It is a word that is increasingly fashionable: ecology, ecological, both in our lifestyle and in our attitude, our purchases, our food and, therefore, even agriculture. It is true that we know something about it, because the same media bombards us with the subject. But we also know that a lot of information is not always more knowledge, because so many terms and opinions confuse us. Therefore, we want to help you better understand What is ecological agriculture.
If we are even remotely concerned about our health and the health of the planet, it is good that we start getting involved in ways to contribute to making the world a little better. Bet on the ecological agriculture It will undoubtedly be a great contribution, but knowing at all times what this implies so as not to be fooled by false promises and not let them sell us smoke.
Do you want to know everything and even apply their techniques to your small orchard or home garden? It is not necessary that you have land, nor that you dedicate yourself to professional cultivation, but you can use the principles of environmentalism and sustainability in your favor and in favor of Mother Nature. Because this one needs a little care and, by doing so, we are all taking care of ourselves.
Organic farming: what does it consist of?
There is a fundamental element that differentiates organic farming of which it is not. In conventional agriculture, chemical products are used, such as fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemicals that seek to eliminate pests and accelerate production processes. In sustainable agriculture, on the contrary, the use of these substances is completely prohibited.
El goal of sustainable agriculture is to respect the natural methods for crops, thus offering maximum care, pampering and security to natural resources. While in conventional agriculture maximum exploitation is sought regardless of the consequences, in organic agriculture the natural cycle itself is respected, avoiding elements and attitudes that could be harmful to the ecosystem, to the crop itself and to health.
Opting for one or another cultivation formula can make a difference between resulting in a clean and healthy environment or, on the contrary, a contaminated and sick one that leads us to get sick as well.
Another of the principles promoted by sustainable agriculture is crop diversification. With these, what is achieved is changing or rotating the crops so as not to exhaust the soil and so that it remains in the best conditions.
What techniques does organic farming use?
In the ecological agriculture Different techniques are used to take care of the environment while obtaining crops. Among the most common practices is the crop rotation that we have just mentioned and, in addition, the following that we are going to see below.
Crop rotation
For diversify crops Different types of crops alternate on the same soil. Thus, not only is the soil used to increase agricultural biodiversity, but this also makes it possible to fight more effectively against crop pests and diseases, in turn allowing the soil to heal.
Organic fertilizers and natural pesticides
The use of chemical or artificial products of any kind is categorically rejected and, instead, it is preferred to resort to natural fertilizers, among which is the manure and compost, as well as the adoption of biological control measures such as the use of predators, parasites and other living organisms that, obeying nature itself, manage to control pests.
Promotion of agroforestry
In addition to these two techniques, agroforestry is promoted, which consists of planting trees and shrubs on the same land as crops to help regenerate Mother Nature. This provides innumerable advantages, among which we can find that trees are excellent means of trying to stop climate change and that their presence serves as food and shelter for some species of animals, especially birds.
Respectful use of the soil
Instead of adapting a soil to make it suitable for a crop, it is preferred to take advantage of the characteristics and qualities of said soil to grow those products that could be developed in it, taking advantage of the full potential of the site without causing aggression to the soil or the environment.
Why is organic farming interesting?
- La ecological agriculture It is interesting because it provides many benefits to both the ecosystem and our health:
Less use of pollutants reduces pollution. - Organic farming contributes to conserving biodiversity, instead of destroying it for interests, as happens in conventional agriculture.
- Organic crops provide us with healthier food. The fundamental thing is that they do not contain contaminants, but they also have more flavor and more nutrients.
What defects does organic farming have?
What we have been telling you about ecological agriculture It is positive, without a doubt. However, as you can imagine, not everything is perfect with her. Committing to sustainable agriculture models is absolutely desirable, but it is not without complications and this makes many people still reluctant to take that leap.
One of the main difficulties with organic crops is that production costs remain very high. Using sustainable means can be expensive for the farmer and the consumer does not always appreciate it.
Organic products to fertilize the land and combat pests are not produced on a high scale and this makes using them more expensive, in addition to the fact that these products are not as effective as agrochemicals and, sometimes, it is impossible to avoid some pests and diseases or, of course, they are much slower processes.
It must be added that knowledge is scarce about organic farming. There is still no widespread culture regarding its methods and there is a lack of training to work with it efficiently.
Finally, it costs more to grow crops and the consumer is not willing to pay the costs involved in their production.
And you, would you bet on the ecological agriculture? At the consumer level and as a farmer. Perhaps, after reading this, it is not entirely clear to you, but if little by little more and more people join sustainable agriculture, environmental well-being and our own will increase.