Organic farm systems protect crop damage by insect pests primarily through the use of biological and cultural practices such as crop rotation; diversification; habitat management; beneficial organism releases; sanitation; and timing. Some natural substances, such as botanicals, and a few relatively non-toxic synthetic pesticides such as soap are permitted by the USDA National Organic Program […]
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Do organic farmers take any precautions when they apply manure on organic farms?
Yes. Raw manure and other animal and plant material must be handled in a way that prevents water, soil and crop contamination. In order to be applied without a days-to-harvest restriction, manure must be properly composted. Crops for human consumption that have the edible portion in contact with the soil – including leafy greens – […]
How do organic farms manage fertility?
Organic farmers manage crop nutrients through a crop rotation that includes cover crops and the application of plant and animal organic matter, generally in the form of compost. Appropriate tillage and cultivation practices improve soil structure, organic matter content and soil microbial life. Mined minerals, and a few allowed synthetic substances are permitted as supplemental […]
What is organic agriculture?
Organic food production is based on a system of farming that mimics natural ecosystems that balance pest and beneficial organism populations and maintain and replenish fertility of the soil. The term ‘organic’ in the United States is applied to the agricultural products produced on farms that adhere to the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) Rule.
Radish
Radish (Raphanus sativus L.); Brassicaceae Varieties – Chinese Pink Soil and Climate – Sandy loam soils rich in organic matter. The optimum soil pH is 5.5 to 6.8. Roots of best size, flavour and texture are developed at about 15°C. Season of Sowing – June –July and September – October. Seed rate – 10 kg/ha. […]
Carrot
Carrot (Daucus carota L.); Umbelliferae Varieties – Early Nantes and Kuroda Hybrids – Zubera, Nantindo, Zia, Nandhini, Sawan, Jockey, Jai, Romance, Brillyance, Alamada, Sirkana, Champion, Namdhari–854, 9905, Bermuda, Natuna Climate and Soil – The Carrot is a cool season crop and when grown at 15°C to 20°C, it will develop good colour. The carrot crop needs […]
Cauliflower
Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis); Brassicaceae Hybrids – Snow Mystique , Snow ball Climate and Soil – It requires cool moist climate. Deep loamy soils rich in organic matter with good drainage are suitable for cauliflower cultivation. It can be grown in a pH range of 5.5 to 6.6. Season and Sowing – The early varieties […]
Cabbage
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata); Brassicaceae Varieties – Tekila, Quisor (F1 hybrids) Soil – It is grown in varied types of soils ranging from sandy loam to clay. It requires pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Season of Sowing – January – February, July – August and September – October. Seed rate – 250 g/ha. Nursery – […]
The Nilgiris all set to go 100% organic
UDHAGAMANDALAM: The Nilgiris is gearing up to become a total organic district. Recently, municipal administration and rural development minister S P Velumani had declared the Nilgiris an ‘organic district’.As a first step, 48 farmer producer companies (FPCs) in the district have been selected by the horticulture department for ‘scope certification’.‘Scope certification’ is issued after inspecting […]