What is an ecological farm?
Ecological farm is a farm that does not use chemicals to treat pests, deprive the area of weeds or for fertilizer. Ecological agriculture can have different definitions for different people. The International Organization IFOAM (International Federation of Ecological Agriculture) is an umbrella organization that proposes proposals that many countries use to consider what they consider to be an ecological farm.
The basic principle of organic farming increases and improves soil health. Healthy soil grows crops that are less likely to develop illnesses and better to withstand stress. Ecological farmers improve the soil through rotating crops, growing crops, composting and mulching. They do not use chemical fertilizers, but can use processed natural fertilizers such as seed food.
While conventional agriculture relies strongly on chemical sprays and treatment, ecological agriculture to pests takes a different approach. On an ecological farm of a certain amount of curtains of peaksDC is tolerated. Supposed organisms and natural predators can be released on the farm. Rotating crops maintain mistakes such as potato beetle, which have one favorite source of food, before the development of a significant population.
The pests are also controlled by rows and mesh covers. One of the most important ways that an ecological farm can have a successful harvest is the cultivation of plants that are designed to grow well in this area. Increasing plants that are not well suitable for climate emphasize and make them much more susceptible to damage to pests.
Organic farm treats weeds without chemicals. The oldest and still the most effective way of treating weeds is manual. Although it can work on a smaller farm, most ecological farms are fighting with weeds planting cover crops and mulching around the plants. One technique used to increase the nutrients in the soil and maintain weeds to a minimum is planting coverThe crop rich in nutrients in the streets between plants that the farmer hopes to reap.
Example is the planting of alfalfa, grass, which sends nitrogen to the soil, between the ranks of corn. During the growing season of corn and alfalfa do not compete for nutrients. Alfalf also prevents weed seeds from gripping in the soil. At the end of the season, the corn is harvested and the alfalfa is Oran into the soil. As soon as it decomposes and improves the quality of soil for planting next year.
ecological farms are often more work than conventional farms, but provide intangible benefits, such as a reduction in the amount of water they need, reducing groundwater contamination by pesticide drainage and less soil erosion.