Organic Farming, Integrated Farming & Vermicompost PDF

UNIT-1 Agriculture biotechnology Organic farming In India, Organic Farming is not anything new as it has been in practice from ancient times. But with the shifting towards minerals-based farming in the 1960s, India entered in an era of Green Revolution. Gre...

UNIT-1 Agriculture biotechnology Organic farming In India, Organic Farming is not anything new as it has been in practice from ancient times. But with the shifting towards minerals-based farming in the 1960s, India entered in an era of Green Revolution. Green Revolution and its impact ✓ The Green Revolution was an endeavour initiated by Norman Borlaug in the 1960s. He is known as the 'Father of Green Revolution' in world. In India, the Green Revolution was mainly led by M.S. Swaminathan. ✓ In 1943, India suffered from the world’s worst recorded food crisis which led to the death of approximately 4 million people in eastern India due to hunger. Population was growing at a much faster rate than food production. So, to full fill the demand of growing population, the action came in the form of the Green Revolution. ✓ The green revolution in India refers to a period when Indian Agriculture was converted into an industrial system due to the adoption of modern methods and technology such as the use of high yielding variety seeds (wheat, rice, jowar, bajara and maize), tractors, irrigation facilities, pesticides and fertilizers. Negative Impacts of Green Revolution and Need of Organic farming → Non-cereals food left out: Although all food-grains including wheat, rice, jowar, bajra and maize have gained from the revolution, other crops such as coarse cereals, pulses and oilseeds were left out. Major commercial crops like cotton, jute, tea and sugarcane were also left almost untouched by the Green Revolution. → Excessive Usage of Chemicals: The pH level of the soil increased due to the usage of these alkaline chemicals. Toxic chemicals in the soil destroyed beneficial pathogens, which further led to the decline in the yield, ultimately excessive use of chemical fertilizers detroites soil quality and cause environmental pollution. The large-scale use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides such as Phosphamidon, Methomyl, Phorate, Triazophos and Monocrotophos resulted in resulted in a number of critical health illnesses including cancer, renal failure, stillborn babies and birth defects.  → Water Consumption: The crops introduced during the green revolution were water- intensive crops. Canal systems were introduced, and irrigation pumps also sucked out the groundwater to supply the water-intensive crops, such as sugarcane and rice, thus depleting the ground water levels. No doubt, the chemical-based agriculture process gave higher productivity which helped in pulling the country out of food insecurity but also gave lots of negative impacts. It was, therefore, felt that to sustain agricultural production and productivity and to take this crucial Sector into new frontiers without damaging the resources and the environment, an alternate system of farming is required. Organic farming: An alternate system of farming Organic farming is a sustainable farming method that focuses on cultivating the land and raising crops in a natural manner.. Organic farming is not only for the betterment of farming community, it also revival to the consumers for a “Happy and Healthy life”. So a paradigm shift to Organic farming is the need of the day to enhance the quality of life. It aims to keep the soil alive and healthy by using organic wastes (crop, animal and farm wastes, aquatic wastes) and other biological materials, as well as beneficial microbes (biofertilizers), to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an environmentally friendly, pollution-free environment. In other words, organic farming is a system of farming that repairs, maintains, and improves the ecological balance. History of Organic farming → The concepts of organic agriculture were developed in the early 1900s by Sir Albert Howard, F.H. King, Rudolf Steiner. → Howard, having worked in India as an agricultural researcher, gained much inspiration from the traditional and sustainable farming practices he encountered there and advocated for their adoption in the West. → The demand for organic food was stimulated in the 1960s by the publication of Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, which documented the extent of environmental damage caused by insecticides. The four principles of organic agriculture are as follows: I. Principle of health: Organic Agriculture should sustain and enhance the health of soil, plant, animal, human and planet as one and indivisible. II. II. Principle of ecology: Organic Agriculture should be based on living ecological systems and cycles, work with them, emulate them and help sustain them. III. III. Principle of fairness: Organic Agriculture should build on relationships that ensure fairness with regard to the common environment and life opportunities. IV. Principle of care: Organic Agriculture should be managed in a precautionary and responsible manner to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations and the environment Types of Organic Farming: ✓ Crops and Cropping system ✓ Organic manures ✓ Biofertilizers and Biopesticides ✓ Composting ✓ Integrated organic farming 1. Crops & cropping systems → Organic farms should maintain sufficient diversity by maintaining or increasing soil organic matter, fertility, microbial activity and general soil health. → To achieve this, Crop rotation is a valuable management tool for organic farmers, which involves the cultivation of different crops on the same land chiefly to preserve the productive capacity of the soil. Usually, the succeeding crop will be of a different variety and species than the previous crops and should involve one leguminous crop in cropping system. 2. Organic manures (bulky, concentrate) → Manures are organic material obtained from plant and animal wastes and used as sources of plant nutrients as they release nutrients after their decomposition. → The art of collecting and using wastes from animal, human and vegetable sources for improving crop productivity is as old as agriculture. → Manures with low nutrient content have more beneficial in improving soil physical properties compared to fertilizer with high nutrient content.  → Based on concentration of the nutrients, manures can also be grouped, into a) Bulky Organic Manures: Bulky organic manures have a low nutrient content and are applied in large quantities. The most important and widely used bulky organic manures are farmyard manure FYM (cattle shed wastes-dung, sewage, sludge, poultry wastes, goat and fish wastes, wood scraps, grass clippings, leaves, wood chippings) and green manure (Legumes). b) Concentrated Organic Manures: Concentrated organic manures are those that are naturally organic and have higher concentrations of important plant nutrients like N, P2O5, and K2O than bulky organic manures. These concentrated manures are made from basic materials that are either plant- or animal-derived. Oil cakes (sunflower, cottonseed, and flax seed- Nitrogen source), bone meal (calcium and phosphorous), fish meal (nitrogen and phosphorus). 3. Biofertilizer: A type of fertilizer made from living organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that help break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil. Biofertilizers increase soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and solubilizing phosphates Bacteria: Rhizobium, Azospirilium, Azotobacter are all examples of bacterial biofertilizers. Fungi: Mycorhiza is an example of a fungal biofertilizer. Algae: Blue Green Algae (BGA) and Azolla are examples of algal biofertilizers 4. Biopesticides: Biopesticides are pesticides derived from natural materials such as plants, animals, bacteria, and minerals to control the harmful pests. Examples of biopesticides include: Plant materials: Corn gluten, garlic oil, and black pepper are all examples of plant materials that can be used as biopesticides. Plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs): These are genes and proteins that are introduced into plants by genetic engineering. Bt cotton is an example of a plant that has been genetically engineered to produce the Bt protein, which kills caterpillars of certain moths. Food items or preservatives: Garlic powder, table salt, and vinegar are all examples of biopesticides. 5. Composting: Composting is a natural process that involves the decomposition of organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable materials. It is a sustainable method of recycling organic waste and turning it into nutrient-rich compost, which can be used as a natural fertiliser for plants and gardens.  Types of Composting a) Backyard or Home Composting: This is a small-scale composting method suitable for households or small gardens. It involves composting kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials in a designated compost bin or pile. b) Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is the scientific method of making compost, by using earthworms. They are commonly found living in soil, feeding on biomass and excreting it in a digested form. Vermiculture means “worm-farming”. Earthworms feed on the organic waste materials and give out excreta in the form of “vermicasts” that are rich in nitrates and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and potassium. These are used as fertilizers and enhance soil quality. Types of Vermicomposting The amount of production and the structures used for composting determine the different types of vermicomposting. Small-Scale Vermicomposting: A farmer can collect 5 to 10 tones of vermicompost per year when vermicomposting is on a small scale to suit personal needs. Large-scale vermicomposting: It is carried out on a commercial scale, producing between 50 and 100 tonnes of organic waste per year. Methods of Vermicomposting There are many ways to create vermicompost, but the Bed and Pit procedures are the most popular. Bed Method: By constructing a bed of organic material measuring 6✕2✕2 feet, composting is done on the pucca or kachcha floor. This approach is simple to maintain and use. Pit Method: Composting in pits that are 5✕5✕3 feet in size and made of cement is the pit method. Thatch grass or any other native materials are used to cover the structure. This method is not favoured since it produces more waste, has poor aeration, and costs more to produce. Vermicomposting Materials Animal waste, kitchen garbage, farm waste, and forest litter are all examples of decomposable organic waste that are frequently utilized as composting ingredients. The main raw sources are typically dried chopped crop wastes and animal manure, primarily cow dung. A mixture of both leguminous and non-leguminous crop leftovers improves the vermicompost’s quality. There are several species of earthworms, including Perionyx excavatus (blue earthworm), Eisenia foetida (red earthworm), and Eudrilus eugenia (night crawler). Because of its rapid reproduction rate and ability to turn organic matter into vermicompost in about 45 days, red earthworms are recommended. Since it is a surface feeder, vermicompost is created by the top conversion of organic resources. Process of Vermicomposting The method of vermicomposting may vary but the process involved in all of them are the same as follows: 1. Vermicomposting Site Selection Selecting a site that is free or protected from the harsh weather The site should have enough space for the feedstock. A dependable source of water must be there. The environment of the site must encourage the survival and propagation of worms. 2. Manure stock Preparation Dried manure is placed in the designated site or area. The unwanted matter like stones, thorns, weeds, etc is removed. Ensure everything is chopped or ground (less than 10mm) so it can be handled efficiently with manure for organic matter. 3. Pre-decomposition of Feedstock The stocks are prepared need to be pre-decomposed before introducing them to the earthworms. 4. Preparation of Vermicomposting Beds Raised windows of 1.2m-1.5m wide x 0.3m high were constructed on the brick beds along with the drainage holes. Then the soil or ground surface is moistened thoroughly. The bed is layered with dry plant products like wood chops, dry leaves, or grass along with the 20mm layer of neem leaves followed by 0.3mm manure for better air circulation. 5. Materials Moistening Sprinkling the water after each layering is a very important role that activates the initial decomposition of the materials. If the materials are too dried, they are soaked in 100-200 liters of water before bedding. 6. Earthworm Introduction The earthworms are introduced 5-10cm below the bed surface.  Then they are covered with straw, broad leaves plants, or gunny bags which will block the sunlight and provide the cooling effect on the Vermin bed. 7. Maintenance of Vermicompost System The Vermin bed prepared must be watered two to three times a week. Also turning the materials of the bed, every two to three times a month is necessary for the maturation of compost. 8. Harvesting Vermicompost In 2-3 months depending upon on the size of the area and the number of worms introduced in the vermicomposting. Before Harvesting the compost, watering must be stopped to allow the top part of the manure to dry. The un-decomposed materials and worms must be removed and, then the end product must be dried separately for a few days. Nutrient Content of Vermicompost The origin of the raw material and the type of earthworm used determine the amount of nutrients in compost. Beyond other nutrients, a fine worm cast is a rich source of N, P, and K. Vermicompost contains nutrients that are immediately available and released one month after application. Parameters Content pH 6.8 Organic Carbon % 11.88 Organic Matter % 20.46 C: N ratio 25-30 Total Nitrogen (%) 1.02 Available Nitrogen (%) 0.50 Available Phosphorous (%) 0.30 Available Potassium (%) 0.24 Ca (%) 0.17 Mg (%) 0.06 Advantages of Vermicomposting The principal advantages of vermicomposting are: 1. Aids in plant development, germination, and crop yield. 2. Enhances the soil’s physical structure. 3. By using vermicompost, the soil becomes more fertile and water-resistant. 4. Develops the plant’s roots.  5. Provides auxins, gibberellic acid, and other plant growth hormones to the soil as fertilizer. 6. Adds essential nutrients to the soil like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 7. Helps recycle organic waste in a useful manner. 8. Can be done indoors and in small structures allowing year-round availability of compost. Disadvantages of Vermicomposting The following are some major disadvantages of vermicomposting: 1. The process of transforming organic waste into useful forms is time-consuming and can take up to six months. 2. Vermicomposting requires a lot of maintenance. The feed must be added regularly, and it is important to watch that the worms are not overfed. 3. They promote the development of diseases and pests like fruit flies, centipedes, and flies. 4. It emits an extremely unpleasant smell. 5. The container for waste shouldn’t be either dry or very damp. Periodically, the moisture levels must be checked. 6. Limitation on the amount of waste that can be composted at a time. 7. Hot and cold weather can affect the activity of the worms impacting the rate of composting. Application of Vermicomposting Following are some of the most common applications of vermicomposting; 1. The worm castings can be used as an alternative for fish feed. 2. Extracts and fluids from earthworms can be used in therapeutic products. 3. Improvement of the soil quality degraded by chemical fertilizers and pesticides. 4. Used in agricultural studies. 5. Worm cultivation can be used for commercial purposes also. 6. Can be used widely in horticulture settings. 6. Integrated organic farming system/ Integrated farming system IFS denotes a farming approach in which there is integration of many components of agriculture, such as cropping, aquaculture, livestock, agroforestry, etc., with the specific aim of maximising their qualities and minimising competition between the components with the help of advanced scientific and agricultural knowledge and management tools. In this system, the by-products and waste of one of the components serve as the input material for other components. This not only reduces the need for costly external input materials but also increases the yield and efficiency of each component. Overall, the system produces less waste and is more cost-effective. Components of IFS The selection of different components for a particular farm will depend on the farmer's knowledge and capacity, local conditions and resources available, and market demand. But there are a few key components that are essential around which other components and activities can be built. Advantages  Low external input cost: Since by-products and waste from one component can serve as input materials for one or more other components, the overall input cost for the whole system is very low. For example, livestock manure can serve as fertiliser for paddy and as a fuel for households when converted into biogas. Hence, eliminating the cost of fertiliser or fuel. Better yields: Studies have shown that adoption of IFS has maintained high yields or increased yields in most of the components involved when compared to a single-siloed approach. For example, beekeeping can increase pollination and yield some crops, such as mustard. Ensuring food security along with nutritional security: IFS can not only ensure food security by maintaining high yields and increased calories produced per hectare but also contribute towards nutritional security by offering many diverse dietary options such as meat, fish, milk, and grains. Recycling and reduction of waste: It can reduce overall waste at the farm level as waste is recycled and put to use for other components. This forms a cycle where very little waste is generated. Use of waste land: For IFS, fallow waste land can be utilised by choosing appropriate components such as fish+poultry+livestock etc. that do not require fertile land to operate. Environment protection and climate change mitigation: With effective waste recycling, nutrients in the soil can be restored and thus help in maintaining soil fertility. Reduced usage of chemical fertilisers and other farm inputs eliminates associated pollution, thus helping preserve the environment. Also, the overall system produces fewer Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and a smaller carbon footprint. Hence, IFS can be important for Climate Change mitigation.