This will reduce exposure of plants and human to pesticides used to control pests and diseases.

It aims to attain chemical-free agriculture thus reducing the cost of production and thereby enhance their income. It will help in building healthy soil and combat soil erosion. Organic farming will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and slow climate change.

Implementation of organic farming can help deal with climate change and global warming.