Organic farming: An overview

Organic farming is a type of agriculture method that relies solely on techniques such as, compost, crop rotation, biological pest control, and green manure. The method completely excludes the usage of artificial petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides, hormones, injection of antibiotics in domesticated animals, organisms that are genetically modified for reason such as openness, sustainability, health, independence, and safety. 

How does organic farming work?

As per experts from fertilizer industry in India, organic farming, broadly speaking, is not a method that makes use of certain substances and methods and avoids others; it is basically a farm whose structure is designed in a way that it imitates the structure of a natural system.

The techniques used in organic farming combine modern technology, ecology and scientific knowledge with traditional farming practices. The main procedure of organic farming comprises of crop rotation, compost, green manure, mechanical cultivation and biological pest control. Such measures use natural environment to increase agriculture productivity; natural insect predators are let lose, legumes are implanted to sustain nitrogen, crops are rotated.

Organic matter plays a significant role in soil fertility. It maintains excellent physical conditions of the soil (e.g. aeration, soil structure, and water holding capacity).It also holds most of the soil reserve of phosphorus (P), Nitrogen (N), and sulphur (S). It is extremely important to note that the fertility of the soil is affected markedly by quality and quantity of organic matter.

Changes that organic farming should bring about are:

1. Increase in the nutrient reserves of the soil.
2. Change in the processes of nutrient supply within the soil.
3. Change in the physical attributes of the soil.

Organic farming is certainly the answer to the growing environmental and health hazards. However, it is very important to choose these organic materials from reputed fertilizer company in India. Most good providers have websites enlisting their products and contents.     

How to Choose the Right Pesticide?

Pesticides are one of the most important tools to manage pest. Here is how to choose the right product for application:

Figure out the pest:

Accurate identification is the key to choosing a pesticide because pesticides have been categorized as per the problem or pest that they control. For example, herbicides help in controlling weed, insecticides help to control insects, and fungicides control diseases related to plants, yet they are all pesticides. As per the Indian agrochemical industry, the first step to choosing a pesticide is to know what your pest is.

Identify the site of application: 

Pesticides are also distinguished based on the site of application. For instance, there are separate pesticides for outdoors and separate products for indoors. Hence, it is important to identify the location on which the chemical has to be applied.

What is the best formulation for the site and pest?

Products produced by pesticides companies in India come in a variety of liquid and dry formulations. Find out what suits your particular situation by taking the location and any relevant wildlife, environment or human element into consideration.  Pre-mixed products are easier than concentrates that need to be diluted and mixed. Although they are costlier, their convenience normally justifies the cost.

What is the quantity of pesticide needed?

Estimate the amount of pesticide that will be required for single application. Multiply that amount to the number of times you will need to apply the product in one season.

Is it wise to buy in bulk for a better rate?

Always choose the quantity of the pesticide in accordance to the anticipated need, not only the best value. Storing pesticides for too long can make them loose their effectiveness, and may eventually require disposal which is normally difficult. Make sure you buy only in quantities that you can use efficiently in the same season or year.

Pests are a big cause of concern and the use of chemical pesticides is important to protect the crops. However, it is extremely important to choose the right product and in the right quantities to keep your yield healthy.   

How to Use Pesticides Safely

With environment protection agencies spreading awareness about the damage being caused by chemicals and poisonous gases, people have become overly worried about the use of pesticides. While reducing the application of these chemicals is a great idea, there are situations when these substances are the only solution. Thankfully, with a few precautions, it is possible to use pesticides safely. 

• Make sure the substance you use is suitable for your problem,
• Understand the side-effects of a given pesticide,
• Follow the instructions diligently

Buy the right chemical:

“Pesticides” is an umbrella term that includes a variety of substances intended to destroy, prevent, mitigate or repel pests. Insecticides are used for killing insects. Herbicides are made for killing plants. Fungicides are used for killing fungus. Desiccants and defoliants cause the plants to drop their leaves.

According to pesticide manufacturers in India, before buying a pesticide, make sure it addresses your problem specifically. For instance, if you use a fungicide on a plant that has been infested with insects you will not be able to solve the root problem. Once the pest has been recognized, you are better equipped to find a pesticide that will destroy that organism. 

Follow the label:

It is mandatory for agrochemicals industry in India to specify what their products contain and the right way to use them. Hence, all the important details are on the label. To use the pesticide safely, make sure you follow every instruction on the sticker. If the label specifies long pants, for long sleeves, gloves, a face mask, a hat, make sure you are wearing all the necessary equipment when using the chemical. 

Pesticides play a big role in helping us grow more food. They control the diseases spread by pests and make our lives a lot easier. When used in correct proportions, they pose no harm to the environment and people. Remember, always obey the re-entry period and follow the directions laid down by the pesticide manufacturers in India to tap maximum benefits from the chemical.