We are now living in a world where people are open to the betterment of the community, open to sustainability, and open to change. Because of the drastic changes in our planet that harm crop production, humans are looking for ways to resolve this issue. This solution serves to make people fed while doing something for the earth. One good solution is the introduction of Organic Farming. 

Agricultural production and management based on organic principles are characterized by a high level of biodiversity, conservation of natural resources, and rigorous animal welfare standards. Furthermore, organic farming responds to consumers' increasing demand for natural products and simultaneously provides a way to preserve the environment in the context of sustainable rural development. 

What’s more exciting in this part is that you can produce your organic foods in your backyard or a small place at your home. To guide you in this organic journey, read more below.

We all know the basic concept of organic farming, but for knowledge, here are some of its main principles:

Natural fertilizer

In organic farming methods, nutrients are provided to plants by natural matter rather than synthetic chemicals. Compost, animal manure, and green manure are natural fertilizers that can help prepare the soil to grow a new crop by reinvigorating it with nutrients.

Crop diversity and rotation

It is problematic when a large field is sown with one crop year after year, and that crop is the same. The soil can quickly run out of nutrients, and pests become a big target on the cropland since they realize that they don't need to travel to find more plants to reproduce. Using crop rotation, organic farmers intermingle several crops in one field and alternate which areas host which yields to build soil fertility and discourage pests.

Weed suppression

Organic farming takes the approach of "weed suppression," or preventing weeds from sprouting in the first place, as opposed to conventional agriculture that relies on "weed elimination," or eradicating weeds with herbicides after they have grown. To outcompete weeds, organic farmers turn soil between crops, mulch around crops, sow cover crops, and keep their plants healthy. If weeds do sprout, they can use several organic methods to get rid of them, such as mowing, thermal weeding, applying natural chemicals, or even grazing animals, such as geese.

Predatory insects

Predators of pests are often missing from conventional farming, increasing pest populations. Organic farmers combat this problem by sowing desirable plants that predatory insects use for egg-laying in or around their fields.

As organic farming has developed over the years, many benefits have been realized. In contrast to conventional agriculture, organic farming uses fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, prevents nitrates from leaching into groundwater and surface water, and recycles animal wastes. In addition to these benefits, organic produce provides people with many health benefits, including fewer chemicals used in conventional food production.

Here are the other benefits:

It promotes soil health.

As a result of organic farming, soil erosion can be prevented. A major study comparing adjacent organic and chemically treated wheat fields revealed that the organic area had eight inches more topsoil and only one-third as much erosion loss as the chemically treated field.

It fights climate change.

Having a better understanding of organic farming can help to prevent climate change, as it reduces carbon emissions, stores carbon in the soil, and reduces energy consumption, all of which help to prevent climate change.

Keeps harmful chemicals out of our food

In addition to prohibiting synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farmers pollinate their crops using native insects, which keep these chemicals off your dinner table. Several studies have linked agrochemicals with a decline in bees, which are vital to food production.

Promotes ecosystem health as a whole

In essence, organic farming considers the health of the total ecosystem - the land, water, air, workers, and animals. In addition, ecosystems with greater biodiversity are more resilient and recover from adverse events more quickly.

Contributes to long-term societal health

In recent times, soil degradation has been cited as one of the reasons for the decline of civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese that have followed the destruction of the soil and the collapse of the food production of Mayans.  Since so much of the globe is covered in agricultural land, it’s imperative to the health of society that we emphasize protecting our environment.

Other than the benefits mentioned for organic farming, here’s also what distinguishes this method from different types of agriculture existing today.

• Organic Farming relies on nature to fertilize, pollinate and keep pests away.
• Organic Farming uses various techniques, such as crop rotation and cross-seeding, to promote soil health.
• Organic Farming uses seeds saved from the last crop.
• Organic Farming promotes hormone- and steroid-free. Animals also play an essential role in maintaining whole-farm health and are treated as such.
• Organic Farming relies on predatory species such as birds and other insects to control local populations.
• Organic Farming practices multiple crops each season and performs heavy crop rotation to protect soil health.

Singapore is becoming increasingly involved in food, lifestyle, and environmental impacts due to rapid and broad environmental and population changes, making it an ideal location to develop ecosystem services. Organic farming is an excellent development for the country in urban areas because urban residents can grow vegetables in their gardens. Some use vertical systems for this purpose. 

Singapore's urban planning aims to maximize its scarce land resources so that its diverse needs can be met. The land is allocated for housing, trade, industry, and competing uses. In the context of sustainable agriculture, urban agriculture can partially replace rural agriculture imports and supply food to foreign cities. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only. All information in this article is sourced from other sites on the web, and we make no representation of any rights regarding the contents and information on the site. All rights belong to their original owner. 

Sources:

1. What is organic farming? Definition, standards and examples (youmatter.world)
2. The Beginners Guide to Organic Farming (jerseygirlorganics.co.nz)
3. Urban Farming In Singapore, How To Start | Agri Farming
4. Organic Farming Singapore (thelivingcentre.sg)
5. How Organic Farming Works: Organic Farming Guide - 2023 - MasterClass