Organic Gardening Pest Control
Life is like a jungle wherein all sorts and sizes of creatures constantly struggle and enter into a fight so as to obtain basic needs and leisurely pleasures. No matter what people say it’s always about getting the edge and getting on top of the game. A longstanding part of existence is pushing all cylinders of efforts in order to achieve whatever degree of happiness is aspired. With this in mind let’s take a glimpse of how organic gardening and farming strives to keep crops free from all sorts of destructive elements.
Organic principles have a concept of establishing a well-balanced and healthy field for organisms in order to avoid environmental mishaps from occurring. One very common problem that these techniques continue to battle is the development of pest population. This is where pest control comes into the picture.
In general pest control is referred to as the management and regulation of certain entities that are tagged as pests for the reason that they can be perceived as a threat that can hinder the normal functioning of any creature’s system as well as this creature’s interaction with the ecosystem. As far as agriculture is concerned, ever since plant cultivation started to gain popularity in communities the need to ensure freedom of crops from pests has been a priority. It became a must for people to protect plants from competing species as well as maintain standards of crop cultivation so that food demands can always be met.
Throughout history there have been countless efforts employed by man in order to fend off coercive pests from destroying the normal flow of crop production. A very common method used is the elimination of breeding grounds. This entails proper waste management and drainage of still water.
Garbage provides an avenue that can support unwanted organisms especially in aspects of sustenance and reservoir. Areas with unmanaged still waters are very prone for pestering acts of mosquitoes. Open air sewers are also adequate to harbor the existence of various pests. Therefore in order to minimize the risks posed by such pests communities must be well aware in targeting problem areas and their management.
A traditional method of pest control is through the usage of poisoned bait. This is specifically used for the elimination of rat populations. In the old times poisoned meats were utilized in order to eradicate wolves and birds that continually feast on crops and livestock. Burning is another method particularly during the post harvest period of sugar canes. This is performed in order to make sure that the field is cleared of insects and eggs.
In European countries when the number of stray cats and dogs reach a high the local folks come together and gather all the animals that don’t have any owners. Unfortunately these animals are killed. In other areas around the globe teams of rat catchers are formed and tasked to chase and kill these pests using simple hand tools and the services of dogs. There is also a practice wherein the town clerk set a certain monetary reward for every rat head brought.
Although the conventional practices were quite crude as compared to the modern ways of organic gardening and farming it is done in order to achieve a single common goal. This is to ensure that plant growth and development are not interrupted. Thus food supplies and livestock quality are not compromised.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
Monday, March 8, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Humus
Humus
The mind and body of every person works in tip-top condition because they are fed with foods that provide vital nutrients. Machines complete their long list of workloads and withstand the pressures of every single task because they are appropriately powered by any of the energy forms available. Just like in the two mentioned situations agricultural methods are made possible because of certain key elements that provide for win-win opportunities. Let’s take a look at the very fuel that makes the organic gardening and farming machinery run to its full potential.
The presence of humus stains on the soil is very important in ensuring favorable crop production. First let’s find out what humus is. Basically, humus is a degraded organic material that can found in the soil which brings about the dark brown or black characteristic in some of its layers.
In the field of soil science, it is referred to as any organic matter that has reached a certain point of stability in which breakdown will never take place and in unchanged condition it will remain unscathed for a long period of time. In agricultural talk humus can be described as mature compost that is naturally occurring to be extracted in sources like forests to amend soil. Moreover, it is identified with topsoil horizon that is composed of organic materials.
Humus is usually tagged as the life-force of the soil. Now, this so-called life force can occur via a process known as humification which can take place via natural means with the soil itself or by compost production. The significance of stable humus contributes to the soil fertility both in terms of physicality and chemical components. But for some agricultural gurus its highlight is within its ability to suppress soil deterioration and plant diseases.
Humus works in various ways. In physical aspects, it contributes to the retention of soil moisture by adding up to its microporosity and encouraging the formation of patent soil structure. In chemical terms, it facilitates easy access and absorption of plant nutrients by incorporating oxygen into large organic molecular compartments that will generate active forms of negatively charged sites that can attract positively charged ions of nutrients. In biological facets, it allows adequate and appropriate feedings of soil organisms that eventually results into good reproductive results.
Humus is actually a complex substance having a nature that is not fully grasped within the agricultural circles. It can only be differentiated from organic matter as having a more uniform appearance of a dark, spongy, and jelly-like substance. It is amorphous in terms of structure meaning it does not possess a definite character and shape.
Humus can also be termed as humified organic matter as in recent versions of studies and documentations it has been considered to be an integral portion of soil organic matter. However the line between humus and organic matter can be drawn by employing the services of a microscope. The view of a humified organic matter without chemical manipulation within the magnifying capacities of a microscope can showcase minute but identifiable plant-like and animal-like microbial remains which have been mechanically altered.
Organic gardening is just like its fuel. The humus, with its unique complexities enables each and every plant-loving individual to enjoy their craft and reap its rewards.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
The mind and body of every person works in tip-top condition because they are fed with foods that provide vital nutrients. Machines complete their long list of workloads and withstand the pressures of every single task because they are appropriately powered by any of the energy forms available. Just like in the two mentioned situations agricultural methods are made possible because of certain key elements that provide for win-win opportunities. Let’s take a look at the very fuel that makes the organic gardening and farming machinery run to its full potential.
The presence of humus stains on the soil is very important in ensuring favorable crop production. First let’s find out what humus is. Basically, humus is a degraded organic material that can found in the soil which brings about the dark brown or black characteristic in some of its layers.
In the field of soil science, it is referred to as any organic matter that has reached a certain point of stability in which breakdown will never take place and in unchanged condition it will remain unscathed for a long period of time. In agricultural talk humus can be described as mature compost that is naturally occurring to be extracted in sources like forests to amend soil. Moreover, it is identified with topsoil horizon that is composed of organic materials.
Humus is usually tagged as the life-force of the soil. Now, this so-called life force can occur via a process known as humification which can take place via natural means with the soil itself or by compost production. The significance of stable humus contributes to the soil fertility both in terms of physicality and chemical components. But for some agricultural gurus its highlight is within its ability to suppress soil deterioration and plant diseases.
Humus works in various ways. In physical aspects, it contributes to the retention of soil moisture by adding up to its microporosity and encouraging the formation of patent soil structure. In chemical terms, it facilitates easy access and absorption of plant nutrients by incorporating oxygen into large organic molecular compartments that will generate active forms of negatively charged sites that can attract positively charged ions of nutrients. In biological facets, it allows adequate and appropriate feedings of soil organisms that eventually results into good reproductive results.
Humus is actually a complex substance having a nature that is not fully grasped within the agricultural circles. It can only be differentiated from organic matter as having a more uniform appearance of a dark, spongy, and jelly-like substance. It is amorphous in terms of structure meaning it does not possess a definite character and shape.
Humus can also be termed as humified organic matter as in recent versions of studies and documentations it has been considered to be an integral portion of soil organic matter. However the line between humus and organic matter can be drawn by employing the services of a microscope. The view of a humified organic matter without chemical manipulation within the magnifying capacities of a microscope can showcase minute but identifiable plant-like and animal-like microbial remains which have been mechanically altered.
Organic gardening is just like its fuel. The humus, with its unique complexities enables each and every plant-loving individual to enjoy their craft and reap its rewards.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Path Of Organic Gardening
The Path Of Organic
The success of a certain group can be achieved in so many ways. There is passion. There is trust. And there is the need for a system. The agricultural circles abide by these principles. This is how, through the years, more and more important changes have brought forth positive results to their production. Let’s take a look at the path of organic gardening and find out how its systematic and holistic approach is practiced by many of its supporters.
Organic has been embraced throughout many regions across the planets for so many reasons. Its principles are well-loved by the farmers that have incorporated each and every ounce of teaching it has to offer. It brings out the individuality of the farm as a self-contained entity. The focus is on the health of the crops and the livestock as well as the holistic development of the farmer. Let’s see how these things become a reality.
Rudolf Steiner who is considered as the main proponent of the biodynamic practices prescribed nine preparations that are to be utilized in order to boost fertilization which is actually the cornerstone of the said practice. He gave a concrete description on proper preparation should be done.
Steiner meticulously labelled each substance using the numbers 500 to 508. The first pair was used to signify guidelines for field preparation while the last seven numbers gave out ample information on compost production. Studies show little amount of direct effect of the preparations to the quality of soil structure and compost development. However, it has contributed in the acceleration of the initial composting phase, the stimulation of plant growth, and the enhancement of the nutritive content of the compost.
The field preparations were founded on humus formation. 500 was composed of humus mixture prepared by filling the horn of a cow with cow manure and burying it underground at a depth of about 40 to 60 centimeters during autumn. The decomposition process occurs during winter and then it has harvested in spring time. 501 on the other hand is buried during spring time and recovered when autumn comes. It consists of crushed powdered quartz that is stuffed into a cow’s horn.
The preparations for the compost side mainly employ herbs that are commonly utilized for their medicinal benefits. 502 is made of yarrow blossoms that are stuffed inside the urinary bladders of a Red Deer and is placed under the summer sun then buried during winter to be retrieved come spring. 503 follows and is composed of chamomile blossoms stuffed into the small intestines of cattle that is buried in soil enriched by humus during autumn and then extracted come spring time. 504 is stinging nettle plants that are said to be in full bloom and stuffed together with peats around the burial site for the whole year.
The path to the fertilization aspect of biodynamic gardening ends with 505 up to 508. 505 is made of oak bark that is chopped into small pieces and place inside the skull of a domesticated animal and when buried is surrounded by peat where there is abundance of rain water. 506 has dandelion flowers placed into the peritoneum of cattle which is buried in winter and scooped up during spring. 507 has valerian flowers extracted into water and 508 is made of horsetail.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
The success of a certain group can be achieved in so many ways. There is passion. There is trust. And there is the need for a system. The agricultural circles abide by these principles. This is how, through the years, more and more important changes have brought forth positive results to their production. Let’s take a look at the path of organic gardening and find out how its systematic and holistic approach is practiced by many of its supporters.
Organic has been embraced throughout many regions across the planets for so many reasons. Its principles are well-loved by the farmers that have incorporated each and every ounce of teaching it has to offer. It brings out the individuality of the farm as a self-contained entity. The focus is on the health of the crops and the livestock as well as the holistic development of the farmer. Let’s see how these things become a reality.
Rudolf Steiner who is considered as the main proponent of the biodynamic practices prescribed nine preparations that are to be utilized in order to boost fertilization which is actually the cornerstone of the said practice. He gave a concrete description on proper preparation should be done.
Steiner meticulously labelled each substance using the numbers 500 to 508. The first pair was used to signify guidelines for field preparation while the last seven numbers gave out ample information on compost production. Studies show little amount of direct effect of the preparations to the quality of soil structure and compost development. However, it has contributed in the acceleration of the initial composting phase, the stimulation of plant growth, and the enhancement of the nutritive content of the compost.
The field preparations were founded on humus formation. 500 was composed of humus mixture prepared by filling the horn of a cow with cow manure and burying it underground at a depth of about 40 to 60 centimeters during autumn. The decomposition process occurs during winter and then it has harvested in spring time. 501 on the other hand is buried during spring time and recovered when autumn comes. It consists of crushed powdered quartz that is stuffed into a cow’s horn.
The preparations for the compost side mainly employ herbs that are commonly utilized for their medicinal benefits. 502 is made of yarrow blossoms that are stuffed inside the urinary bladders of a Red Deer and is placed under the summer sun then buried during winter to be retrieved come spring. 503 follows and is composed of chamomile blossoms stuffed into the small intestines of cattle that is buried in soil enriched by humus during autumn and then extracted come spring time. 504 is stinging nettle plants that are said to be in full bloom and stuffed together with peats around the burial site for the whole year.
The path to the fertilization aspect of biodynamic gardening ends with 505 up to 508. 505 is made of oak bark that is chopped into small pieces and place inside the skull of a domesticated animal and when buried is surrounded by peat where there is abundance of rain water. 506 has dandelion flowers placed into the peritoneum of cattle which is buried in winter and scooped up during spring. 507 has valerian flowers extracted into water and 508 is made of horsetail.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Organic Gardening Persona
The Organic Gardening Persona
History is filled with many people that have made a lot of difference. It is in this difference that countless lives have been uplifted. It is through this difference that many forms of society and community have made it pass through all sorts of catastrophes and trying times. These handful men and women have carved their way not only on the irreplaceable pages of time but also within the hearts of each human being they have touched. Let’s meet the man behind the birth of biodynamic gardening.
It was on that fateful year of 1924 when a certain group of farmers that were so much concerned with the way agriculture was progressing came straight towards the aid of a man named Rudolf Steiner. Steiner swiftly obliged to their plea by holding different phases and series of lectures regarding agriculture. This paved the way for the birth of a revolution in farming and gardening. Biodynamic methods came straight into the scene and rapidly took a position of stardom in dominant areas of North America, Europe, and Australia.
The main focus of the teaching given by Mr. Steiner is the concept of farm individuality. This involves having few or no external sources of farm manipulation. Only the materials that were naturally and innately within the farm should be allowed to circulate within its circles. These consisted of manure and animal feeds that were purely part of what Steiner tagged as farm organisms.
Steiner also introduced a unique aspect of the botanical world wherein activities are to be timed accordingly with the movement patterns of heavenly bodies. One very good example is planting and applying additional preparations and treatments during the time when planets and the moon are in good alignment. The reason behind this principle is that there are higher chances of absorbing natural materials that were specifically designed to boost the components and general structure of the soil. Although Steiner might have some eccentric and unconventional ideas during his sessions he still encouraged the farmers to test his teaching scientifically.
It was during the early years of the 20th century when the concept of inorganic fertilizers began to invade the agricultural industry particularly condensed nitrogen which was administered via aerial means. Steiner was not slow at letting the agricultural field know his thoughts. He believed that as part of a general law mineral manures should not be utilized to treat the plants since they bring forth a significant loss of nutritive value.
Steiner also took notice of how the quality of food during the past years has deteriorated. He pointed out that the very culprit for this happening is the appearance of chemical farming. He was firmly against the use of artificial pesticides and fertilizers. Mr. Steiner was not only concerned on the biological and chemical shift that the soil had to undergo. He saw that there were spiritual shortcomings in terms of how chemical faming was developed and practiced.
As a man of biodynamic gardening and farming, Rudolf Steiner stood on the approach known as monism wherein a specific environment and its constituents simultaneously exist both in physical and spiritual aspects. In addition, living matter according to Steiner was entirely of separate realms with dead matter. This is the why synthetic forms of enhancements are very much different from their living counterparts.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
History is filled with many people that have made a lot of difference. It is in this difference that countless lives have been uplifted. It is through this difference that many forms of society and community have made it pass through all sorts of catastrophes and trying times. These handful men and women have carved their way not only on the irreplaceable pages of time but also within the hearts of each human being they have touched. Let’s meet the man behind the birth of biodynamic gardening.
It was on that fateful year of 1924 when a certain group of farmers that were so much concerned with the way agriculture was progressing came straight towards the aid of a man named Rudolf Steiner. Steiner swiftly obliged to their plea by holding different phases and series of lectures regarding agriculture. This paved the way for the birth of a revolution in farming and gardening. Biodynamic methods came straight into the scene and rapidly took a position of stardom in dominant areas of North America, Europe, and Australia.
The main focus of the teaching given by Mr. Steiner is the concept of farm individuality. This involves having few or no external sources of farm manipulation. Only the materials that were naturally and innately within the farm should be allowed to circulate within its circles. These consisted of manure and animal feeds that were purely part of what Steiner tagged as farm organisms.
Steiner also introduced a unique aspect of the botanical world wherein activities are to be timed accordingly with the movement patterns of heavenly bodies. One very good example is planting and applying additional preparations and treatments during the time when planets and the moon are in good alignment. The reason behind this principle is that there are higher chances of absorbing natural materials that were specifically designed to boost the components and general structure of the soil. Although Steiner might have some eccentric and unconventional ideas during his sessions he still encouraged the farmers to test his teaching scientifically.
It was during the early years of the 20th century when the concept of inorganic fertilizers began to invade the agricultural industry particularly condensed nitrogen which was administered via aerial means. Steiner was not slow at letting the agricultural field know his thoughts. He believed that as part of a general law mineral manures should not be utilized to treat the plants since they bring forth a significant loss of nutritive value.
Steiner also took notice of how the quality of food during the past years has deteriorated. He pointed out that the very culprit for this happening is the appearance of chemical farming. He was firmly against the use of artificial pesticides and fertilizers. Mr. Steiner was not only concerned on the biological and chemical shift that the soil had to undergo. He saw that there were spiritual shortcomings in terms of how chemical faming was developed and practiced.
As a man of biodynamic gardening and farming, Rudolf Steiner stood on the approach known as monism wherein a specific environment and its constituents simultaneously exist both in physical and spiritual aspects. In addition, living matter according to Steiner was entirely of separate realms with dead matter. This is the why synthetic forms of enhancements are very much different from their living counterparts.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Crop Rotation
Crop Rotation
It is always good to have a lot of company especially during trying times. It is also an effective practice to mix things up especially when one activity becomes too much of a routine and starts to offer boring and tiring moments. Simple food delicacies become a sumptuous festivity due to variances in color and texture. With this in mind, let’s take a glance of how organic gardening and agriculture in general makes things brighter and more effective via crop rotation.
Crop rotation otherwise known as crop sequencing is the method that involves the cultivation of a series of crops that are part of different types within the same area or agricultural vicinity. This is done in sequential times or seasons to promote many benefits in crop production. One very good example is the prevention of pathogen and pest build up that is normally takes place when only a single crop type is used.
Crop rotation also brings forth a specific balance that is very vital in avoiding the increase in the deterioration and reduction of soil nutrients. The balance can be associated with the varying fertility demands of the various crops utilized. A conventional ingredient in the success of crop rotation is the assurance of optimum nitrogen levels through the constant deployment of green manure with cereal and other forms of crops. Soil structure is also strengthened because of the presence of deep-rooted and shallow rooted crops.
Crop rotation avoids a significant decrease in soil fertility by practicing alternate mechanisms in terms of planting. Practitioners of the method make it a point the a certain crop cultivation that leads to soil leaching of a specific nutrient is timely followed by another that does not have the same effect. One example is the practice of planting cotton after the rice season. In this manner farmers are benefited in two ways. There is no need to let the plants fallow and there is decreased demands for the usage of artificial fertilizers which ultimately results into continuous field production and economical stability.
As mentioned above, crop rotation offers a medium for cultural control. This means that there is adequate defense against pests and diseases that can wreak havoc in every sector of the soil as well as the plants situated on it. The principle behind this is that the use of constant variation in crop types helps in placing pest population levels to a low percentage.
Basically plants that are members of the same taxonomic family attract similar pathogens. The regular change in the planting location can also break down or limit the cycles of pest development. The root-knot nematode causes severe malfunction in plant systems that are prevalent in warm climates and sandy soils. It has a gradual build-up phase leading to high levels within the soil resulting into deterioration in plant productivity mainly because it has the ability to cut off vital plant circulation coming from the roots.
Now by following the crop rotation concept, cultivating a crop that is not prone to nematodes during an initial season can aid in the reduction of nematode levels in the soil therefore the farmer is allowed to grow susceptible crops the following season.
Organic gardening and farming is an in-depth approach towards positive agriculture. Just like its buddy crop rotation practitioners must constantly devote time and heart in order to end up in successful harvests.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
It is always good to have a lot of company especially during trying times. It is also an effective practice to mix things up especially when one activity becomes too much of a routine and starts to offer boring and tiring moments. Simple food delicacies become a sumptuous festivity due to variances in color and texture. With this in mind, let’s take a glance of how organic gardening and agriculture in general makes things brighter and more effective via crop rotation.
Crop rotation otherwise known as crop sequencing is the method that involves the cultivation of a series of crops that are part of different types within the same area or agricultural vicinity. This is done in sequential times or seasons to promote many benefits in crop production. One very good example is the prevention of pathogen and pest build up that is normally takes place when only a single crop type is used.
Crop rotation also brings forth a specific balance that is very vital in avoiding the increase in the deterioration and reduction of soil nutrients. The balance can be associated with the varying fertility demands of the various crops utilized. A conventional ingredient in the success of crop rotation is the assurance of optimum nitrogen levels through the constant deployment of green manure with cereal and other forms of crops. Soil structure is also strengthened because of the presence of deep-rooted and shallow rooted crops.
Crop rotation avoids a significant decrease in soil fertility by practicing alternate mechanisms in terms of planting. Practitioners of the method make it a point the a certain crop cultivation that leads to soil leaching of a specific nutrient is timely followed by another that does not have the same effect. One example is the practice of planting cotton after the rice season. In this manner farmers are benefited in two ways. There is no need to let the plants fallow and there is decreased demands for the usage of artificial fertilizers which ultimately results into continuous field production and economical stability.
As mentioned above, crop rotation offers a medium for cultural control. This means that there is adequate defense against pests and diseases that can wreak havoc in every sector of the soil as well as the plants situated on it. The principle behind this is that the use of constant variation in crop types helps in placing pest population levels to a low percentage.
Basically plants that are members of the same taxonomic family attract similar pathogens. The regular change in the planting location can also break down or limit the cycles of pest development. The root-knot nematode causes severe malfunction in plant systems that are prevalent in warm climates and sandy soils. It has a gradual build-up phase leading to high levels within the soil resulting into deterioration in plant productivity mainly because it has the ability to cut off vital plant circulation coming from the roots.
Now by following the crop rotation concept, cultivating a crop that is not prone to nematodes during an initial season can aid in the reduction of nematode levels in the soil therefore the farmer is allowed to grow susceptible crops the following season.
Organic gardening and farming is an in-depth approach towards positive agriculture. Just like its buddy crop rotation practitioners must constantly devote time and heart in order to end up in successful harvests.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
Monday, March 1, 2010
Organic Farming
Organic Farming
Through the years countless studies have shown the degradation of natural resources across the globe. It is very alarming to note that most of the land and water sustenance are facing a significant percent of depletion. This is why it is high time to equip yourself with knowledge of the various measures in order to handle Mother Nature accordingly. Let’s take a closer look at one the methods in agriculture that provided for the pattern of development of biodynamic farming.
Biodynamic techniques are part of general methods known as organic farming wherein farms are considered as individual organisms that requires a holistic approach of development. There should be maintained correlations between the farm’s constituents such as the plants, soil, and animals and nutrients should be well circulated in adequate forms. Now let’s go beyond biodynamic principles and flip on the pages of the organic farming manual.
Basically farming lies within the lines of the term organic when it entirely relies on methods and concepts like mechanical cultivation, compost, green manure, crop rotation, and biological pest control. In this way of farming there is exclusion or strict limitation of farm exposure to various sorts of synthetic plant growth regulators, artificially developed pesticides and fertilizers, commercial additives of livestock feedings, and more importantly genetically enhanced organisms. This form of farm care has been widely recognized all over the world since and through the past decades statistics show an increase in the organic products made available for market consumption.
Let’s tread the path to memory lane and examine the development of this organic farming. The organically-oriented people began to voice out their grievances during the early years of 1930 and 1940. This is the period wherein synthetic fertilizers were starting to charge towards the limelight.
Artificial versions of fertilizers came into the farming scene during the 18th century. The initial production came out having superphosphates followed by ammonia powered fertilizers which were abundantly processed using the ideas of Haber-Bosch from World War I. These fertilizers were quite powerful, cheap, and accessible especially in bulk. The advances in chemical pesticide versions in the 1940s paved the way for the tag of pesticide era.
Luckily there were historical identities that fought off the shoot of synthetically manipulated fertilizers into stardom. Sir Albert Howard kicked things off and was named as the father of organic farming. His works inspired a certain J.I. Rodale to let the Americans know about organic farming. And in the UK it was Lady Eve Balfour that made organic methods common in various farmlands.
In reality it was a hard start for this people and the organic principle to gain acceptance. In terms of total agricultural output organic farming remained on the tail-end of the competition. Things began to take a huge turn when environmental aspects rallied their way into the situation. The agricultural circles and the market in general saw a flash of brilliance in terms of what organic farming can bring on the table.
Farmers made a shift because of the premium prices from consumers and government subsidies involved. The economic status of a country forged an alliance with organic farming methods like biodynamic farming and gardening. This has brought about a significant rise in the percentage of organic outputs specifically in developed European countries.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
Through the years countless studies have shown the degradation of natural resources across the globe. It is very alarming to note that most of the land and water sustenance are facing a significant percent of depletion. This is why it is high time to equip yourself with knowledge of the various measures in order to handle Mother Nature accordingly. Let’s take a closer look at one the methods in agriculture that provided for the pattern of development of biodynamic farming.
Biodynamic techniques are part of general methods known as organic farming wherein farms are considered as individual organisms that requires a holistic approach of development. There should be maintained correlations between the farm’s constituents such as the plants, soil, and animals and nutrients should be well circulated in adequate forms. Now let’s go beyond biodynamic principles and flip on the pages of the organic farming manual.
Basically farming lies within the lines of the term organic when it entirely relies on methods and concepts like mechanical cultivation, compost, green manure, crop rotation, and biological pest control. In this way of farming there is exclusion or strict limitation of farm exposure to various sorts of synthetic plant growth regulators, artificially developed pesticides and fertilizers, commercial additives of livestock feedings, and more importantly genetically enhanced organisms. This form of farm care has been widely recognized all over the world since and through the past decades statistics show an increase in the organic products made available for market consumption.
Let’s tread the path to memory lane and examine the development of this organic farming. The organically-oriented people began to voice out their grievances during the early years of 1930 and 1940. This is the period wherein synthetic fertilizers were starting to charge towards the limelight.
Artificial versions of fertilizers came into the farming scene during the 18th century. The initial production came out having superphosphates followed by ammonia powered fertilizers which were abundantly processed using the ideas of Haber-Bosch from World War I. These fertilizers were quite powerful, cheap, and accessible especially in bulk. The advances in chemical pesticide versions in the 1940s paved the way for the tag of pesticide era.
Luckily there were historical identities that fought off the shoot of synthetically manipulated fertilizers into stardom. Sir Albert Howard kicked things off and was named as the father of organic farming. His works inspired a certain J.I. Rodale to let the Americans know about organic farming. And in the UK it was Lady Eve Balfour that made organic methods common in various farmlands.
In reality it was a hard start for this people and the organic principle to gain acceptance. In terms of total agricultural output organic farming remained on the tail-end of the competition. Things began to take a huge turn when environmental aspects rallied their way into the situation. The agricultural circles and the market in general saw a flash of brilliance in terms of what organic farming can bring on the table.
Farmers made a shift because of the premium prices from consumers and government subsidies involved. The economic status of a country forged an alliance with organic farming methods like biodynamic farming and gardening. This has brought about a significant rise in the percentage of organic outputs specifically in developed European countries.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Organic Soil
Organic Soil
There is a good cliché that stays that everything happens for a reason. Leaders in every part of the planet show their stuff in order bring forth a good change to certain part of society. Inventions were brought to life by genius minds in order to uplift the lives of many. Happenings such as these with great magnitude can be aptly compared to the presence of basic industrial and agricultural methods. Just like any other technique, organic gardening and farming was born in order to give way to better soil conditions thus improving the quality of crops and livestock.
Whenever the concept of organic methods are placed as the center of attention a constant element is always in the midst serving as some sort of barometer for the effectiveness of the said methods. It is a given fact that the soil is a very important element in agriculture. Let’s get acquainted with the earth and dig into some of the basic facts about it.
Basically soil is considered as a natural body that is made up of layers called soil horizons. These so-called horizons are composed of minerals that have variable thicknesses. They can also have characteristics that are entirely similar with their parent materials which can be in physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological terms.
The characteristic difference mentioned above is brought about by the constant changes and activities that are occurring within the various sectors of the planet such as the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Weathering and erosion are some of the more common environmental processes that contribute to the alteration of the composition of rock particles that make up the soil. Due to the varying processes that manipulate soil development it is regarded as a mixture of organic and mineral entities that can be in aqueous, soil, or gaseous states.
The package wherein soil particles are formed can be described as loose that is why common sol structures are seen with pore spaces. Liquid and gaseous solutions can be located within these soil pores. Soil actually exists in a three state system. Apart from the liquid and gas components it is also associated with a common term that one can fully grasp. Soil is synonymous with earth from which our very own planet’s name is taken from.
Now let’s look at how significant soil is in lives of human beings. Primarily soil is utilized in the agricultural circles wherein its common task is to provide the vital nutrients needed in plant growth and development. The soil variation that is tapped on by the agriculture people is influenced by the species of plants that are to be cultivated. One usual element of the soil that is given proper attention is the moisture level.
The soil is quite flexible as it can go beyond the lines of farming and gardening. It is considered as a critical element in industries revolving around construction and mining. It is widely used as a foundation for any level of construction. The contribution of soil can reach up to the likes of road building, dam construction, and even surface mining.
Organic gardening and farming was created for a very significant reason. This is to continuously aid the soil in enhancing the agricultural industry. The end result of which will surely be favorable to many who constantly needs sustenance and proper nutrition.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
There is a good cliché that stays that everything happens for a reason. Leaders in every part of the planet show their stuff in order bring forth a good change to certain part of society. Inventions were brought to life by genius minds in order to uplift the lives of many. Happenings such as these with great magnitude can be aptly compared to the presence of basic industrial and agricultural methods. Just like any other technique, organic gardening and farming was born in order to give way to better soil conditions thus improving the quality of crops and livestock.
Whenever the concept of organic methods are placed as the center of attention a constant element is always in the midst serving as some sort of barometer for the effectiveness of the said methods. It is a given fact that the soil is a very important element in agriculture. Let’s get acquainted with the earth and dig into some of the basic facts about it.
Basically soil is considered as a natural body that is made up of layers called soil horizons. These so-called horizons are composed of minerals that have variable thicknesses. They can also have characteristics that are entirely similar with their parent materials which can be in physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological terms.
The characteristic difference mentioned above is brought about by the constant changes and activities that are occurring within the various sectors of the planet such as the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere. Weathering and erosion are some of the more common environmental processes that contribute to the alteration of the composition of rock particles that make up the soil. Due to the varying processes that manipulate soil development it is regarded as a mixture of organic and mineral entities that can be in aqueous, soil, or gaseous states.
The package wherein soil particles are formed can be described as loose that is why common sol structures are seen with pore spaces. Liquid and gaseous solutions can be located within these soil pores. Soil actually exists in a three state system. Apart from the liquid and gas components it is also associated with a common term that one can fully grasp. Soil is synonymous with earth from which our very own planet’s name is taken from.
Now let’s look at how significant soil is in lives of human beings. Primarily soil is utilized in the agricultural circles wherein its common task is to provide the vital nutrients needed in plant growth and development. The soil variation that is tapped on by the agriculture people is influenced by the species of plants that are to be cultivated. One usual element of the soil that is given proper attention is the moisture level.
The soil is quite flexible as it can go beyond the lines of farming and gardening. It is considered as a critical element in industries revolving around construction and mining. It is widely used as a foundation for any level of construction. The contribution of soil can reach up to the likes of road building, dam construction, and even surface mining.
Organic gardening and farming was created for a very significant reason. This is to continuously aid the soil in enhancing the agricultural industry. The end result of which will surely be favorable to many who constantly needs sustenance and proper nutrition.
Organic tastes best,
Greg
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