Using technology to nurture nature

Organic farming in the conventional sense of using natural methods like permaculture and integrated animal husbandry practices have shown that depleted soils can be coaxed back into life. The process is long and slow; for after all nurturing nature cannot be hastened.

Technology has answers; though not in its fullest sense. The primary result of soil analysis does give an accurate picture of the mineral content of the soil. The essential nutrients that these minerals are supposed to give for the plants are also calculated. What is lacking is the delivery mechanism.

In its natural state fertile soil is blessed with micro-organisms; these micro-organisms help the plants to assimilate the minerals (which the micro-organisms convert from dead organic matter) and various nutrients. The accuracy of the nutrients that the plant assimilates is a complex reaction of photosynthesis (the conversion of sunlight or light energy to a chemical energy) that fuels all of the plant's activities. This complexity is the source for essential nutrients for the various parts of the plant. For example polysaccharides (type of carbohydrates like cellulose) are circulated throughout the plant while at the same time a portion of it flows back into the soil through the root system (like a two way highway) for production of fulvic acids. This being complex is also life threatening as this circuitous route is akin to an electric circuit. Any imbalance in the system can cause adverse reactions leading to fatal consequences for the plant.

So two things become very clear for healthy plant growth; accurate nutrition in the quantities specified and essential nutrients delivered at the proper time. A few organizations devoted to organic farming supplements have been quite successful in creating a water soluble mix that contains the desired nutrients both qualitatively and quantitatively. Being water soluble enables the root system of the plant for the correct uptake.

Key Differences between the Conventional and Organic Farming in South Africa

Even if neophyte farmers need to know the differences between conventional and organic farming in South Africa, however, you really can't achieve organic purity without encountering some challenges economically. Securing certification for pure organic farming is even challenging based on the ability of the farmer to document the process to prevent cross-pollination and testing. This is particularly difficult if your market is overseas where standards on organic produce are strictly followed.

Argument for Organic

Organic farming advocates will tell you that it's the way toward a more sustainable food security. More importantly, it's a way to help the environment as too much synthetic chemicals injected into the soil can't be good for the ecology. What most people probably don't know is that when referring to organic agriculture, it's not the absence of pesticides. It's using organic-based pesticides and natural inputs such as liquid sulphur, for instance, unlike conventional agriculture which uses synthetic fertilizers. It's also supposedly cheaper. Resourced-challenged communities, for example, can derive many benefits of buying various amino acids nutrient products for improving the soil rehabilitation and soil structure.

The market for organic products is also growing as more and more people are now conscious about the type of nutrients and chemicals in the food that they put into their own bodies.

Argument for Conventional Farming

Advocates of conventional farming will tell you that their method will result to a greater yield, which is ultimately the main purpose, right? First world countries know full well the benefits of genetically modified products and synthetic chemicals. In fact, a significant number of farmers claims that the use of GM reduced their dependence on chemical pesticides. On the flip side, developing countries like some parts of Africa found success in organic farming methods as well. One element of success when you look at successful models of organic farming is their closer attention to soil analysis. While it's best reserved for another topic, it's important that you research for innovative tips to know more about soil test analysis.

Maintaining Balance

Whether you go by conventional or organic method, however, there are benefits to buying various amino acid chelates and nutrient products for improve the soil rehabilitation and soil structure. You need to restore the balance of the soil through the judicious use of mineral inputs and other biological sources (plant nutrients). Here, the importance of soil analysis could not be underscored enough. It's the only way to know what is lacking in your soil to come up with a plan on how to rehabilitate it for optimal plant growth.