Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Smoothie Garden Solution
Earthworms will gradually make an acidic soil less acid and an
alkaline soil less alkaline by passing the soil through their bodies.
They will eventually bring soil that is out of balance back to the
neutral pH range. Most vegetables grow best in a pH range of 6.0
to 6.9.
In nonorganic or conventional methods, synthetic chemicals and
pesticides are used to enhance the growth of the plant and to pro-
mote fruit or pod production. Nonorganic growing methods emphas-
ize feeding the plant, not the soil. Using these artificial forms will
make your vegetables grow, but they also deplete and will not
enhance the soil fertility or soil structure. Most conventional growers
have dead soil; there are no replenished nutrients in the soil for the
plants to draw from. Relying on something outside your soil to grow
vegetable plants creates a vicious circle. You have to purchase more
and more chemicals and pesticides in order for the crops to grow
each season.
The Organic Principles
The International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements has
laid out a list of principles of organic farming. It emphasizes growing
high quality food, considering the social and ecological impact of
organic food production, promoting natural biological cycles within
the farming systems, optimizing the long-term soil fertility, minimiz-
ing pollution, and using water resources responsibly.
Most gardeners grow vegetables so they can eat them. Everyone
wants to get the best possible harvest from their seeds or trans-
plants. The best way to do this is to try to copy what nature does as
