Organic farming

About: Organic farming is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 7254 publications have been published within this topic receiving 138030 citations. The topic is also known as: pertanian organik & organic farming.

The effect of biogas digestion on the environmental impact and energy balances in organic cropping systems using the life-cycle assessment methodology

Abstract: A life-cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out to compare the environmental performance of different organic cropping systems with and without digestion of slurry and crop residues. The aims of the present study are: (1) to compare the environmental performance of organic farming dairy systems with the currently prevalent animal housing systems [solid farmyard manure (FYM) versus liquid slurry] as the main reference systems; (2) to analyze the effect of the implementation of a biogas digestion system on the consumption of fossil fuels and production of electrical energy; (3) to quantify the effects of the implementation of a biogas digestion system on the environment; and (4) to compare the obtained net energy yields with other means of obtaining energy by using the farmland area. The considered impact categories are greenhouse gas (GHG) balances, acidification, eutrophication and groundwater pollution. LCA results indicated that total emissions in systems based on FYM are much higher than in liquid slurry systems for most of the considered impact categories. The benefits of digestion of stable wastes in comparison with the reference system without digestion are mainly (1) the net reduction of the emissions of GHG and (2) energy recovery from produced biogas, while the disadvantages can be higher emissions of NH3 after spreading. The effects of additional biogas digestion of biomass such as crop residues (e.g., straw of peas and cereals) and cover crops are: (1) an optimization of the N-cycle and therewith higher yields; (2) higher energy production per unit arable land; (3) a further reduction of the GHG balance; but (4) higher N-related environmental burdens like eutrophication and acidification. The offsets of fossil fuel emissions were the largest GHG sink in most of the biogas digestion systems. The inclusion of a biogas plant into organic cropping systems and the use of the available wastes for production of energy largely increased the overall productivity of the farming system and matched very well the basic principles of organic farming such as a high self-sufficiency of the cropping system and reducing as much as possible the environmental impact of farming.

Economics of Organic Grain and Soybean Production in the Midwestern United States

Abstract: Organic agriculture offers expanding market opportunities for many farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers in the food system (Anton Dunn, 1997a; 1997b). The recent launch of an organic breakfast cereal line by General Mills, complete with a multi-million dollar advertizing budget, exemplifies the expansion. Filling those cereal boxes likely means more organic grain and soybeans from u.s. farmers, many of them in the Midwest. But, is organic production a profitable alternative for the region's farmers? A growing body of research sheds new light on the answer. This report synthesizes and interprets economic studies of organic grain and soybean production by midwestern universities. The central conclusion is that organic production systems are competitive with the most common conventional production systems. Indeed, if farmers obtain current market premiums for organic grains and soybeans, their organic production generally delivers higher profits than non-organic grain and soybean production. The answer for any individual farmer depends, of course, on his or her particular situation. However, the main finding passes the commonsense test. By all accounts, the acreage of organic production is increasing nationwide, as well as in the Midwest. Will the estimated higher profitability of organic grain and soybean production hold, relative to conventional production, as the industry expands? Farmers who face the decision to invest substantial amounts of time and money need sound information to make careful decisions. While no one can forecast the future of the organic grain and soybean industry with certainty, understanding the forces that drive costs and prices is a key factor for anticipating likely trends in profits.

Attitudes, Backgrounds and Information Preferences of Canadian Organic and Conventional Farmers: Implications for Organic Farming Advocacy and Extension

Abstract: This study examines the sociodemographic, farm-related, attitudinal and communication behavior differences between organic and conventional farmers in Canada. While organic farmers have fewer years of farming experience, operate smaller farms and are less dependent on hired farm labor, the most significant differences concern farmers' attitudes towards organic farming and the use of synthetic agrichemicals. A close attitudinal alignment between government extension agents and conventional farmers was also found. In addition, organic and conventional farmers proved to have significantly different patterns of information behavior and preferences. Implications for organic farming advocates and extension services are discussed.

Seaweed extract: biostimulator of plant defense and plant productivity

Abstract: The application of seaweeds as muck in agricultural farming has been very common from ancient times in the Roman Empire, Japan, China, France, Spain, Britain, etc. Most coastal areas all over the world use seaweeds as bio-fertilizer for crop production. Seaweed extracts are used in different ways like seed treatment, foliar spray and soil application for plant protection and for plant growth promotion. Seaweed extract is more useful than chemical fertilizer because of its bio-decomposable, non-toxic and eco-friendly property. These are the most important reasons to use seaweed extracts in recent years for sustainable agriculture in organic and integrated organic farming. Seaweeds affect agricultural crops for enhancement of plant growth, seedling growth, both root hair and secondary root development. It can also improve nutrient incorporation, fruit setting, resistance properties against pests and diseases, improving the stress management (drought, salinity and temperature). The present review focused on use of seaweed extract in the agricultural system and novel strategies for the use of seaweed extract.