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Natural and organic farming
Many people are interested in sustainable agriculture and want to support farmers who use environmentally friendly practices. However, there is often confusion about the terms “natural” and “organic” farming, and what they mean for the health of the soil, plants, animals, and consumers. In this article, we will explore some of the differences and similarities between natural and organic farming. We will also explore how they affect various aspects of farming.
Let’s start by looking at the definition
Natural agriculture uses natural processes and resources in a comprehensive way. It promotes biodiversity and ecological equilibrium without synthetic chemicals or GMOs. This environmentally friendly agriculture uses crop rotation, green manure, compost, and biological pest management to maintain healthy soil and plants. It combines organic farming with traditional knowledge and practices to protect the environment and the people who rely on it.
Organic farming uses natural processes and materials to improve ecosystems, including soil fertility and biodiversity. Instead of pesticides and fertilizers, it uses crop rotation, composting, and biological pest management. This kind of agriculture provides natural food and protects the environment for future generations.
Specific aspects of both organic and natural farming methods
Certification and regulations: Specific regulations and certification govern organic farming, ensuring that goods meet specific organic requirements for classification. Natural farming, on the other hand, is a concept or approach to agriculture that does not need official certification.
Inputs: Organic farming allows for the use of authorized organic inputs to improve soil fertility and insect control. Compost, manure, and other organic substances are possible examples. Natural farming, on the other hand, reduces or eliminates the use of any external inputs, even organic ones, in favor of the natural environment and biodiversity.
Chemicals and Pesticides: While organic farming allows the use of authorized chemicals and pesticides that have been shown to be safe for the environment and human health, natural farming normally forbids the use of any synthetic chemicals and concentrates on natural pest control measures.
Soil Fertility: Organic farmers may utilize a range of soil supplements to maintain soil fertility, while natural farming techniques seek to establish circumstances that promote natural soil fertility via microbial activity and natural processes.
Economic Aspects: The organic farming business is well-established, with market incentives for farmers to get organic certification, potentially leading to higher pricing for organic goods. Natural farming may not have the same market awareness as conventional farming but reducing input costs can save farmers money.
Environment and people’s aspects
Human involvement: Natural farming relies on minimum human involvement, allowing natural processes to take primacy. While organic farming aims to work with natural processes, it also requires more active management and intervention to ensure the farm ecosystem’s health.
Philosophical Differences: Masanobu Fukuoka’s “do-nothing farming” often connects with the idea of working in harmony with nature, the foundation of natural farming. Although organic farming emphasizes ecological harmony, it is more organized around a set of methods that aim to maximize agricultural output in an ecologically responsible manner.
Scalability: A legal framework that facilitates market access has led to the widespread adoption of organic farming, which is considered more scalable. Local scales often conduct natural farming, despite its growing popularity as a sustainable option.
Environmental effect: Both natural and organic farming seek to lessen agriculture’s environmental effect, but their approaches vary. Organic farming aims to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals, while natural farming strives to harmonize with natural ecological cycles and limit human effect.
Understanding these methods may help people make educated food purchases and support farming methods that line with their beliefs. For farmers, these differences are critical in determining which agricultural methods to use depending on their objectives, resources, and the unique demands of their land.
Conclusion
To summarize, although organic and natural goods vary in certain ways, when combined, they may have a substantial influence on people’s well-being. People often associate organic goods with environmental sustainability and animal welfare, whereas natural products prioritize minimal processing. When combined, they provide a holistic approach to health and lifestyle, which many people believe is good for both personal health and the environment. This collaborative effort has the potential to result in a more aware and healthier society.
Resources
9 Differences Between Organic Farming And Natural Farming | Micro Farm Guide
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