Sustainable Farming and Organic Gardening

Before the advent of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, farming was essentially an “organic” operation. Growers kept livestock and recycled their animal wastes to fertilize fields. They conserved their soil, rotated crops, and practiced long-term, sustainable agriculture. However, that all changed dramatically after World War II. Farmers moved away from raising mixed crops and livestock. Thanks to rising market prices, larger machinery, and high-yield varieties, they turned toward large-scale production of grain. Without animal manures, farmers opted for chemical fertilizers. The North American factories once used to produce wartime explosives began churning out synthetic high-nitrogen fertilizers, and the nerve agents developed and stockpiled for warfare led to the production of organophosphate pesticides.

The organic movement didn’t spring up to confront the use of chemicals overnight. It grew from studies and observations around the world by prominent people on both sides of the organic debate who laid the groundwork.

Why Go Organic?

The best reason for growing organic is that it’s simply healthier for everyone involved – you, your family, farm workers, and customers – thanks to a lack of chemicals and an abundance of nutrients. It’s also economical. While organic production takes more time, effort, and understanding at the onset, sustainable practices can save money in the long run by recycling farm wastes and avoiding expensive inputs. Your crops will command a higher price.

Links

Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture – Leopold.iastate.edu

Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society – NSASNebsusag.org

Sustainable Gardening – planetnatural.com/sustainable-gardening