Constraints Experienced by the Farmers in Respect of Gaining Knowledge and Adopting the Organic Farming Practices

Soil microbial biomass carbon, an essential component of soil organic matter, serves as an indicator of microbial activity and can influence soil fertility and overall agroecosystem productivity. The conventional farming practices employed in the cultivation of these crops have raised concerns related to environmental sustainability, soil health and long-term productivity. The present investigation was carried out with an objective to study the impact of organic farming and natural farming practices on soil microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic activities in arecanut-black pepper cropping system at Horticulture Research and Extension Center, Sirsi. The treatments included (1) Integrated nutrient management practices (INM), (2) Organic farming practices, (3) Natural farming practices, (4) Chemical farming practices. The details of the four treatments imposed in arecanut and black pepper are T1: INM (100:40:140 g N/P/K per palm per year + 25 ton of Farm yard manure (FYM) + 5-6 ton of vermicompost + biofertilizers was applied as recommended by the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot). T2: Organic farming (25 ton of FYM + 5-6 ton of vermicompost + biofertilizers were applied), T3: Natural farming (Ganajeevamrutha 400 kg/acre in split doses during the pre-monsoon (200 kg/acre) and post-monsoon (200 kg/acre) period. Jeevamrutha was sprinkled on soil (200 l/acre) at 15-day intervals) and T4: Chemical farming (100:40:140 g N/P/K per palm per year was applied as recommended by the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot). Pre-incubation of soil samples was done to restore the normal biological activities. A known quantity of soil was moistened to field capacity (60% of MWHC) and incubated at 37 ± 2 0C in a BOD incubator, three days for dehydrogenise and 7 days for phosphatase.Data obtained during the investigation was subjected for a factorial RCBD. By taking nutrient management practices and soil depth as factors. Statistical analysis was performed at a 5 % level of significance using OPSTAT software. The study reveals that the higher microbial biomass carbon (270.20 mg kg-1), microbial biomass nitrogen (28.42 mg kg-1), dehydrogenase (18.55 ug TPF g-1 24 hr-1) and acid phosphatase (19.22 ug PNP g-1 h-1) activity was recorded at the surface soil (0-20cm) of organic farming practice followed by natural farming practice as compared to integrated nutrient management practice and chemical farming practice. The study also reveals that natural farming and organic farming practices contribute positively to soil health by enhancing the soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic activities. So, it can be concluded that both organic and natural framing practices contribute to sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health, which is essential for long-term crop productivity and ecosystem resilience.

Organic farming has been recommended by many experts in the world because of its positive ecological impacts such as increasing biodiversity. In Indonesia, the practice of organic farming is very widespread, including in smallholder coffee plantations. This study was intended to determine the impact of the organic farming system applied by smallholder coffee farmers for 2 years on soil arthropod diversity. On the two coffee farmlands, the conventional and organics (1 ha each), 10 plots of 5 x 20 meters were set and in each of these plots 5 sampling points were defined for collecting soil arthropods using pit-fall technique. The analysis of arthropod diversity in the two fields was quantified using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index model. The results showed that the two compared coffee farming systems had the same index of diversity (H ') and evenness (E). However, statistical tests using the Hutcheson t-test revealed that the variance in diversity of arthropods in organic coffee farms was significantly higher than in conventional ones (α <0.001). Therefore, it can be concluded that the practice of organic coffee farming, although in a short time, has been able and potent to increase the population and/or diversity of soil animals.

Organic agriculture has gained significant attention as a potential solution to India's food security challenges. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on organic farming in India and to identify avenues for future research. This study aimed to examine the connection between organic farming practices and increased crop yields and agricultural output and assess the potential impact of organic agriculture on food security in India. The methodology involved a thorough review of relevant literature. The results of this study showed that organic agriculture has the potential to improve food security in India. However, further research is needed to understand this impact fully. The conclusions highlight the importance of long-term evaluations of the viability and scalability of organic farming as a solution to food security in India, as well as research on the economic and social variables impacting the acceptance and effectiveness of organic agricultural practices. This study also emphasizes the need for further studies comparing the outcomes of organic and conventional farming practices. The contribution of this study to the field is that it provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of organic farming in India and identifies areas for future research. The research limitations and implications and the practical and social implications of organic agriculture are also discussed. The limitation of this review is that the availability of data and information on the topic of organic agriculture in India might be limited, which can impact the comprehensiveness of the review and the ability to synthesize the existing literature fully

Organic management practices of double rice cropping can contribute to soil health and crop productivity. However, the impact of organic versus conventional farming practices (CK) on the diversity and functionality of soil probiotics remains poorly understood, despite growing interest in sustainable agricultural methods. To this end, this study evaluated the effects of these farming systems in double rice production on soil microbial communities using metagenomic sequencing and the PROBIO database. Our study accessed the Shannon and Simpson diversity indices of soil probiotics between the two farming systems. Specifically, the Shannon index values were 93.82 for CK and 93.51 for organic farming, showing no statistically significant difference. Similarly, the Simpson index values were 6.18 for CK and 6.46 for organic farming, also demonstrating no significant variance. However, distinct variations in microbial community compositions were observed. Organic farming significantly increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of probiotics that benefit plant growth and nitrogen supply, but reduced those associated with plant nutrient supply and yield. The results show that while organic farming can positively influence certain microbial functions beneficial for sustainable agriculture, it also presents challenges that may affect crop productivity and ecosystem services. These findings suggest that organic farming practices need to be carefully managed to harness the benefits of enhanced microbial functions without compromising crop yields.

On August 2006, grave soils from organic and conventional farming were sampled within the watershed of Fuxian Lake in Yunnan Province. Soil granule composition, heavy metal contents and nutrition accumulation in the soil profile were determined. Nitrogen and phosphorus losses from the soils were assessed by the in-door rainfall simulation. The results were as below: 1) both organic and conventional farming practices significantly lower the soil sand content on the 0-20 cm soil profile; 2) all soil heavy metal contents met the Class A standard of National Environment Quality Standard for Soils (GB/15618-1995) except Cd which only met Class B standard; 3) soil total nitrogen and organic matter accumulated in the 0-20 cm soil profile, and showed no significant differences between organic and conventional farming practices. The accumulation of soil total phosphorus, NO3-N and water dissolved phosphorus (WSP) under the organic farming practice is significantly higher than those under conventional farming practice; and 4) under the condition of 780 mm rainfall simulation, the risk of nitrogen and phosphorus losses from the organic farming soil is higher than that from the conventional farming. Total amount of nitrogen and phosphorus losses from the organic fanning soil were 1.9 and 19.8 times higher than those from the conventional farming soil, respectively.

Cotton, a vital global cash crop, influences the economy and sustainability. Natural farming is a cost-effective, eco-friendly method. This study examines Natural Farming's effects on cotton yield and the economics of cotton compared to Integrated and organic farming. Field experiments were conducted during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Tamil Nadu Agricultural College, Coimbatore. The experiment consisted of eight treatments, laid out in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. The treatments consist of control (T1), various Indian Natural farming practices including Beejamirit as a seed treatment, Ghanajeevamirit as basal, Jeevamirit with irrigation water, crop residue mulch, intercroping with pulses (T2 to T5), Organic farming practices (T6), Integrated crop management (ICM) practices with organic pest control (T7) and ICM with chemical pest (T8). The results indicated a significant increase in yield components: sympodial branches plant-1 (12.85 and 13.40), number of squares (29.28 and 31.28), bolls plant-1 (10.74 and 11.32), and boll weight (4.30 and 4.38 g) under Integrated Crop Management practices in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively. However, organic farming practices, followed by natural farming practices, were at par with integrated crop management. Integrated crop management practices resulted in significantly higher seed cotton yields (2178 and 2232 kg/ha in 2021-22 and 2022-23, respectively) than organic and natural farming practices with a higher cost of cultivation and a gross return. Complete natural farming outperformed organic and integrated farming in cotton, yielding higher net returns and B: C ratios. This approach holds promise for enhancing yield, economic viability and environmental sustainability in cotton cultivation.

Factors driving the adoption of organic tea farming in the northern region of Bangladesh

Shrimp is one of the leading exportable seafood products in Bangladesh. In the 2017-2018 financial year the country has exported 36168 MT products. Present research work was conducted in three Upazilas (Kaliganj, SyamNagar and Assasuni) in Sathkira district. Three different farming practices (organic, traditional and control) were selected for the research programme. The working farmers in the farming practices were found to follow the traditional farming in the early times. Average production was found 275 kg/ha in the traditional farming practices. This is the lowest shrimp production in the world. Reasons are lack of better technology, dearth of quality seed and feed and effect of shrimp diseases. Small-scale organic shrimp farming practice was found to maintain better production and profitability in the three experimental Upazilas. Three different farming practices (viz. organic, traditional and control/ extensive farming) were taken under interview to collect data. A comparison of the production (kg/ha/yr) of three years’ time (2012 to 2014) was made for analysis in the study. The highest production rate was recorded in organic shrimp farming. It was 13.16% higher than the traditional and 15.14% higher than the control/extensive shrimp farming system. Traditional shrimp farming production was 1.98% higher than that of the control/extensive shrimp farming. Percentage of gross sell of organic system was 14.01% higher than traditional and 15.89% higher than that of the control/extensive shrimp farming. The traditional shrimp gross sell was 1.87% higher than the control shrimp. Interviews and PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) method were used for the collection of data. The main research question was ‘effect dose’ on the overall production, income and impact on biodiversity. Recording data showed that the organic farming practice is more sustainable and environmentally sound system. Organic farming system showed less input cost and higher production value. Organic shrimp farming system increases image value of Bangladesh in the international market.
 J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(2): 93-100

Organic farming is gaining global recognition in terms of the role it plays in providing safe and healthy food, income, and maintaining a sustainable environment. Despite these aspects , it faces constraints that, if identified, will play a vital role in its development and formulating policy for its sustainability. Creating an effective policy to improve organic farming necessitates identifying the influencing factors in organic farming method selection as well as barriers encountered. This study, therefore, examined the common types of organic maize farming, their determinants, and their challenges in Nigeria. Primary data collected from 480 respondents were analysed with descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. The result revealed that organic manure, compost manure, biocontrol, and cover cropping were used by the farmers to enrich the soil. Farming experience, membership in a farm-based organization, farm distance, education, income, extension contacts, farm size, and cultural compatibility were the influencing factors of different organic farming systems used in maize production. Inadequate organic food accrediting agencies, inability to meet export demand, high cost and scarcity of organic seeds, lack of financial support, poor marketing system, inadequate supporting infrastructure, poor technical know-how, and pest infestation were the most common problems encountered in organic farming. To enhance participation in organic maize farming practices, there is a need to support organic farmers with financial support, accessible organic accreditation centres, training, educational support, and inputs.

Comparing conventional and organic agriculture in Karnataka, India: Where and when can organic farming be sustainable?

Organic farming is a new way to increase agricultural production, food security, human and environment health, and empower farmers. This study aims to: (1) Analyze farmers' knowledge of organic farming systems, and (2) Analyze farmer's assessment of organic farming practices. The research was conducted by a survey method on 70 farmer members of Mandiri Farmers Group in Lombok Kulon Village, the location of organic rice farming pilot project in Bondowoso Regency. Farmers' knowledge of organic farming systems shows: (1) 88.57% of farmers know that agricultural land must be converted from non-organic to organic without contamination of synthetic chemicals for 2-3 years; (2) 98.57% of farmers know that organic farming uses organic fertilizer; (3) 72.86% farmers know that organic farming uses natural variety seeds, not genetically modified seeds; (4) 92.86% of farmers know that pest and disease control using organic pesticides; and (5) 87.14% of farmers know that irrigated water and land for organic farming should be separated from conventional farming. Farmers' assessment of the complexity of organic farming practices shows: (1) Agricultural land which should be converted from non-organic soil to organic one without polluted synthetic chemicals for 2-3 years is considered long time by 44.29% and very long by 24.29% farmers; (2) The use of organic fertilizer is considered easy by 50% of farmers; (3) As many as 50% of all farmers stated that the price of organic seeds is not different from the seeds used by conventional farmers; (4) Control of plant pests and diseases by using organic pesticides is considered more difficult than the control of plant pests and diseases by using synthetic chemical pesticides by 47.14% of farmers; and (5) A total of 55.71% of farmers find it difficult and very difficult to separate land and irrigation sources from conventional farming. The results conclude that although most farmers already have knowledge of organic farming systems, there is still difficulty in organic farming practices. This is one of the strong reasons why organic farming practices are not widely adopted by farmers.

The spatial distribution of agricultural emissions in the United States: The role of organic farming in mitigating climate change

Simple SummaryEuropean sustainability-oriented policies aim to encourage organic (ORG) farming practices since they are considered to be more resilient than conventional (CONV) ones and to grant higher animal welfare standards. On the other hand, animals farmed organically are considered at higher risk of parasitic infections, since grazing could expose animals to higher parasite load. Considering the contrasting data present in literature, the present work aims to investigate and compare the animal welfare conditions and gastrointestinal distribution in ORG and CONV dairy farms in central Italy. Animals from ORG farms involved in this study presented significantly less skin damages in the rear legs than animals from CONV farms. No significant differences were found for any of the other welfare-related parameters and for parasite prevalence. Results highlight that ORG farming did not have a negative impact on animal welfare and that pasture access, provided in ORG farms, did not negatively impact parasite prevalence.The study investigated and compared welfare conditions and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites distribution among organic (ORG) and conventional (CONV) farms in central Italy. Five ORG and five CONV farms were assessed for animal welfare with an adapted version of the AssureWel protocol. Faecal samples collected from the rectum of the animals both in ORG (n = 150) and CONV (n = 150) were analysed using conventional copromiscroscopy. The presence of skin damages in the rear legs was significantly predominant (p < 0.001) in CONV (26.7%) compared with ORG farms (10.0%). No differences were found for lameness, cleanliness, Body Condition Score, hair loss, body lesions and swelling prevalence. Data concerning the productive performances, e.g., total milk, fat and protein yields standardised in mature equivalent (ME) were collected. ME milk yield (ORG: 9656.9 ± 1620.7 kg; CONV: 12,047.2 ± 2635.3) and ME fat yield (ORG: 396.6 ± 66.8; CONV: 450.3 ± 102.8) were significantly lower in ORG farms (p < 0.001). Anthelmintics were used regularly in 4/5 CONV and 0/5 ORG farms. In 2 CONV farms (40%) and 4 ORGs (80%) at least one animal tested positive for GI parasites. No significant differences in parasites prevalence emerged (ORG = 10.7%; CONV = 8%). These data indicate that ORG farming does not influence parasite prevalence and animal welfare status.

Communitarian cooperative organic rice farming in Hongdong District, South Korea

Does organic farming reduce environmental impacts? – A meta-analysis of European research