Those of us that want to limit the amount of hormones and weird stuff in our foods, have to come to terms with either visiting the local organic food shopping store or the more exciting and alternative way of organic farming. This is a method of cultivating crops without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers while emphasizing replenishment of the soil by use of variety of natural methods. Of course other than having a small development in our back yard there a tons of companies out there that are doing this successfully, being one of the industries out today that is still growing and has yet to peak. It is getting more popular because it is so great for health and wellness, giving people more energy from their diet when they consume their meals.
But what does it all mean and what qualifies as such? It is like going back in time when it was pure and only water was needed to make things grow. It is characterized by the use of natural means to protect fruits, vegetables, and produce from pests and ensure ongoing viability of the farmland. Techniques used for pest control include mechanical method such as traps and row covers, introducing beneficial insects, strategic rotation, and the allowance of an acceptable level of pest damage. Farmers in this type of business are intentional about maintaining ground fertility using various methods to accomplish this goal.
These practices include: Crop rotation, meaning growing them in a specific sequence with the goal of avoiding the depletion of the soil nutrients and balancing the fertility demands of different types. Cover cropping, which simply means a plant grown with the fundamental reason of maintaining high quality and fertility. Green Manure works by putting it on top, then plowed and incorporated back into the land. Lastly, mulching, which is spreading nutrient rich matter on top of the land, improving its condition protecting it form erosion, conserving moisture and inhibiting weed growth. There are thousands of benefits for consumers but also for the environment, since they are ecologically friendly methods we as consumers gain produce free from harmful chemical residue and often higher in nutritional value than the older counterparts. So, take action and consume the good stuff so your body can work at optimal levels.