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Role of Organic Farming in Producing High Value Agricultural Products, Creating Job Opportunity with Various Possible Organic Inputs and Sources
College of Agriculture and Environmental Science School of Natural resource Organic Farming Management &Environmental Science
Nutrients rich yield
pest control
Organic Farming
Biological diversity
Improves soil structure Low input cost Natural controls of pests and diseases
Prevents the soil erosion Premium quality product Pollution free approach Making available all the essential nutrients.
About one million people suffer from pesticides poisoning. 20000 die every year due to the toxic effect of the chemicals used in agriculture. The crop loss due to pest is still 15000 crores.
Methods
Crop rotation
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation means having times where the fertility of the soil is being built up and times where crops are grown which remove nutrients Crop rotation also helps a variety of natural predators to survive on the farm
Composting
Compost is organic matter (plant and animal residues) which has been rotted down by the action of bacteria and other organisms, over a period of time Compost improves the structure of the soil Compost improves soil fertility by adding nutrients and by making it easier for plants to take up the nutrients already in the soil Compost improves the soil's ability to hold water Provide nutrients for plants but do not improve soil structure
Mulching
Mulching means covering the ground with a layer of loose material such as compost, manure, straw, dry grass, leaves or crop residues. How to use mulches Always apply mulches to a warm, wet soil Care should be taken as to the thickness of the mulch applied To clear an area of land of persistent weeds a layer of 10cm or more can be used.
o o o
Green manures
Green manures, often known as cover crops, are plants which are grown to improve the structure, organic matter content and nutrient content of the soil They are grown for their green leafy material which is high in nutrients and provides soil cover
Green manures o Improve the ability of the soil to hold water o Control soil erosion o Improve soil structure o Improve soil fertility
Nutrients are taken up primarily by the roots in the form of an aqueous solution in the soil
1. Soils may be naturally low in nutrients 2. Deficient due to nutrient removal by crops 3. When high yielding varieties are grown (In order to obtain high yields, Fertilizers are needed).
FERTILIZERS Chemical Fertilizers (Conventional Farming) Biological Fertilizers (Organic Farming)
Biofertilizers are :
Biofertilizers includes selective microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, algae which are capable of fixing atmospheric N or convert insoluble phosphate and other salts in the soil into forms available to plants.
Why Biofertilizers???
Disadvantages of chemical fertilizers: The chemical fertilizers are used for better crop yield which are also providing N,P. But use of these fertilizers in excess of recommended levels in order to ensure high yields(generally farmers do),cause environmental pollution. These environmental contamination & over supply of nutrients can lead to negative consequences on humans and animals. - Ingestion of nitrate can be toxic to humans. It cause eutrophication.
Advantages
1. Biofertilizers are supplements to chemical fertilizers. 2. They are cheap & can help to reduce fertilizer consumption. 3. They provide biological nitrogen directly to plants 4. They help in solubilization & mineralization of other plants nutrients like phosphates. 5. Stimulates plant growth by secreting growth hormones.
Advantages contd
6. On an average crop yield increases by 10-40 percent with their use. 7. They control and suppress soil borne diseases 8. Keep soils biologically active 9. They improve soil properties and maintain soil fertility. 10. They are eco-friendly and pollution free.
Advantages of Biofertilizers
Renewable source of nutrients Sustain soil health Supplement chemical fertilizers. Replace 25-30% chemical fertilizers Decompose plant residues, and stabilize C:N ratio of soil No adverse effect on plant growth and soil fertility. Secrete fungistatic and antibiotic like substances
Efficiency
40-45% for nitrogenous fertilizers for upland crops and less than 33 % for rice,25-33% or phosphatic fertilizers. Heavy N losses due to leaching, volatization and denitrification.P availability decreased due to fixation. For nitrogen- nil or low Exists due to discriminate use
All crops long Affordable section More useful to irrigated field High cost Indiscriminate use deteriorates the soil health
Rhizobium: legumes, BGA-Azolla: Rice, Azotobacter, Azospirillum : Most cereals, cotton, sugarcane Short for bacteria, long for BGA Small and marginal farmers Useful for both irrigated and dry land farming Low cost Improves the soil health
Types of biofertilizers
Nitrogen fixers 1. Symbiotic: Rhizobium, Frankia 2. Non symbiotic: Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Blue green algae, Azolla, Acetobacter Phosphate supplier 1. Phosphate solubiliser: Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Aspergillus 2. Phosphate absorber: V.A.Mycorrhiza (VAM fungi)
Legume inoculation
Types of biofertilizers
Sulphur supplier 1. Thiobacillus novellus, Aspergillus Organic matter decomposer and microbial cell mass. 1. Cellulose decomposer, Lignin decomposer.
Components of Biofertilizers
Biofertilizers are basically composed of two components; microorganisms and carriers.
A. Micro-organisms
Carrier is the bulky component of a biofertilizer, which preserves the microorganisms alive till they are applied.
Root Nodules
BIOFERTILIZER ORGANISMS
RHIZOBIUM AZOTOBACTER
PSB
BLUE GREEN ALGAE
AZOSPIRILLUM VA-MYCORRHIZA
Organic Farming
Harmony with Nature
Soil structure destroyed More chemical residues present in crops Low quality produce
No chemical residues
Premium quality
Many of the certification organizations also operate outside of their home country.
Export
Global Market Annual Growth =15-20% USA =11-13 BN US $ Japan =350-450 MN US $ Europe =10-11 BN US $ Ethiopia Both domestic and export market Starts from export market driven Started in year 1996( Sesame, Mandura Mandura) ) Main products exported( coffee, Sesame and Honey) Coffee take the largest share
Organic Producers
Individual farmers Farmer groups NGO projects Companies Estates
Constraints
&
Challenges
Transition time to organic Policy Initiatives Marketing of produce Infrastructure and Funds for scientific studies
Recommendations
Provide financial incentives Research and technology development Incentive campaign
Conclusion
Market development
EAT ORGANIC
DREAM ORGANIC
LIVE ORGANIC