PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES IN ORGANIC CULTIVATION OF CEREALS – OVERVIEW

Milen Chanev

doi:10.32006/eeep.2021.2.6675

Abstract

In this study, an overview is made and a comparative analysis of articles, reports and materials dealing with organic farming of LWC, in the period 1970 to 2021 is performed. After analysing the literature, the following conclusions are made: Cereals occupy a particularly important place in organic farming, the main advantages of their cultivation are easy farming techniques, relatively easy mechanical weed control, disease control through rational crop rotation, opportunities for biological control of major pests. The soils in organic farming are better structured than those in conventional agriculture. Organic farming practices are related to improving soil properties, including the addition of organic matter to the soil, increasing the population of earthworms, biodiversity, soil fertility and more. Biological management provides a more stable soil structure. The larger pores observed in biological management have a beneficial effect on the physical properties of the soil, such as water flow and water capacity. The greater porosity of the soil provides a good habitat for soil microorganisms. Organic farming contributes to creating a better soil structure. Organic farming systems have traditionally been based on crop rotation. The aim of organic farming is to achieve a balance between crops that reduce soil fertility and crops that restore fertility. Crop rotation is the main tool that integrates the maintenance and development of soil fertility with various aspects of plant production in biological systems. Specialised selection programmes for creating varieties suitable for organic farming are too few due to the small number of users and high costs. The most common practise includes testing the suitability of conventional varieties in biological conditions, propagation and distribution of the best in the biological sector. Sowing norms directly control the sowing density, as well as the nutrient area of each plant. Changing sowing rates is also an excellent method for controlling weeding in biological fields. Concerning yields from organic and conventional agriculture, organic farms are less productive than conventional ones and their productivity is lower. But if environmental variables are taken into account, organic farms show the same or higher efficiency. A major problem facing organic farming in the future is the protection of fields from pollution by genetically modified organisms. An option for protecting biological fields is to maintain a buffer zone between the farm and the neighbouring conventional fields to prevent accidental contamination with GMOs.

Highlights

The responsibility to feed a growing population has led to remarkable changes in the way we produce food and to the emergence of the so-called 'Green Revolution', known as the conventional agricultural system [1]
Organic farming practices are related to improving soil properties, including the addition of organic matter to the soil, increasing the population of earthworms, biodiversity, soil fertility and more
The larger pores observed in biological management have a beneficial effect on the physical properties of the soil, such as water flow and water capacity

Summary

Introduction

The responsibility to feed a growing population has led to remarkable changes in the way we produce food and to the emergence of the so-called 'Green Revolution', known as the conventional agricultural system [1]. Established by centuries of production methods gave way to modern forms of agriculture and processing, which proved to be much cheaper against the background of growing demand. It was not long before the first symptoms of ill health appeared in these technologies. Organic farming shows clear environmental benefits in terms of environmental toxicity and the use of biological resources [3]. It is, albeit small, a link in the chain of activities aimed at protecting natural resources and human and animal health. Hole et al (2005) [7] found that some management practices specific to organic farming systems are favourable for wildlife – reduced use of fertilisers and pesticides and proper management of uncultivated habitats

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Results

Conclusion