WHAT IS ORGANIC AGRICULTURE?
WHAT IS ORGANIC AGRICULTURE? Organic Agricultural Production: Natural and Sustainable Farming Methods
Agricultural production encompasses plant and animal production carried out on soil and affects the terrestrial ecosystem.
Organic agricultural production is the cultivation of agricultural products using natural and sustainable methods without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic agriculture aims to preserve soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance.
Fundamental Principles of Organic Agriculture - Soil Health: Organic farming aims to maintain the natural structure and fertility of the soil. Organic fertilizers and compost are used instead of chemical fertilizers.
- Biodiversity: Organic farming aims to increase the biodiversity of the ecosystem, including the diversity of both plant and animal species.
- Sustainability: Organic farming promotes long-term sustainable production methods, including the conservation and efficient use of environmental resources.
- Use of Natural Resources: Instead of chemical pesticides and synthetic inputs, natural resources and biological control methods are used.
Benefits of Organic Agriculture - Environmental Protection: The absence of chemical substances ensures that water sources, soil, and air remain clean.
- Healthy Products: Organic products do not contain chemical residues and are healthier.
- Soil Fertility: Organic methods preserve the fertility and vitality of the soil.
- Biodiversity: Organic farming supports the increase of biodiversity in and around agricultural areas.
Organic Agriculture Methods Organic agricultural production methods are based on natural and ecological principles:
- Crop Rotation: Planting different crops in succession helps maintain soil nutrients and prevent the proliferation of harmful organisms.
- Biodiversity: Organic agricultural aims to increase the biodiversity of the ecosystem, including the diversity of both plant and animal species.
- Sustainability: Organic agricultural promotes long-term sustainable production methods, including the conservation and efficient use of environmental resources.
- Use of Natural Resources: Instead of chemical pesticides and synthetic inputs, natural resources and biological control methods are used.
- Use of Compost: Compost, obtained by decomposing organic waste, is used as natural fertilizer.
- Biological Control: Using natural enemies to combat harmful organisms reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
- Green Manuring: Mixing plants into the soil increases the soil's organic matter content.
Farmers engaged in organic agricultural production are inspected by independent certification bodies and must have their products certified as organic. Organic certification guarantees consumers that the products are truly organic. Additionally, organic products are typically sold in local markets, organic stores, and online platforms.
Conclusion Organic agricultural production aims to produce healthy and environmentally friendly food using sustainable farming methods. Organic farming is important for both environmental and human health. Built on fundamental principles such as soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability, organic farming is increasingly adopted as the agricultural model of the future, with growing interest in organic certification every day.