How Organic Farming Helps the Environment

Interest in organic produce is surging. Environmentally-conscious farming improves both our bodies and our physical surroundings.

People are sickened by the thought of pesticides and want to eat foods that are free of their chemical taint. Wholesome, nutritious food is profitable. Organic farmers receive a much higher return on their crops than traditional ones. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for high-quality produce, like those from Hitchcock Farms.

Organic farming also benefits the environment. No-till organic farming, in particular, protects the soil from degradation. As you can see from Exapta Solutions’ https://www.exapta.com/product-category/drill/, companies are now servicing the no-till market.

No-till farming is a method of growing crops that leaves the soil mostly undisturbed.

Traditional organic farms can have a huge positive impact on the environment as well.

It protects the Soil

Farming in an area makes it less fertile over time. When a farmer takes over a virgin field and pumps it full of synthetic fertilizers, the soil will lose almost 65 percent of its nitrogen content over the next five decades. When that happens, the farmer will be stuck using more and more fertilizer to achieve the same results. Once he’s taken everything that he can from the soil, he’ll abandon the land, leaving behind a barren wasteland.

Organic farmers, by contrast, pump the soil full of organic matter. Chemicals tend to kill off a lot of the bacteria in the ground. Farming can be quite expensive too. With that being said, some farmers opt to buy used equipment from sites like fastline, rotate crops or even conserve water. These steps are just some that can help farmers become more sustainable in their field and do their bit for the planet.

The Environment is Guarded Against Pesticide Exposure

Pesticides are extremely harmful. If Western farmers would switch to organic production methods, we could prevent a significant amount of pesticides from entering the environment. The earth doesn’t escape unscathed from its encounter with the harsh chemicals. The water supply in areas treated with pesticides can be tainted for years, sometimes decades. However, with food testing equipment becoming more readily available and accessible, pesticides are decreasing and food is becoming safer.

Erosion is Reduced

Organic farming can help improve soil quality in a myriad of ways. In particular, it can help battle erosion. Scientists comparing organic wheat fields with their traditionally grown cousins found that the organic field was covered with over eight inches more topsoil.

Nitrogen Pollution Becomes Less of a Problem

Traditional farmers use nitrogen-based fertilizers. Unfortunately for the environment, a significant portion of this nitrogen eventually winds its way into rivers and oceans where it has a deleterious effect on the natural environment.

A U.S. geological study discovered that the Gulf of Mexico dead zone, an area with too much nitrogen to support life, was formed in response to chemical fertilizer runoff from farms. At its largest, the Gulf of Mexico dead zone has more surface area than some U.S. states.

Animals are Healthier

Human bodies aren’t the only ones that benefit from organic farming. Animals who live or near organic farmland graze on chemical-free, untainted vegetation. This keeps them healthy and happy.
In addition, organic farmers tend to be less disruptive to the environment. They encourage natural habitat areas to be maintained.

Fewer Algae Blooms

Petroleum-based fertilizers are bad for the environment as well. Like nitrogen-based ones, they typically end up in the world’s waterways. The runoff can trigger an algae bloom, which in turn affects the surrounding marine life.

Improved Water Health

Organic farming keeps the water healthy and drinkable. The runoff from petroleum and nitrogen-based fertilizers not only harms marine animals, it can taint the water being consumed by humans. Organic farming greatly mitigates this problem.

Because organic farms often have better soil quality, the method also conserves water. Popular crops like cotton require a lot of water to thrive. Organic cotton farms, however, require less irrigation. That means they need to use less water.

Organic produce is trendy. Millennials can’t afford to buy a home but that doesn’t mean that they’re skimping on groceries. The organic market has exploded recently. It’s never been bigger than it is now.

It doesn’t seem like it’s a fad. Westerners are fickle eaters and change their diet preferences often. Low fat? Low carb? However, the push for eating organic food is born out of health and moral considerations rather than a desire to lose weight.

A lot of people are unaware that eating organic food can help the environment. Farmers usually focus on touting the health benefits of their produce and meat. When people are purchasing food they want to hear about what it will do to their bodies, not the grass.

The environment would benefit if more farmers adopted organic methods. The harsh chemicals used by traditional growers are harmful to the environment and for the animals living in the area. Organic farming alleviates or reduces the negative environmental consequences associated with conventional agriculture.