Advances In Organic Farming

Advances in Organic Farming: Agronomic Soil Management Practices focuses on the integrated interactions between soil-plant-microbe-environment elements in a functioning ecosystem. It explains sustainable nutrient management under organic farming and agriculture, with chapters focusing on the role of nutrient management in sustaining global ecosystems, the remediation of polluted soils, conservation practices, degradation of pollutants, biofertilizers and biopesticides, critical biogeochemical cycles, potential responses for current and impending environmental change, and other critical factors. Organic farming is both challenging and exciting, as its practice of “feeding the soil, not the plant provides opportunity to better understand why some growing methods are preferred over others. In the simplest terms, organic growing is based on maintaining a living soil with a diverse population of micro and macro soil organisms. Organic matter (OM) is maintained in the soil through the addition of compost, animal manure, green manures and the avoidance of excess mechanization. Presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances and new developments in the field OF research within a relevant theoretical framework Highlights the scope of the inexpensive and improved management practices Focuses on the role of nutrient management in sustaining the ecosystems

This book discusses organic farming with regards to the origins and principles, policies and markets, organizations and institutions, and future concepts.

This volume provides an overview of the fundamental concepts and recent advancements in organic farming, a form of agriculture that is increasing rapidly in popularity. Readers will discover information on the history of organic farming, environmental friendly practices and challenges, and innovations in the field. The chapter authors analyze pertinent aspects of this integrated farming system including strategies to improve seed quality, methods to improve soil fertility, and the advantages of using organic fertilizers. Particular attention is also given to weed management practices, bioenergy production and insights into the ways organic farming can adapt to global climate change and build sustainable food systems for future generations. Scientists, decision-makers, professors, and farmers who wish to work towards making agricultural systems more sustainable will find this book appealing.

The present book, entitled Research Advancement in Organic Farming, focuses on advanced approaches of organic farming practices for sustainable production of crops and protection of the environment from pollution caused by conventional farming practices. Organic farming is a holistic self-sustaining approach that recycles its own organic wastes in a natural way in an agro-ecosystem for healthier production and a healthier environment. The inclusion of advanced green techniques and human skills in organic farming magnifies its production. Conservation of biodiversity, soil, water, and air and maintenance of local hydrological and nutrient cycles are the great benefits of it. Consequently, pollution-free safe organic crops are produced and the environment is conserved in organic farming systems. Organic farming contributes 1 to 2% of global food production. The demand for organic products in the world market is rising from day to day. On account of the above, the objectives of the present book are to draw current and advanced pictures of different approaches to organic farming for organic food production and conserving the environment by preventing pollutant-generating conventional chemical-based farming practices. The present book comprises current advancements in basic theoretical, practical, and application frameworks in organic farming by focusing latest empirical research findings on the following topics: basic concept, significance and future prospects of organic farming, organic agriculture, aquaculture, animal husbandry, environmental quality management, composting and vermicomposting, bioslurry and bio-fertilizers.

The book entitled "Biopesticides in Organic Farming : Recent Advances", describes critically reviewed, key aspects of organic farming and provides a unique and timely science-based resource for researchers, teachers, extension workers, students, primary producers and others around the world. This book is intended to be a unique and indispensable resource that offers a diverse range of valuable information and perspectives on biopesticides in organic agriculture. It has chapters on each and every aspect related with biopesticides in organic farming which are compiled by researchers and eminent professors at various universities across the globe. The wide spectrum information in various chapters with the addition of the terms related to organic farming and concept statements is presented in very concise manner. Features: This book is designed, as per course curriculum of different universities offering courses on Organic Farming, for undergraduate and post graduate students, researchers, university professors and extension workers. The first section provides, Overview of organic farming with special reference to biopesticides followed by the Principles of the applications of biopesticides in organic farming, Impact of Environmental factors on biopesticides in organic farming, Pesticides Exposure Impacts on Health and Need of Biopesticides in Organic Farming, and Role of nutrients in the management of crop diseases through biopesticides. The next section deals with the management of various crop diseases through biopesticides of bacterial, fungal, viral, and Insect sex hormone, Natural enemies and Integrated Pest Management, Biotechnological Trends in Insect Pests Control Strategy, Challenges in the popularization of Biopesticides in organic farming, Certification process and standards of organic farming and Marketing and export potential of organic Products. Information presented in an accessible way for students, professors, researchers, business innovators and entrepreneurs, management professionals and practitioners.

This book represents a current look at what we know about organic farming practices and systems, primarily from the U.S. and Canadian perspectives. the discussion begins with history and certification, ecological knowledge as the foundation for sustaining food systems, and biodiversity. The next chapters address crop-animal systems; forages, grain, oil seed, and specialty crops; organic cropping and soil nutrient needs; and vegetation and pest management. Readers will next learn about marketing organics, organic foods and food security, and education and research. The book concludes with a survey of the future of organic farming and a perspective on the agricultural industry and the future of the rural sector.--COVER.

This new volume addresses the growing use of organic farming in recent past decades fueled by the concern with the many deleterious effects of conventional agricultural practices, which employ chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides for large scale production of food. It focuses on sustainable development in farming, primarily detailing the application of different natural resources as manure for organic farming. The authors discuss efficient and cost-effective uses of natural and available resources to produce healthy food while at the same time helping to conserve the environment. Section I of Organic Farming for Sustainable Development discusses in detail the application of microorganisms such as Trichoderma sp., Azospirillum sp., endophytic microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhiza, Chaetomium sp., and bioactive secondary metabolites in organic farming practices. Section II explores the potential applications of organic amendments and sustainable practices for plant growth and soil health using garlic products, organic substrates, biochar, organic mulching, and tillage and weed management. In addition, Section III summarizes the impacts and prospects of organic crop production technology on health, food safety, and quality. The authors bring together important information that will be helpful in designing organic farming methods for soil sustainability and crop productivity as well as for nutritious food produced efficiently and cost productively. The book provides valuable insight to efficiently and cost-effectively use natural and available resources to increase the nutrient content of our food as well as to manage the organic wastes coming from other sectors, such as from cattle farms without polluting the surroundings.