How Is Organic Farming Improving the Sustainability Of Our Planet?

Published on Jan 13th, 2023

How Is Organic Farming Improving the Sustainability Of Our Planet?

Organic farming is increasing the demand and development of agriculture, which plays a massive role in environmental protection and sustainability. It refers to an approach to agriculture that addresses the wellness of the soil, the health of plants and animals, and the impact on the environment.

Natural techniques and inputs are used in organic farming that limits the availability of harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, and anhydrous ammonia that are emitted into the environment and protect both human and animal health.

Globally, organic farming has begun to grow to be among the most well-liked alternative farming methods. It can result in good harvests, financial success for farmers, environmental protection and development, and worker safety.

How Organic Agriculture Is Beneficial To The Environment?

Recent decades have seen a remarkable expansion of the organic agriculture industry due to increased environmental interest and awareness of a balanced lifestyle. The majority of the time, the organic farming evolution has been beneficial. Organic agriculture has expanded enormously over the past few decades, whether that growth is measured in terms of surface area, the number of farms, or product promotion.

The following are the key benefits of organic farming. Even though it isn't the ideal solution, it is a necessary step toward the goal of a more sustainable future. We've listed the top advantages of organic farming in case you still need clarification about whether or not it's good for you.

1) Health Of a Soil


It all begins with the soil. Soil health is considered a crucial element and attribute that leads to the effectiveness of any farming industry. It acts as a medium for the plant's growth. It is filled with diverse bacteria that support the farm's sustainability and well-being. One of the advantages of organic farming is that organizations focus on soil health, as we know that a considerable percentage of our food comes from the soil.

It needs a variety of approaches to keep healthy soil. Prominent examples are crop rotation and intercropping, composting, and cover cropping. These processes enhance the fertility and structure of the oil while minimizing erosion, increasing water retention, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, as it does not rely on artificial fertilizer and pesticides, it's more energy efficient. 

2) Enhancement Of Biodiversity


Another advantage of organic farming is the enhancement of biodiversity, which boosts sustainability. Monoculture, or the production of one crop over a broad region, is the standard method frequently followed in traditional agriculture. Other species of wildlife and plants may also become extinct, causing the loss of natural habitats.

Nevertheless, polycultures and multiple crops are widely used in organic farming, which can benefit a broader diversity of species. The farm's resistance to pests, illnesses, and severe weather events may also be improved significantly. Countless studies have demonstrated that organic farming protects biodiversity more effectively than conventional farming.

3) Utilization Of Synthetic Inputs


Using synthetic inputs, which can negatively impact the environment, is one of the significant reasons organic farming enhances sustainability. For instance, releasing pesticides and herbicides into the water and the soil will lead to pollution and loss of natural habitats.

It can also be poisonous to humans when they breathe; organic farmers, on the other hand, depend on organic procedures such as decomposition to increase soil quality and the usage of beneficial insects to control pests and stimulate plant growth.

4) Greenhouse Gas Emission


Food and agricultural production play a significant role in the climate change threat and the release of greenhouse gases. These greenhouse gas emissions could increase if we don't attempt to reduce them. Compared to non-organic farms, organic farms release far fewer greenhouse gases.

5) Water

Chemical pesticides and herbicides are significant problems that cause water pollution, eventually stimulating several severe health problems. These chemical plant growth supplements are not utilized in organic farming; instead, soil and plant and animal dung are used to meet the requirements of the plants. The usage of organic agriculture should be supported as a remedial technique in areas containing highly polluted waterways.

6)  Environment & Air Change

The primary use of fossil fuels, the non-renewable energy source that controls agriculture, is the production of pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional agriculture, which promotes the degradation of this resource. Organic farming helps to protect significant natural resources because it does not use chemical-based plant protection agents. Using organic farming methods like crop rotation, minimum tillage, and nutrient cycling, carbon is returned to the soil.

7) Positive Effect on The Health of Human Beings

Organic farming can positively affect human health and its favorable environmental impact. Due to the healthy and nutritious soil in which they are farmed, organic foods often contain higher nutrient levels, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Furthermore, fewer traces of manufactured pesticides and other substances might seem harmful to human health. 

8) Reliance On Animal and Human Power

Due to its reliance on animal and human power rather than fossil fuels, organic farming could also be more energy-efficient than traditional agricultural techniques. Through this, we can limit greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

9) Beneficial For Farmers 

For farmers and communities, organic farming can also have financial advantages. Organic farming seems more profitable for farmers despite having lower yields since customers are ready to pay even more. Farmers can be compensated for providing ecosystem services and avoiding ecological damage or external costs by imposing higher prices or "price premiums."

Organic farms can be more immune to price fluctuations and outside variables like harsh weather by focusing on stability and long-term productivity. Because of the perception of quality and benefits for the environment, they may also be able to charge more than that for their products.

For agriculture to become genuinely sustainable, social, economic, and environmental sustainability are interrelated and essential aspects. In a broad sense, organic farming offers a more environmentally friendly and long-term sustainable method of agriculture that can help safeguard our environment for future generations.

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