Controlling Harmful Organisms in Organic Agriculture

Organic Agriculture utilizes various methods to keep harmful organisms under control. These harmful organisms include but are not limited to insects and bugs, nematodes, bacteria, and fungi. These pests also often carry various kinds of plant diseases that can damage crops and greatly reduce their yield. In conventional farms, pesticides and fungicides are the primary means of getting rid of them. But since synthetic substances are not allowed in organic farms, the use of pesticides and fungicides is totally out of the question. More natural methods which often involve empowering the natural control measures of the environment are used instead.

Crop rotation is integral to every organic farm. It also helps immensely in fighting unwanted organisms. This is because changing the kind of crops you plant after every harvest makes these organisms confused and their population will eventually dwindle because of the inability to adapt to the changing surroundings. The old method of sanitation is also very effective. You should have a regular schedule for scouring the farm and getting rid of unwanted plants and possible habitats for pests. You can also facilitate an increase in the population of the natural enemies of these pests. A healthy population of insect eating birds is a great way to drive away bugs.

Organic Agriculture is fully dependent on biological pest control to keep its crops safe from pests and diseases. Biological pest control generally revolves around the introduction or support of beneficial organisms in the farm vicinity. Most pests that damage crops and infect them with diseases are insects. The best natural way to deal with them is to fight fire with fire. There are various species of insects that eat other unwanted insects yet bring no harm to plants. Big-eyed bugs are generally predators. They do not eat plant parts and consume only other insects. In case of harmful mites that chip away on crops, predatory mites that only eat other mites are the best solution.

There are times when biological pest control is not enough to manage the problems regarding pests and diseases. During this scenario, Organic Agriculture permits the use of pesticides. The general rule of no synthetic substances allowed is still in play. Only natural pesticides can be used. There are numerous natural pesticides that are available. They are just not well known because unlike industrial pesticides that deal with all kinds of pests, natural pesticides often deal with only a certain group of pests.