UNIT 2
Organic ecosystems & their concepts
Organic ecosystems are agricultural systems that aim to enhance soil fertility, promote biodiversity, and protect the environment by using natural methods of pest control and fertilization. In organic ecosystems, farmers avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Instead, they use organic manures, composts, and biopesticides to control pests and diseases and improve soil health. Organic farming systems also promote the use of cover crops and crop rotations to maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion.
Organic ecosystems have several benefits, including:
1. Improved soil health: Organic farming practices improve soil health by enhancing soil structure, nutrient availability, and water-holding capacity.
2. Reduced chemical contamination: Organic farming practices avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which reduces the risk of chemical contamination of soil and water.
3. Biodiversity conservation: Organic farming practices promote biodiversity by using crop rotations, cover crops, and intercropping, which create habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.
4. Climate change mitigation: Organic farming practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using fewer fossil fuels and by sequestering carbon in the soil.
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Some of the key concepts of organic ecosystems include:
1. Biodiversity: Organic ecosystems promote biodiversity by encouraging the growth of a variety of crops and the use of intercropping and crop rotation techniques. This helps to maintain soil health and fertility, reduce pests and diseases, and improve resilience to climate change.
2. Soil health: Organic ecosystems focus on maintaining soil health by using organic fertilizers, compost, and other natural inputs that help to build soil structure, increase water-holding capacity, and promote beneficial microorganisms.
3. Conservation of resources: Organic ecosystems promote the efficient use of resources by reducing waste and using renewable resources, such as solar energy and organic inputs.
4. Animal welfare: Organic ecosystems emphasize the humane treatment of animals by providing them with adequate space, feed, and healthcare.
5. Community involvement: Organic ecosystems often involve local communities in the production process, helping to create a sense of ownership and connection to the land.
Its fortification
Organic nutrient fortification involves enhancing the nutrient content of organic foods through natural means, without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetic modification. This can be achieved through various methods such as crop rotation, intercropping, use of compost, green manure, and animal manure. These methods help to increase the nutrient density of the soil, which in turn leads to more nutrient-rich plants. Organic nutrient fortification can also involve the use of natural mineral fertilizers, such as rock phosphate, which provide essential minerals to the soil and the crops. Additionally, the use of organic biofortification techniques, such as plant breeding and genetic selection, can also help to increase the nutrient content of organic foods. Overall, organic nutrient fortification is an important aspect of organic agriculture, as it helps to promote soil health and increase the nutrient density of our food supply.
Organic nutrient resources & its fortification
Organic nutrient resources refer to natural substances that are used to fertilize the soil in organic farming practices. Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, which can harm the environment and reduce soil quality over time. Instead, organic farmers rely on organic nutrient resources such as:
1. Compost: a mixture of decomposed organic material such as leaves, grass, food scraps, and manure that can be added to soil to improve its quality and fertility.
2. Green manure: plants that are grown specifically to be tilled back into the soil while they are still alive, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.
3. Animal manure: animal waste products, such as a cow or chicken manure, can be used to fertilize the soil.
4. Bone meal: a fine powder made from ground animal bones, which is a good source of phosphorus and calcium.
5. Fish emulsion: a liquid fertilizer made from fish waste that is high in nitrogen and other nutrients.
6. Rock dust: finely ground rock particles that are rich in minerals and trace elements that are essential for plant growth.
Restrictions to nutrient use in organic farming
Here are some of the restrictions on nutrient use in organic farming:
1. Synthetic fertilizers: Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic fertilizers as they are made from non-renewable sources and can have negative impacts on soil and water quality.
2. Chemical pesticides: Organic farming discourages the use of chemical pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
3. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs): Organic farming prohibits the use of GMOs as they are genetically engineered to withstand herbicides and pesticides, which goes against the principles of organic farming.
4. Sewage sludge: Organic farming prohibits the use of sewage sludge as a source of nutrients, as it may contain harmful pathogens and heavy metals.
5. Antibiotics: Organic farming prohibits the use of antibiotics in animal production, which may be used in conventional farming to promote animal growth and prevent disease.
6. Limits on nutrient applications: Organic farmers must follow strict guidelines for the application of nutrients to avoid overuse and minimize nutrient runoff. This includes careful management of crop residues, cover crops, and intercropping.
7. Soil testing: Organic farmers must regularly test their soil to ensure that it has the proper balance of nutrients for plant growth. This helps them to avoid nutrient deficiencies and reduce the need for additional inputs.
