Today, the term “organic” is used to describe a wide variety of plants and various forms of farming and agriculture. In simple terms, an organic plant can be be described as a product of gardening, farming or agriculture which has not been subjected to the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. However, in reality, the definition of “organic” is often more complex.
History of Organic Farming
Synthetic fertilizers were mass-produced during World War I (1914-1918) but their use grew greatly after World War II (1939-1944), along with the production of synthetic pesticides. The rate at which synthetic farming grew, and concern for the ecological impact of synthetic products, motivated the foundation of several groups who lobbied for a return to past farming methods. English botanist Sir Albert Howard (1873-1947), American playwright Jerome Irving Rochdale (1898-1971) and British graduate Lady Eve Balfour (1899-1970) were key figures in the move to return farming to organic methods.
Organic Farming and Agriculture
Organic farming and agriculture aims to minimize environmental impact through the “natural” growth and production of plants. The use of genetically modified organisms and synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, additives and other artificial aids is not allowed in organic farming. Organic farming and agriculture use plants that are local to a particular environment and are resistant to disease. Organic farming uses methods such as wide crop rotation, companion plants and biological pest control in place of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Definition of Organic Plants in the United States
“Organic” plants are defined by the legislation of various countries; in the United States, organic plants are guaranteed by a USDA-approved independent agency which has to follow guidelines such as:
- prohibited use of genetically modified organisms
- prohibited products, such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, can not be used three years prior to USDA certification and throughout the period of the organic license
- use of methods such as crop rotation, soil building and conservation
- avoidance of contamination of organic products.
Soil Quality Management in Organic Farming
Most plants need soil to grow; however, the quality of the soil determines the quality of the plants produced. Soil is made up of a mixture of organic matter such as leaves and dead plants. The chemistry of soil changes through decomposition and with the help of animals which live in the soil.
Fertile soil is the right mix of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus, in addition to other minor nutrients. Organic farming does not allow the use of synthetic fertilizers to improve the quality of the soil at the right time for plant growth. Therefore, organic farmers employ crop rotation and cover crop methods in an attempt to generate enough nitrogen in the soil, at the right time, in order for plants to grow.
Pesticides Used in Organic Farming and Gardening
Some types of pesticides are allowed in organic farming and gardening. However, chemical pesticides for organic gardening must be derived from mineral-bearing and botanical sources. Although these chemicals are toxic, they break down much faster than normal chemical pesticides. Mineral-based pesticides include the use of sulfur, bordeaux and lime sulfur; botanical pesticides include the use of sabadilla, neem, nicotine sulfate, rotenone and pyrethrum.
Organic Plants as Food
Many people prefer to grow or buy organic plants because of the lack of use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Fruit and vegetables, such as oranges, peppers and potatoes, are available as both organic and conventional products; botanically, there is no difference between the species, the difference is in how the plant is grown and processed.
Organic foods cost more than products farmed in the conventional way because of the higher costs associated with organic farming methods and the use of more traditionally labor intensive methods. However, plants farmed or grown in a garden organically use methods that have traditionally been used throughout history.
References:
- Colorado State University web site, Gardening and Horticulture: Some Pesticides Permitted in Organic Gardening, accessed June 15, 2010
- Soil Science Education web site, How Does Your Garden Grow?, accessed June 15, 2010
- Mayo Clinic web site, Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious?, accessed June 15, 2010
- Organic Consumers Association web site, Organics 101: A Brief Introduction to Organics, accessed June 15, 2010
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
