Organic arable farming uses, among others, the following principles to avoid and reverse the destruction of soil effects of intensive farming, which has far-reaching consequences on environmental health;
sustainable crop rotation
maintaining biodiversity
using resistant crop varieties
ensuring high soil nutrition
Arable land that is farmed organically grows different types and varieties of crops at different times. The crops that are chosen are selected for their own, natural resistance to pests and disease.
This maintains biodiversity of the soil, so that a rich and wide variety of organisms/life forms, nutrients and minerals perform their natural work of aiding the growth of crops.
The soil will be high in nutrition. And the organic farmer’s reliance is on natural predators to deal with pests and disease.Further, the organic system conserves the natural environment, leaving hedgerows and other plant-matter where it should be.
This all helps to keep the soil rich, strong and fertile and maintains the diversity of wildlife in the area. Animals, not to mention agricultural workers, are healthy and free from chemical input-caused disease. (see pesticides
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Wildlife
Research shows that –
… in the period between 1969 and 1991 tree sparrow populations declined by 85%, corn bunting by 76%, grey partridge by 73%, turtle doves by 75% and skylarks by 50%.
The article went on to blame current agricultural practices that have seen hedgerows destroyed, meadows ploughed up and fields harvested before the birds had a chance to finish rearing their young.
It said that the dawn chorus, that enchanting time of the morning when the air is alive to the sound of bird song, is heard no more in many parts of E. Anglia, where an eerie silence now greets the dawn.
I can confirm this. Living in a Norfolk cottage surrounded by intensively farmed land, the dawn chorus is indeed absent. How I wish it would convert to organic so that I can experience the findings of a study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, April, 2005, that concluded –
… On average, organisms were 50% more abundant in organic farming systems… Birds, predatory insects, soil organisms and plants responded positively to organic farming…We suggest that positive effects of organic farming on species richness can be expected in intensively managed..[organic].. agricultural landscapes…Ingentaconnect
I have heard that the most beautiful sight following the conversion of an intensively farmed environment to organic, is the return of wildlife to its home. Birds, animals and flowers come back with a vengeance. The sounds and smells of life in abundance proclaim the renewal of land.
If you want to help environmental health, and are thinking of joining the organic revolution, please click on buying organic food. There you will see how easy it is to switch from intensively farmed produce to organic, and all the benefits that will bring to you and your family.
