Organic Farming Practices Research Articles

Limited capability of organic farming and conservation tillage to enhance agroecosystem resilience to severe drought

CONTEXT: Climate change increasingly threatens food security, particularly through prolonged phases of drought. It is therefore important to evaluate and develop arable cropping systems with an enhanced capability to withstand severe drought events to ensure food production. However, it is still poorly understood whether specific management strategies, in particular organic farming and conservation tillage that are thought to be more resilient to drought, can enhance the ability of agroecosystem to withstand drought.OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was, therefore, to test the ability of organic farming and conservation tillage practices to withstand drought within expected boundaries of climate scenarios for the end of the century.METHODS: This study summarizes the effects of drought (both natural and experimental) on the productivity of three arable crops (maize, pea-barley mixture and winter wheat) assessed in three consecutive years in a long-term cropping system field experiment. We tested whether four relevant cropping systems (i.e., conventional and organic with and without soil conservation tillage) differ in their ability to reduce the impact of drought on plant yield and crop performance. We studied conditions of moderate natural drought (summer 2018) and severe experimental droughts using rainout shelters (3 years) after 8 years of contrasting field management.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found pronounced and consistent yield reductions due to experimental drought events for all cropping systems (34% for maize, 23% for pea-barley, and 17% for winter wheat). Drought induced yield reductions were largely similar across the four cropping systems, suggesting very limited capacity of any cropping system to buffer severe drought. Yet, there was an obvious but insignificant trend in maize in 2018 where under moderate and experimental drought conservation tillage resulted in a higher on-average yield compared to the plowed systems. Furthermore, drought resulted in lower nitrogen (N) uptake by the crops and a positive N budget, which could result in higher N losses after a drought period.SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that drought has consistent and adverse effects on crop productivity under conventional, organic and soil conservation arable cropping. It further demonstrates that it is difficult to find effective adaptation strategies for arable systems under realistic future scenarios and underlines the need to combine all available practices, from soil management to crop and cultivar choice, to mitigate drought impacts on crop productivity.

Enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint in organic soybean production through no-tillage and rye cover crop integration

Organic agriculture has the potential to contribute to environmental conservation, although its impact varies depending on management practices. To investigate the effects of no-tillage (NT) combined with a rye (RY) cover crop on energy efficiency and carbon footprint (CF) in soybean production, a four-year experiment was conducted. Three tillage methods [moldboard plowing (MP), NT, and rotary tillage (RT)] and two cover crop treatments [fallow (FA) and RY] were compared. NT had 39.6% and 34.0% lower energy input compared with MP and RT, respectively, due to reduced fossil fuel consumption. However, NT also showed decreased soybean yield compared with MP and RT. Nonetheless, RY cover crop management mitigated yield reduction in the NT system, with the yield of NT-RY being 20.4% higher than that of NT-FA, although not significantly different. NT-RY exhibited the highest energy use efficiency, with high energy outputs from yield and low energy inputs. Moreover, NT-RY resulted in a 3.5% increase in soil organic carbon stock, offsetting total carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions, leading to the lowest CF (−1892.99 kg CO2 eq ha−1) and yield-scaled CF (−1.44 kg CO2 eq kg−1) among all treatments. Therefore, NT-RY management, with its high yield and energy efficiency and low CF, has the potential to be an environmentally friendly and sustainable cropping system for achieving cleaner agricultural practices in organic farming.

Studies on Morphophysiological and Biochemical Parameters for Sucking Pest Tolerance in Organic Cotton

The demand for organic cotton is primarily driven by manufacturers and brands with a corporate focus on environmental and social responsibility. These entities strive to be responsible stewards by seeking organic cotton, which not only offers environmental benefits but also provides softer, more durable, and longer-lasting clothing. Unlike conventional cotton, organic cotton is processed without the use of harsh chemicals, making it more comfortable for individuals with sensitive skin. A study was conducted at the Center of Organic Agriculture Research and Training Center, Department of Agronomy, Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India to evaluate 22 cotton genotypes, including control samples, using a randomized block design with three replications during the kharif (June–October) season in the years 2019–2020 and 2020–2021, under complete organic conditions. During the initial year of the study (2019–2020), visual observations were made to assess the incidence of sucking pests on the cotton genotypes’ leaves, including the top, middle, and bottom portions. The observations indicated promising results, leading to a more detailed study in the subsequent year (2020–2021). This extended study identified several tolerant genotypes to sucking pests, such as AV-G11, PA-255, GA-8004, AV-C14, and AV-G13 from the arboreum species, as well as AKH-09-5, a hirsutum cultivar. Among the recorded data, it was found that the lowest mean aphid population occurred at 90 days after sowing (DAS), with only 1.53 aphids per leaf. Similarly, the lowest mean populations of Cicadellidae, thrips, and whitefly were recorded at 0.75, 0.97, and 0.63 per leaf, respectively, all at 30 DAS. Microscopic analysis of trichome density and gossypol glands revealed a negative and significant correlation with Aphis gossypi (aphids), Cicadellidae sp. (Cicadellidae), and Thrips tabaci (thrips). However, a positive and significant correlation was found with Bemesia tabaci (whitefly). Furthermore, the estimation of total soluble sugar using the Anthrone method, total nitrogen, and crude protein showed positive and significant correlations with aphids, Cicadellidae, and thrips, but negative, significant correlations with whitefly. The findings indicate that higher trichome density provides greater resistance to sucking pest infestation. It was concluded that G. arboreum genotypes exhibit greater tolerance to sucking pests compared to G. hirsutum varieties. This implies that G. arboreum varieties may require less intensive pest management, aligning with organic farming principles. The discovery of these genotypes opens up possibilities for utilizing them as sustainable and pest-resistant options in cotton cultivation, promoting environmentally friendly and organic farming practices in cotton fiber production.

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

Tea is a regular export item for Bangladesh, but due to slow growth in production, the country's tea exports have declined. However, organic tea has a great future in this regard. Exploring the underlying factors for the adoption of organic tea farming has great potential for the development of tea production in a sustainable manner. Therefore, our main objective was to identify factors influencing tea growers’ attitudes, perceptions, and adoption of organic tea farming in the Panchagarh district of Bangladesh. We adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to investigate the underlying factors affecting the farmers' belief in the adoption of organic farming were measured based on control factors (marketing factors and cost and benefit factors), attitude towards organic farming, and social factors (extension factors) through a binary logistic regression model. Results of this study revealed that organic growers had a more favorable perception, which was significantly different from non-organic growers reading of various factors related to organic farming. Our results demonstrated that education and knowledge significantly influence the farmers to form a highly favorable attitude towards organic tea farming, which together explained 20.6 percent (R2 = 0.206) of the overall variance. Moreover, attitudes towards organic farming and cost-benefit (CBF) factors had a significant impact on the adoption of organic tea farming. Results also revealed that the predicted adoption probability was found to be higher among those farmers who had a highly favorable attitude and a high perceived CBF level towards organic farming. Finally, based on the findings, we concluded that a participatory extension program to enhance the level of knowledge related to organic tea farming could significantly impact farmers’ attitudes and behaviors towards the practice of organic tea farming.

Factors Influencing Conventional Hazelnut Farmers to Transition to Organic Production: The Case of Türkiye

This study examined the willingness of conventional hazelnut farmers to transition to organic hazelnut production and identified key factors for stimulating such a shift. Face-to-face interviews based on a structured questionnaire were conducted with Turkish farmers who use conventional methods of hazelnut production. A total of 120 interviews were conducted and subjected to data analysis. Logit analysis revealed that the farmers’ decision to transition to organic farming is significantly influenced by several demographic factors (including farmer’s experience, available family labour, available land for organic farming and sufficiency of tools and equipment) and attitudinal predispositions (holding a positive attitude towards organic agriculture). Findings suggest the need for policy actions to support a more willing acceptance of organic farming practices among conventional hazelnut growers, with anticipated positive effects on both the environment and consumer demand.

(Un)intended lock-in: Chile’s organic agriculture law and the possibility of transformation towards more sustainable food systems

AbstractFood systems transformations require coherent policies and improved understandings of the drivers and institutional dynamics that shape (un)sustainable food systems outcomes. In this paper, we introduce the Chilean National Organic Agriculture Law as a case of a policy process seeking to institutionalize a recognized pathway towards more sustainable food systems. Drawing from institutional theory we make visible multiple, and at times competing, logics (i.e., values, assumptions and practices) of different actors implicated in organic agriculture in Chile. More specifically, our findings identify five main institutional transformative logics underpinning the interests and actions of organic actors. However, we find that the Law was not motivated by these logics and did not advance them. Rather, the Law was designed to support a market niche targeted to elite consumers and to reinforce agricultural exports. As a result, the Law constrains rather than enables the practice of organic agriculture and access to organic food by consumers, especially at the domestic level. We note that attention to institutional logics in the analysis of food systems, and specifically food system transformation, is relevant to more comprehensive assessments of the transformational potential of food systems policies. We conclude that there is a need to further consider and make visible the way in which different drivers (i.e., laws) are constituted through and by diverse, and often competing, institutional logics.

Transitioning from conventional to organic smallholder farming among Indian farmers: a psychological perspective

ABSTRACT Purpose: Despite hazardous consequences, the use of fertilizers and pesticides has been exceptionally high, mainly to increase crop yield. Socio-economic factors have been explored to understand the inability to curb its overuse; however, literature on psychological factors affecting farmers’ decision-making is very scarce. Psychological factors are important to understand as these factors mediate the effects of external socio-economic factors on one's behaviour. The present study focused on farmers’ intentions to convert their farming practices from conventional to organic. Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected from 389 participants, mainly using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The observations were analysed through regression and structural equation modelling. Findings: A significant association has been observed between attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, awareness and farmers’ intention to switch to organic farming practices. Practical implications: As the observed factors are significantly associated with conversion intentions and malleable by nature, the study serves as a confirmatory node to proceed with the interventional plan based on the belief system restructuring module to educate farmers about sustainable farming practices. Theoretical implications: The study verified the applicability of the theory of planned behaviour in the Indian context and highlighted the factors to be targeted to convert the intentions of conventional farmers to organic farming. Originality/value: In order to curb the overuse of chemicals in agriculture, policymakers can plan suitable interventions and use the relevant psychological measures to target the factors identified in the present study.

Persepsi Petani Terhadap Inovasi Kopi Robusta Organik di Kabupaten Lampung Barat

Perceptions play a crucial role in the adoption of innovation, particularly in the context of organic farming practices. This study aimed to explore farmer perceptions and factors influencing their perceptions of organic coffee innovation in Robusta coffee cultivation in West Lampung Regency. The research was conducted from December 2022 to January 2023, with a sample of 59 respondents from three farmer groups: Ampera, Langgeng Mulyo, and Margo Rahayu. Using a questionnaire and non-parametric statistical analysis, including the Rank Spearman correlation test, the study found significant relationships between farmer knowledge, availability of capital, social interaction, and marketing with their perceptions of organic coffee innovation. However, land area, length of farming, and selling price did not show significant relationships. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing farmer knowledge and providing adequate capital support, facilitating social interactions, and improving marketing strategies to promote the adoption of organic Robusta coffee cultivation. The government's attention to market development and pricing mechanisms for organic Robusta coffee can further incentivize farmers to engage in this sustainable agricultural practice.

Constraints Analysis in Production and Marketing of Organic Vegetables Using Garrett’s Ranking Technique

The present study focuses on livelihood status of organic vegetable growers as an integral part of rural society, hence the research objective was formulated to study the constraints faced by vegetable growers in production and marketing of organic vegetables. Study was conducted in the Akola, Amravati, Yavatmal, Buldhana, and Washim districts of Western Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state in the year 2021 with 240 respondents. Garrett’s ranking technique was used to study the opinions of the farmers regarding the major constraints associated with production and marketing of organic vegetables. The organic vegetable growers reported major constraints that were being faced by them during production in the study area were lack of published information regarding various practices of organic vegetable farming with Garrett’s score 57.80 followed by shifting to pure organic farming is a very time consuming and labours methods with Garrett’s score is 54.22 and during marketing of organic vegetables lack of marketing facility for organic produce with Garrett’s score 54.87 rank first followed by lack of bulk local demand for organic vegetables with Garrett’s score 53.87. These factors highlight the weak links, which need to be strengthened for promoting organic farming.

Microorganisms in Organic Food-Issues to Be Addressed.

The review aimed to analyse the latest data on microorganisms present in organic food, both beneficial and unwanted. In conclusion, organic food's microbial quality is generally similar to that of conventionally produced food. However, some studies suggest that organic food may contain fewer pathogens, such as antibiotic-resistant strains, due to the absence of antibiotic use in organic farming practices. However, there is little discussion and data regarding the importance of some methods used in organic farming and the risk of food pathogens presence. Concerning data gaps, it is necessary to plan and perform detailed studies of the microbiological safety of organic food, including foodborne viruses and parasites and factors related to this method of cultivation and specific processing requirements. Such knowledge is essential for more effective management of the safety of this food. The use of beneficial bacteria in organic food production has not yet been widely addressed in the scientific literature. This is particularly desirable due to the properties of the separately researched probiotics and the organic food matrix. The microbiological quality of organic food and its potential impact on human health is worth further research to confirm its safety and to assess the beneficial properties resulting from the addition of probiotics.

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

Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and organic farming practices can potentially offset some of these emissions. However, previous research on the environmental impact of organic agriculture has provided mixed or contradictory results. This study aims to analyze the role that organic farming can play in mitigating agricultural emissions across the United States. Using panel U.S. state-level data, we find evidence that farming activities increase GHG emissions. However, we also find that dedicating a larger share of farmland to organic and pasture farming reduces GHG emissions. A spatial analysis of agricultural emissions that accounts for the role of organic farming provides three key insights. First, the spatial distribution of agricultural GHG emissions in the United States is uneven. Second, agriculture is a significant contributor to GDP within high-emissions states where organic agriculture represents only a small proportion of total farmland. Third, agriculture has a substantially lower contribution to GDP within low-emissions states where organic agriculture represents a large proportion of total farmland. These findings suggest that reducing GHG emissions effectively may necessitate creating and implementing policies and initiatives tailored to specific regions rather than relying on general recommendations. Thus, low-emissions states should be explored as examples of sustainable agricultural practices that could set the stage for scaling up organic farming practices across the country.

A review of agroforestry as a sustainable and resilient agriculture

The agricultural sector is confronted with the formidable challenge of providing sustenance for a global population of 9 billion individuals by the year 2050, all the while mitigating adverse ecological and societal impacts. An attempt to address this difficulty has been made through the implementation of organic farming practices, which have yielded predominantly favorable results. Nevertheless, there are still certain obstacles that need to be addressed. Organic agricultural practices exhibit lower yields compared to conventional methods, while concerns persist regarding greenhouse gas emissions and fertilizer leaching. This paper provides an overview of existing organic and conventional agriculture systems and proposes that agroforestry, a deliberate integration of trees and shrubs with crops or livestock, may represent a promising avenue for advancing sustainable agriculture. Agroforestry possesses the capacity to sustain productivity and concurrently provide many ecosystem services through the use of nature-inspired methods. This study presents an overview of the prevalent methods and products associated with agroforestry, while also highlighting the positive environmental and social impacts it brings about. The present study aims to examine the obstacles encountered in the implementation of agroforestry practices and to suggest potential strategies for policy modification that could enhance the uptake of such practices among farmers. The findings of this review study indicate that agroforestry emerges as a very effective land use strategy for addressing both food security and environmental degradation concerns.

Isolation of a highly virulent Metarhizium strain targeting the tea pest, Ectropis obliqua.

Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world. Larvae of the moth, Ectropis obliqua Prout (Geometridae, Lepidoptera), are one of the most destructive insect pests of tea in China. E. obliqua is a polyphagus insect that is of increasing concern due to the development of populations resistant to certain chemical insecticides. Microbial biological control agents offer an environmentally friendly and effective means for insect control that can be compatible with "green" and organic farming practices. To identify novel E. obliqua biological control agents, soil and inset cadaver samples were collected from tea growing regions in the Fujian province, China. Isolates were analyzed morphologically and via molecular characterization to identity them at the species level. Laboratory and greenhouse insect bioassays were used to determine the effectiveness of the isolates for E. obliqua control. Eleven isolates corresponding to ten different species of Metarhizium were identified according to morphological and molecular analyses from soil and/or insect cadavers found on tea plants and/or in the surrounding soil sampled from eight different regions within the Fujian province, China. Four species of Metarhizium including M. clavatum, M. indigoticum, M. pemphigi, and M. phasmatodeae were documented for the first time in China, and the other species were identified as M. anisopliae, M. brunneum, M. lepidiotae, M. majus, M. pinghaense, and M. robertsii. Insect bioassays of the eleven isolates of Metarhizium revealed significant variation in the efficacy of each isolate to infect and kill E. obliqua. Metarhizium pingshaense (MaFZ-13) showed the highest virulence reaching a host target mortality rate of 93% in laboratory bioassays. The median lethal concentration (LC50) and median lethal time (LT50) values of M. pingshaense MaFZ-13 were 9.6 × 104 conidia/mL and 4.8 days, respectively. Greenhouse experiments and a time-dose-mortality (TDM) models were used to further evaluate and confirm the fungal pathogenic potential of M. pingshaense MaFZ-13 against E. obliqua larvae. Isolation of indigenous microbial biological control agents targeting specific pests is an effective approach for collecting resources that can be exploited for pest control with lowered obstacles to approval and commercialization. Our data show the presence of four different previously unreported Metarhizium species in China. Bioassays of the eleven different Metarhizium strains isolated revealed that each could infect and kill E. obliqua to different degrees with the newly isolated M. pingshaense MaFZ-13 strain representing a particularly highly virulent isolate potentially applicable for the control of E. obliqua larvae.

Evaluation of Physico-chemical Parameters of Soil in Different Cropping Systems and their Co-relation with Earthworm Diversity

Aim: The present study is an attempt to evaluate the impact of earthworm diversity on physico-chemical parameters of soil in different cropping systems (i.e. basmati-wheat, basmati-chickpea, soybean-wheat, moong-wheat) under organic and conventional farming systems.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India from June, 2020 to March 2021.
 Methodology: The four earthworm species found during the study period are Metaphire posthuma, Lampito mauritti, Amynthas morissia and Travoscolides chengannure, which belong to two families i.e. Megascolicidae and Octochateidae. Out of these Travoscolides chengannure was reported for the first time in Punjab.
 Results: The results indicate that richer earthworm diversity was found in the organic farming systems as compared to the conventional farming systems. The correlation analysis of earthworm abundance with the physicochemical parameters of soil in different farming systems revealed that the abundance of earthworms in organic farming system shows positive but non-significant correlation with pH, nitrogen and potassium levels. In conventional farming system, significant positive correlation (p=0.01) was found for organic carbon, electric conductivity and nitrogen.
 Conclusion: The findings of this encourage switching from conventional to organic farming practices. These practices not only increase earthworm diversity, but enrich the soil with many major and micro-nutrients. The agriculture practices which are earthworm-friendly should be adopted for long-term soil productivity.

Unraveling the Urban-Rural Gap in Sustainable Behavior: A Study of Organic Purchase Intention among Indian Consumers

Significant divergence between emerging and developed markets can be observed on socio-economic, behavioral, and cultural aspects. Given these disparities, the untapped potential for sustainable consumption in emerging markets has garnered considerable attention from researchers. India is a prominent organic product producer and exporter among emerging economies; however, the domestic organic market remains in a nascent stage. Nevertheless, India's vast consumer economy presents considerable potential for organic products. Presently, organic demand is concentrated in India's metropolitan areas, which have been the primary focus of research in this field. However, rural areas are home to the majority (around 64%) of India's population, and overlooking latent demand in rural markets would be a significant oversight in capturing the essence of any emerging market. Despite the reduction in the urban-rural divide due to digitalization, increased rural consumer income, and an affinity for improved living standards, it cannot be assumed that consumer behavior influencing factors are similar for both rural and urban consumers. Consequently, an undifferentiated approach may not effectively exploit latent opportunities in rural markets. This necessitates examining unknown aspects such as the viability of a blanket strategy to target rural and urban organic consumers. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study aimed to identify the underlying differences between rural and urban consumers regarding the antecedents of organic purchase intention. Data was collected through purposive sampling using self-administered questionnaires from a total of 453 respondents, including 231 urban and 222 rural consumers. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized to analyze the data. The results indicate that perceived price significantly influenced organic purchase intention, whereas health consciousness and environmental concern significantly influenced organic purchase attitude. Moreover, organic purchase attitude partially mediated the relationship between antecedents and organic purchase intention. To examine the differences in the hypothesized relationships between rural and urban consumers, moderation analysis was conducted by dividing the sample based on location. The preceived price to attitude relationship was found to be significantly stronger for urban consumers. Environmental concern was found to be a crucial determinant of organic purchase attitude among urban consumers, while health consciousness was more influential among rural consumers. This may be due to their higher environmental consciousness resulting from the visible consequences of environmental degradation in urban areas. Therefore, the sustainable aspects of organic farming could play a vital role in developing positive organic attitudes among urban consumers. In contrast, rural consumers, comprising small-holder farmers, are well-versed in both organic and conventional agricultural practices, and are more aware of the harmful health effects of conventional farming due to direct exposure to modern agricultural inputs. Additionally, rural consumers are more likely to justify the higher prices of organic products in comparison to urban counterparts, given their familiarity with the costs associated with organic farming. Thus, the significantly weaker relationship between perceived price and attitude among rural consumers can be explained. The present study's findings contribute to the existing body of literature by introducing the moderating effect of location on consumers' organic purchase intention, particularly in the emerging markets. These results provide a valuable resource for policymakers and marketers of organic products seeking to tap into the unexplored and expanding emerging markets. In addition to focusing on sustainability, marketers may also emphasize the health benefits associated with organic products in urban markets by designing awareness campaigns. Furthermore, policymakers can design awareness campaigns targeted at improving the knowledge of urban consumers about the costs associated with organic agriculture and the resulting health and environmental benefits. Conversely, to capitalize on the vast untapped rural markets, organic products should be made readily accessible to rural consumers, as organic price perceptions have a lesser impact on their attitudes compared to their urban counterparts. This may be achieved by establishing more specialty stores and organizing organic farmers' markets in rural areas, which can help to develop the rural organic market. Such measures would not only promote sustainable consumption but also benefit local small-holder organic farmers, who may lack the resources to sell their produce at distant urban markets.

Transfer knowledge of organic agriculture for healthy horticulture cultivation on the Bengawan Solo River, Central Java

Organic farming practices are needed to maintain soil fertility and the health of horticultural products on the banks of the Bengawan Solo river in Jangglengan village, Sukoharjo. This community service aims to teach the farming community about organic farming principles and the practice of making liquid organic fertilizer to support healthy horticultural farming on riverbanks in the Jangglengan area. The partner group, the Jangglengan village government, involves 60 farmer representatives. The methods used were focus group discussion, practices for making liquid organic fertilizer, and evaluation. The results of community service activities show that 75% farmers can show good organic waste material for organic fertilizer, and 95% farmers had improved skills and were able to try making fertilizer by themselves. This organic farming socialization is a good start toward implementing good agricultural practices on the land along the Bengawan Solo River in Jangglengan.

Effect of Planting Patterns and Mulch Types on Weed Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn and Red Bean

This study aimed to determine the best cropping pattern and type of mulch in the intercropping system of sweet corn and red beans in organic farming systems. The research was conducted in Air Duku Village, Bengkulu at 1054 m above sea level. The experimental design was RCBD with two factors. The first factor was cropping patterns consisted of monocultures of sweet corn, monocultures red bean, and intercropping of sweet corn and red beans. The second factor was organic mulch types consisting of rice straw, coffee husk, rice husk mulch, and control (without mulch). Data were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α= 5%). The treatment means were separated by LSD. Plant height, plant dry weight, husked cob weight, unhusked cob weight, cob husked weight per plot was measured for sweet corn plants, while red bean plants were assessed for plant height, the number of seeds, seed weight, seed weight per plot, and weeds were observed for weight dry. Study resulted intercropping can suppress weeds on red beans but not in sweet corn. Sweet corn-red bean intercropping suppressed weed growth, and mulch application of rice straw and rice husks effectively controlled weeds. The growth and yield of sweet corn planted in intercropping are equivalent to that grown in monoculture. Red-beans has higher yield in monoculture than intercropping even though the growth is not different between the two crops. This result is important in weed manejemen in organic farming practice.

Knowledge Level and Adoption Behaviour of Farmers towards Organic Farming Practices in Mokokchung District of Nagaland

In this modern world, where every sector tends to adopt scientific and innovative techniques; agriculture turns out to be a distinct sector by adopting traditional organic farming practices. This implies the people’s concern towards health, environment and soil health. Thus, farmers are now organic driven and there arises a need to understand the knowledge and adoption level of farmers towards organic farming practices. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Four villages in Longchem block of Mokokchung district of Nagaland is selected purposively. 120 organic farmers from 4 villages constitute the primary respondents of the study. Data were collected from the respondents through personal interview method with the help of pre-tested schedule. Based on the findings, it was observed that higher proportion of organic farmers had medium level of knowledge (59.20%) and medium level of adoption (74.10%) respectively. Educational level, information source, risk orientation and land holding of the organic farmers had positive and significant relationship with the knowledge and adoption level of the organic farmers. Vocational training programmes should be organized and adequate marketing infrastructure should be established for input procurement and marketing or organic produce.

Changes in Soil Properties with Combined Use of Probiotic Cultures and Organic Farming Practices in Degraded Soils of Bangladesh

A shift in agricultural management from chemical to organic practices is expected to reduce environmental hazards and improve soil health and productivity in Bangladesh. To increase knowledge of the impact of probiotic cultures and organic farming practices on the physical and chemical properties of Bangladeshi soils, an investigation was carried out during the period from July 2016 to June 2019. The study included nine treatments using combinations of probiotic cultures and organic farming practices. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The probiotic cultures and organic practices increased soil moisture content, porosity and silt particle and decreased bulk density, particle density and sand particles. The organic matter content (11.66%), nutrient availability and electrical conductivity (8.96%) increased with the organic practices, while pH of the soil decreased. The largest significant change in the physical properties (p ≤ 0.05) was in the compost + vermicompost + green manuring treatment, while for chemical properties this was in the poultry manure + vermicompost + green manuring. These findings suggest that the above combinations of organic treatments provide most benefit to the soils of the practices considered.

Evaluation of savory (Satureja hortensis L.) under organic farming system

Growing herbs and spices using organic methods are supported and encouraged in Egypt. This study was conducted on summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) throughout the growing seasons of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. The research was carried out on a plantation that adheres to organic farming practices to ascertain the impact of chitosan and bio-fertilizer EM on the crop. The study was designed with a split-plot as the layout. For the main plots, it was recommended to use rates for chitosan spray that were 0, 5, and 10 liters/hectare. For the subplots, it was recommended to use bio-fertilizer EM, either with or without. Our findings indicated that applying chitosan spray to plants at 10 liters/hectare while using bio-fertilizer produced the highest growth, herbage yield, and improved volatile oil characteristics. The volatile oil constituents were dominated by γ-terpinene and carvacrol. The highest levels of γ-terpinene and carvacrol were found in oils extracted from chitosan and biofertilizer-treated plants. These constituents were lower in control.