Natural farming highly depends on soil health
Natural agriculture, also known as organic farming, is a system of production that sustains the health of the soil for food production and a balanced ecosystem.
It can improve human health through the consumption of crops and livestock which are cultivated using feeds, fertilizers or pesticides that are not synthetically-made, or in other words, ‘organic.’ Natural farming also promotes biodiversity in the ecosystem by allowing species to interact with each other in a natural environment.
There are many ways to enhance soil health. Here are some of the most commonly used practices and inputs:
Crop rotation - The successive cultivation of various crops on the same land. This is an effective way to preserve the nutrients and fertility of the soil. It is important to avoid monocropping, or the production of a single crop every year on the same land, as this process kills off the nutrients in the soil.
Crop residue - There are two types of crop residue: field residues like stalks, stubble, leaves, and seed pods that are leftover materials after the crops are harvested; and process residues such as husks, seeds, molasses and roots that are excess materials left when the harvest is already converted into useful material. Both field and process residues are important in sustaining
organic farming since they can be used as materials for concoctions, feeds, soil amendments, etc.
Animal manure - This mostly consists of animal feces and some bedding straw. It is a great source of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It also enhances the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Animal manure is usually added to compost.
Green manure - These are fastgrowing plants sown to cover the bare soil after the main crop is harvested. It is intentionally planted to bring back the nutrients of the soil. Legumes are best to use as green manure since they are rich in potassium, iron and magnesium.
Off-farm organic wastes - These are organic wastes that are not useful anymore, such as fruit peel. As an example, banana peel, which can be included in the vermicompost, are excellent sources of potassium.
These components mentioned are important in helping reduce soil and crop vulnerability to insects, weeds, and other pests, as well as in maintaining soil productivity and supporting plant nutrients. Incorporated into a sound natural farming system, these practices and inputs will result in healthier, more nutritious crops.
From the seminar titled Organic Farming for Newbies presented by agricultural engineer and a registered organic farmer Martina Reyna, held at the Agriculture Training Institute in Quezon City.