ORGANIC FARMING Organic farming is a technique, which involves cultivation of plants and rearing of

animals in natural ways, this process involves the use of biological materials, avoiding

synthetic substances to maintain soil fertility and ecological balance thereby minimizing

pollution and wastage. It relies on ecologically balanced agricultural principles like crop

rotation, green manure, organic waste, biological pest control, mineral and rock additives.

Organic farming makes use of natural pesticides and fertilizers and avoids the use of

various petrochemical fertilizers and pesticides. Organic agriculture production system

sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes,

biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse

effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared

environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.

Organic Farmers grow crops by using renewable resources and recycling to return

what most conventional farmers would consider waste, back to the soil as Mother Nature

intended.

Use of crop rotation, animal manure, including green manure, legumes, natural

minerals and biological pest controls are important elements used in modern day organic

farming systems.

Organic Farmers use numerous techniques to promote life within existing

ecosystems and minimize pollution that occurs with virtually all conventional farming

practices.

Organic Farmers who raise livestock will not use growth hormones, antibiotics or

grains grown in soils loaded with synthetic fertilizers to their feed livestock. By using natural

foodstuffs and having a particular concern for animal welfare, Organic Farmers use the

environments own systems to produce healthy livestock and return waste back into the soil.

Organic farming is not simply the substitution of approved input materials. It is the

replacement of a treatment approach with a process approach to create a balanced system of

plant and animal interactions.

JUSTIFICATION Climate change presents challenges for farmers in all parts of the world. Conventional agricultural

practices have contributed to climate change through heavy use of fossil fuels--both directly on the farm and in the manufacturing of pesticides and fertilizers--and through degradation of the soil, which releases carbon.

The depletion of soil organic carbon (SOC) through conventional farming has not only released carbon into

the atmosphere, it has also limited the fertility and water holding capacity of soils worldwide. The adoption of organic

methods, particularly no-till organic, is an opportunity for farming both to mitigate agriculture's contributions to climate change and to cope with the effects climate change has had and will have on agriculture.

Good organic practices can both reduce fossil fuel use and provide carbon sequestration in the soil through

increased soil organic carbon (SOC). Higher SOC levels then increase fertility and the soil's ability to endure extreme weather years. Organic agriculture relies on non-chemical ways of maintaining fertility, managing pests and

controlling weeds, thus eliminating the need for synthetic fertilizers and toxic pesticides.

We promote organic agriculture as an alternative approach that maximizes the performance of renewable

resources and optimizes nutrient and energy flows in agro ecosystems. Life cycle assessments show that emissions

in conventional production systems are always higher than those of organic systems, based on production area. Soil emissions of nitrous oxides and methane from arable or pasture use of dried peat lands can be avoided by organic

management practices. Many field trials worldwide show that organic fertilization compared to mineral fertilization is

increasing soil organic carbon and thus, sequestering large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere to the soil.

Lower greenhouse gas emissions for crop production and enhanced carbon sequestration, coupled with

additional benefits of biodiversity and other environmental services, makes organic agriculture a farming method

with many advantages and considerable potential for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

A more sustainable agriculture that can also serve to reduce malnutrition requires a thorough integration of

natural processes (such as nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, and pest-predator relationships) into agricultural production processes, thereby ensuring profitability and efficient food production. Minimization of the use of those

external and non-renewable inputs with the potential to damage the environment or harm the health of farmers and

consumers, and a targeted use of organic garden inputs, used with a view to minimizing costs; the full participation of farmers and other rural people in all processes of problem analysis, and technology development, adaptation and

extension, leading to an increase in self-reliance amongst farmers and rural communities.

Greater use of local knowledge and practices, including innovative approaches not yet fully understood by scientists or widely adopted by farmers and the enhancement of nature‟s goods and services, and other public goods

of the countryside. The programme focuses on food security and increase household income through environmental

protection, development of agricultural production and livestock breeding, diversification of economic activities, and provision of a socio-economic infrastructure. The initiative promotes organization of village groups to be responsible

for the management and development of local natural resources.

Self-help groups established to provide the beneficiaries with a platform to share knowledge and skills, and

also as a source of team building and emotional support and the process involved providing information.

Strengthening the joint-working arrangement of the farmer groups, as the self-help group and provides a suitable platform for problem-solving and resolution of issues.

Sharing information, knowledge and skills; For example, farmers who were unable to attend the business and

technical skill workshops tapped into their self-help groups for information. Strengthening links within the community,

given that the groups enabled the farmers to widen their friendship network. Providing advice and emotional support with regards to agricultural production development

Need for Organic Farming

The population of the planet is skyrocketing and providing food for the world is becoming

extremely difficult. The need of the hour is sustainable cultivation and production of food for all. The

Green Revolution and its chemical based technology are losing its appeal as dividends are falling

and returns are unsustainable.

Pollution and climate change are other negative externalities caused by use of fossil fuel

based chemicals. As of 2012, the market for organic farming and other products has reached $63

billion worldwide.

Key features of Organic Farming include; protecting soil quality using organic material and

encouraging biological activity, indirect provision of crop nutrients using soil microorganisms,

Nitrogen fixation in soils using legumes; Weed and pest control based on methods like crop rotation,

biological diversity, natural predators, organic manures and suitable pesticides, thermal and

biological intervention, Care for the larger environment and conservation of natural habitats and wild

life

Organic farming agriculture contributes to the health and well being of soil, plants, animals,

human and the earth. It is the sustenance of mental, physical, ecological and social well being; it

provides pollution and chemical free, nutritious food items for humans. Organic farming agriculture is

evident in maintaining equality and justice of the shared planet both among humans and other living beings.

Organic farming provides good quality of life and helps in reducing poverty, natural resource

are sustainably used and preserved for future generations. Organic farming project is modeled on

living ecological systems and the methods fit the ecological balance and cycles in nature. Organic

farming project will be practiced in a careful and responsible manner to benefit the present and future generations and the environment.

As opposed to modern and conventional agricultural methods, organic farming does not

depend on synthetic chemicals; it utilizes natural, biological methods to build up soil fertility such as

microbial activity boosting plant nutrition. Multiple cropping practiced in organic farming boost bio

diversity which enhances productivity and resilience, and contributes to a healthy farming system;

conventional farming system use mono cropping that destroys the soil fertility.

The non-use of external agriculture inputs which results in natural resources degradation

lead to promotion of environment, therefore the project will lead to the availability of sufficient

quantities of food of appropriate quality, produced through the practice of organic farming, the

project will enable food access by individuals, appropriate foods for a nutritious diet.

The project will establish food stability where household or individual have access to

adequate food at all times. Organic food production management system will entirely avoid the use of

synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified organisms, minimizes pollution of air, soil

and water, and optimizes the health and productivity of interdependent communities of plants,

animals and people.

Soil building practices such as crop rotations, inter-cropping, symbiotic associations,

cover crops, organic fertilizers and minimum tillage are central to organic practices. These

encourage soil fauna and flora, improving soil formation and structure and creating more stable

systems. In turn, nutrient and energy cycling is increased and the retentive abilities of the soil

for nutrients and water are enhanced, compensating for the non-use of mineral fertilizers. Such

management techniques also play an important role in soil erosion control.

The length of time that the soil is exposed to erosive forces is decreased, soil

biodiversity is increased, and nutrient losses are reduced, helping to maintain and enhance soil

productivity. Crop export of nutrients is usually compensated by farm-derived renewable

resources but it is sometimes necessary to supplement organic soils with potassium, phosphate,

calcium, magnesium and trace elements from external sources.

Water; in many agriculture areas, pollution of groundwater courses with synthetic

fertilizers and pesticides is a major problem. As the use of these is prohibited in organic

agriculture, they are replaced by organic fertilizers (e.g. compost, animal manure, green manure)

and through the use of greater biodiversity (in terms of species cultivated and permanent

vegetation), enhancing soil structure and water infiltration.

Well managed organic systems with better nutrient retentive abilities, greatly reduce the

risk of groundwater pollution. In some areas where pollution is a real problem, conversion to

organic agriculture is highly encouraged as a restorative measure.

Sustainability over the long term; Many changes observed in the environment are long

term, occurring slowly over time. Organic agriculture considers the medium- and long-term

effect of agricultural interventions on the agro-ecosystem. It aims to produce food while

establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems. Organic agriculture

takes a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge.

Air and climate change; Organic agriculture reduces non-renewable energy use by

decreasing agrochemical needs (these require high quantities of fossil fuel to be produced).

Organic agriculture contributes to mitigating the greenhouse effect and global warming through

its ability to sequester carbon in the soil. Many management practices used by organic

agriculture (e.g. minimum tillage, returning crop residues to the soil, the use of cover crops and

rotations, and the greater integration of nitrogen-fixing legumes), increase the return of carbon

to the soil, raising productivity and favouring carbon storage. A number of studies revealed that

soil organic carbon contents under organic farming are considerably higher. The more organic

carbon is retained in the soil, the more the mitigation potential of agriculture against climate

change is higher.

Organic farming promotes soils that are teaming with life and rich in micro nutrients which

can be used for decades to grow crops virtually year round in many parts of the world.

Biodiversity; Organic farmers are both custodians and users of biodiversity at all levels. At

the gene level, traditional and adapted seeds and breeds are preferred for their greater resistance

to diseases and their resilience to climatic stress. At the species level, diverse combinations of

plants and animals optimize nutrient and energy cycling for agricultural production.

At the ecosystem level, the maintenance of natural areas within and around organic fields

and absence of chemical inputs create suitable habitats for wildlife. The frequent use of under-

utilized species (often as rotation crops to build soil fertility) reduces erosion of agro-biodiversity,

creating a healthier gene pool - the basis for future adaptation. The provision of structures

providing food and shelter, and the lack of pesticide use, attract new or re-colonizing species to the

organic area (both permanent and migratory), including wild flora and fauna (e.g. birds) and

organisms beneficial to the organic system such as pollinators and pest predators.

Genetically modified organisms; the use of GMOs within organic systems is not permitted

during any stage of organic food production, processing or handling. As the potential impact of GMOs

to both the environment and health is not entirely understood, organic agriculture is taking the

precautionary approach and choosing to encourage natural biodiversity.

Organic farms can support substantially higher levels of wildlife especially in lowlands and

where animals can roam pastures or graze on grassland. Not only does wildlife benefit, but entire

ecosystems and ground water are improved by simply following organic farming methods.

Ecological promotion and development; the impact of organic agriculture on natural

resources favors interactions within the agro-ecosystem that is vital for both agricultural production

and nature conservation. Ecological services derived include soil forming and conditioning, soil

stabilization, waste recycling, carbon sequestration, nutrients cycling, predation, pollination and

habitats.

By opting for organic products, the consumer through his/her purchasing power promotes a

less polluting agricultural system. The hidden costs of agriculture to the environment in terms of

natural resource degradation are reduced.

Organic farming practices not only benefit farmers and consumers; but the dairies can

benefit. When dairies feed their cows organic feed and graze them on organic fields, the cows

experience better health, less sickness, diseases and ultimately produce better tasting milk for

consumers and majority of meats, fruits and vegetables at virtually all supermarkets are loaded with

dozens of harmful chemicals.

Organically grown products are free from harmful chemicals, artificial flavors and

preservatives that ultimately cost consumers money when they purchase non-organically grown

products. You can always taste the difference between organically grown and conventionally grown

products. Eating organic foods reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer for individuals who

abstain from consuming products produced by conventional farming methods.

Organic farming can actually save farmers money and give them significantly better returns

on land and resource utilization as compared to conventional farming

Organic farming is a method of low-input cost agriculture, which is a deliberate attempt to

make the best use of local natural resources which creates integrated, humane, environmentally-

and economically-viable agriculture systems in which maximum reliance is placed on locally or

farm-derived renewable resources, and the management of ecological and biological processes.

The use of inorganic methods is greatly reduced as far as possible. Organic agriculture

represents a system of agriculture in which farmers undertake agriculture to grow food in harmony

with nature.

Organic farming will increase agricultural development efforts aimed at increasing

productivity per hectare of land and unit of labour; improved extension services that will enable all

farmers to use the results of trainings and reap the benefits from technological advances.

The campaign increase household food security through the introduction of community

seed banks to introduce a sustainable and quality seed source for crop production, reduce

dependency and enhance campaign ownership, beneficiaries “pass on the seed gift” of high quality

to a community seed bank, to assist rural people struggling to feed their families and promote

agriculture development, walking with communities and families to overcome poverty, to improve

the quality of life of vulnerable groups and to help people build a healthy relationship with one another.

Increasing agricultural productivity to improve food security, income, nutrition, education,

care for vulnerable groups and livelihoods of the rural poor.

Potential of organic farmers produce enough food Food security; organic farmers can increase food production by managing local resources without

having to rely on external inputs or food distribution systems over which they have little control and/or

access. It is to be noted that although external agricultural inputs can be substituted by organic

management of natural resources, land tenure remains a main constraint to the labour investments needed

for organic agriculture. Organic farms grow a variety of crops and livestock in order to optimize

competition for nutrients and space between species: this results in less chance of low production or yield

failure in all of these simultaneously.

This can have an important impact on local food security and resilience. In rain-fed systems,

organic agriculture has demonstrated to outperform conventional agricultural systems under environmental

stress conditions. Under the right circumstances, the market returns from organic agriculture can

potentially contribute to local food security by increasing family incomes. In fact, many multiple cropping

systems, such as those developed by small holders and subsistence farmers, show higher yields in terms of

total harvest per unit area. These yield advantages have been attributed to more efficient use of nutrients,

water and light and a combination of other factors such as the introduction of new regenerative elements

into the farm (e.g. legumes) and fewer losses to pests and diseases.

Enhance food security and living conditions of the vulnerable population among women

headed households, families with many children, families and poor households in Tororo. Food

security and enhancement of living conditions facilitated through the Farmers Field training

Approach; provision of inputs and capacity building of beneficiaries and local community groups.

COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY CHALLENGES The inability of a large proportion of Tororo households to reliably access necessary

levels of nutrition is a fundamental aspect of their deepening poverty trap. Many households in

the community are food insecure; with the rapid rise in food prices, food security has become

a high profile concern.

Many of the rural poor are subsistence farmers and landless people sell their labour.

They depend on agriculture for their earnings, as producers or hired workers and in sectors

that derive from farming and depend on farming activities for their survival. Food-insecure

people neither consistently produce enough food for themselves nor have the purchasing

power to buy food from other producers. During times of famine, food becomes un available

and at high price.

Hungry people make poor workers, they are bad learners (if they go to school at all),

they are prone to sickness and they die young. Hunger is also transmitted across

generations, as underfed mothers give birth to underweight children whose potential for

mental and physical activity is impaired.

The productivity of individuals and the growth of entire nations are severely

compromised by widespread hunger. Hunger breeds desperation, and the hungry are easy

prey to those who seek to gain power and influence through crime, force or terror,

endangering national and global stability. It is, therefore, in everyone‟s self-interest – rich

and poor alike – to fight hunger. A direct attack on hunger will greatly improve the chances of

meeting the other Millenium Development Goals, not only for poverty reduction, but also those

related to education, child mortality, maternal health and disease

The central problem causing food insecurity in the region is declining crop yields

which are reducing the number of months that families can feed themselves. The problem of

declining crop yields and its impact on household food reserves is best explained by a

combination of factors. The project community is experiencing the reduction of crop yields

due to declining soil fertility. The soil fertility has reduced due to burning crop residue prior

to planting, increasing soil erosion, applying insufficient manure and fertilizer to replace lost

soil nutrients and failing to adopt a legume rotation. Farmers often say that the soils are

“tired” and “don‟t produce as before”. Less than 5% of the farmers can afford inorganic

fertilizers, and farmers do not understand how leguminous plants can be used as green

manures and cover crops to improve the soil fertility.

Crop yields are greatly declining due prolonged drought and erratic rainfall.

During a need assessment conducted, farmers were asked to identify the causes of food

insecurity which resulted in household food stock shortfalls. 75% of respondents indicated

that prolonged drought and erratic rainfall were the main reasons why they were not able to

produce enough food to feed their families. Only 05% of respondents indicated that limited

land availability reduced their production.

The factor affecting crop yields is the HIV/AIDs epidemic. 20% of the households

interviewed were child-headed whose parents had died from HIV/AIDs. These households

needed to achieve food security, HIV affected households are significantly more vulnerable because of lower household crop production.

The factor affecting crop yields is low quality seed, farmers gradually shift to hybrid

seed, a down-turn in the economy and successive droughts prevent smallholder farmers from

purchasing hybrid seed. As a result, farmers are using seed stocks from previous hybrid seed

that lack vigor and germination which results in significant yield reductions.

FACTS ABOUT THE PROJECT

Farmers pour tons of phosphate and nitrogenous fertilizer on their cropping

lands every year. Because it is soluble, much of this fertilizer is either washed off the

soil surface and into waterways (especially phosphates) or leaches through the soil

profile beyond the reach of plants and finds its way less directly into waterways

(especially nitrates). Nitrate contamination of groundwater (indicated by >10 mg/L

nitrate) in Australia is widespread in every state and territory, occurring over

regional and local scales (LWRRDC 1999). In many areas, the concentration is greater

than the recently revised Australian Drinking Water Guidelines level of 50 mg/L

nitrate (as nitrate), resulting in groundwater that is unfit for drinking. In some of the

more contaminated areas, the concentration is in excess of 100 mg/L (LWRRDC

1999). With fresh water reserves under increasing pressure from climate change

this is a grave situation for humanity.

Another pollution disaster caused by agrichemical use is the contamination

of groundwater reserves with poisonous nasties, particularly (in Australia) Atrazine

and Simazine, but also Dieldrin, Chlorpyriphos, Amitrol, Metolachlor, Trifluraline and

Diuron Dieldrin, Lindane, and Alachlor. While systematic monitoring of pesticide

contamination of groundwater in Australia is limited, available tests have detected

pesticides in at least 20% of samples, indicating significant contamination (Australia

State of the Environment Report 2001).

Groundwater studies in the US have found similarly significant contamination.

In Carolina, for example, over 27% of wells sampled in 1997 were found to be

contaminated with pesticides predominantly from routine agricultural usage. There is

no economically viable method to clean up widespread contamination. Pesticide

contamination poses a serious, unreasonable public health threat to current and future

ground water users.

Organic yields equal or surpass conventional and GM yields; The Rodale 30-year

study found that after a three-year transition period, organic yields equaled

conventional yields. Contrary to fears that there are insufficient quantities of

organically acceptable fertilizers, the data suggest that leguminous cover crops could

fix enough nitrogen to replace the amount of synthetic fertilizer currently in use.

Organic crops are more resilient than conventionally grown and GM crops;

Organic corn yields were 31 per cent higher than conventional yields in years of

drought. These drought yields are remarkable when compared to genetically modified

(GM) “drought tolerant” varieties, which showed increases of only 6.7 per cent to 13.3

per cent over conventional (non-drought resistant) varieties. The effects of climate

change bring more uncertainty to farming, with increased drought predicted for some

parts of the country. It has become obvious that weather patterns are changing, and

looking to the future, food crops will need the resilience to adapt.

Organic farming is more efficient than conventional farming; Conventional

agriculture requires large amounts of oil to produce transport and apply fertilizers and

pesticides. Nitrogen fertilizer is the single biggest energy cost for conventional farming,

representing 41% of overall energy costs. Organic systems used 45% less energy overall

than conventional systems. Production efficiency was 28% higher in the organic systems,

with the conventional no-till system being the least efficient in terms of energy usage. The

extra energy required for fertilizer production and farm fuel use in conventional systems

also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Conventional systems emit almost

40% more GHG per pound of crop production in comparison to the organic systems.

Organic farming builds healthier soil; while short-term benefits are realized with

the use of chemical fertilizers and mechanized production methods; every gardener knows

that soil health cannot be compromised in the long term. Eventually, soil-depleting

practices take their toll as soil structure weakens, microbial life declines and erosion

removes valuable topsoil from farmland. The Rodale study found that overall soil health is

maintained with conventional systems, but soil health is improved when using organic

farming practices. Organic farming practices improve moisture retention which creates

water „stores‟ which plants can draw on during times of stress due to drought and high

winds.

Organic farming keeps toxic chemicals out of the environment; Conventional

systems rely heavily on pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) many of which

are toxic to humans and animals. With more than 17,000 pesticide products (agricultural

and non-agricultural) on the market today, the EPA is unable to keep up with adequate

safety testing. In fact, the EPA has required testing of less than 1% of chemicals in

commerce today. Many studies link low level exposure of pesticides to human health

problems, and chemical residue from pesticides used in farming can be commonly found

in air and water samples as well as in the food we eat. Inactive ingredients in pesticide

and herbicide formulations have been found to be as toxic as active ingredients, but are

not tested for human health impacts.

One of the most powerful tools in fighting global warming sequesters

atmospheric carbon; data suggests a new worldwide urgency for the transition from

chemical to organic agriculture. Organic farming may be one of the most powerful tools

in the fight against global warming. Findings from The Rodale Institute‟s Farming Systems

Trial® (FST), which began in 1981 as the longest running agronomic experiment designed

to compare organic and conventional cropping systems, show that organic/regenerative

agriculture systems reduce carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. This data positions

organic farming as a major player in efforts to slow climate change from increases in

runaway greenhouse gases.

Poison-free, a major benefit to consumers of organic food is that it is free of

contamination with health harming chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides and

herbicides, populations fed on chemically grown foods, there has been a profound

upward trend in the incidence of diseases associated with exposure to toxic chemicals in

industrialized societies. Take cancer for example. Representative data on the number of

new cancer cases in New South Wales, Australia has been collected by the New South

Wales Central Cancer Registry. Adjusted to take account of our aging population, their

graph (above) shows that between 1972 and 2004 the incidence of new cancer cases per

year (average for both sexes) has risen from 323 to 488 per 100,000 people. This is an

increase of over 50% in just 32 years. Adv

A Drought Resistance; organically grown plants are more drought tolerant. This

was dramatically illustrated by Australian organic gardening guru Peter Bennett. A slide

he showed a field of wheat, organically grown on re-mineralized soil. Bisecting the

ripening green crop was a wide yellowed strip that had already finished growing and

hayed off.

The strip had been nourished using agrichemical fertilizer early in the growing

period. Because chemical fertilizer is soluble, plants are forced to imbibe it every time

they are thirsty for water. They can and do enjoy good growth as long as water is readily

available. As soon as water becomes limited, however, the soluble nutrient salts in the

cells of chemically fed plants are unable to osmotically draw sufficient water to maintain

safe dilution. They soon reach toxic concentrations, and the plant stops growing, hays off

and dies earlier than it otherwise would have.

Synthetic agrichemicals (and most plastics widely used in our society) are

derived from oil, and thus a source of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (especially

xenoestrogens) in the environment. Distorted sex organ development and function in

alligators has been related to a major pesticide spill into a lake in Florida, U.S.A. There is

also evidence to link xenoestrogens to a range of human medical concerns, particularly

reproductive problems such as reduced sperm count in men and breast cancer in

women.

Even the “safest” herbicides such as Roundup (glycophosphate) – the second

most widely used in the USA - are now known to pose a danger to wetland ecologies, and

can totally decimate frog populations at routine contamination levels.

In the early 1990s Cuba had the most industrialized agriculture in Latin America,

at first Cuba was faced with dire food shortages, and despite rationing the average Cuban

lost 10 kilograms in weight! Hungry people responded by becoming farmers mainly most

of the people and everyone learned to garden. Under the community-focused direction,

Cuba rapidly made a successful transition to organic agriculture and more labor intensive

methods, including reintroducing the use of bullocks in the cultivation of crops.

Stable food availability, food access, nutritional value and safety are important aspects

of food security. Food Availability means there is a consistent local supply of appropriate food

types, mainly produced locally. Food Access means that the local population has the means to

access food they require for appropriate diet and nutrition. Available and accessible food must

also be of sufficient nutritional value and be safe to consume if Food Security is to be attained.

There should also be a stable supply and access to food for longer periods. This can be achieved

with appropriate food production, handling and storage.

The organic agriculture sector is currently the fastest growing food sector.

Growth rates in organic food sales are increasing per year for over a decade. More secure

markets for organic commodities, Major northern markets offer good prospects for

suppliers of organic products not domestically produced. These include coffee, tea, cocoa,

spices, sugar cane, tropical fruits and beverages, as well as fresh produce in the off-

season.

The benefits of organic farming

1. The Promotion of Biodiversity; Organic methods such as rotating

crops to build soil fertility and naturally raising animals helps to promote

biodiversity, which returns health to each species. Organic farms are

havens to wildlife, so our ecosystems are improved, as well. Whether it is

local fruit, imported coffee or artisan cheese, organic can demonstrate a

reverence for the land and its people, is beneficial to soil, water and local

habitat, and is safer for the people who harvest our food. An organic farm

is the equivalent of reforestation. Industrial farms are the equivalent of

clear cutting of native habitat with a focus on high farm yields.

.

2. The Reduction of Farm Pollution. Pesticide drift affects non-farm

communities with odorless and invisible poisons. Synthetic fertilizer

drifting downstream is the main culprit for dead zones in delicate water

grounds environments; conventional farms create their own kind of

pollution in the form of chemical pesticide and synthetic fertilizer run-off

that harms the areas around them. With these chemicals removed from

the equation, organic farming is far more beneficial and less impactful on

our environment.

3. The Reduction of Toxic Substances in the Environment; currently,

greater percentage of farmers devoted to farming use non-organic

methods for crop production and livestock. Many acres of land are

subjected to chemicals for fertilizer and pesticides, as well as other

substances used in livestock farming. Any reduction of this number would

have a benefit to the environment around us. Organic farming reduces the

Toxic Load by Keeping Chemicals Out of the Air, Water, Soil and our Bodies.

Buying organic food promotes a less toxic environment for all living things.

Our bodies are the environment so supporting organic agriculture doesn‟t

just benefit your family; it helps all families live less toxically.

4. Better-Tasting Food; organic food taste better than its

conventionally farm-raised counterpart. One scientific reason is that

organic produce has lower nitrate contents than its non-organic version.

This leads to sweeter-tasting fruits that also have been shown to contain

higher levels of antioxidants. So it‟s not really all in your head. Organic

farming can lead to better flavor. Scientists now know what we eaters

have known all along: organic food often tastes better. It makes sense that

strawberries taste yummier when raised in harmony with nature, but

researchers at Washington State University just proved this as fact in lab

taste trials where the organic berries were consistently judged as

sweeter. Plus, new research verifies that some organic produce is often

lower in nitrates and higher in antioxidants than conventional food.

5. Better Soil; A Cornell University study estimates that conventional

farming‟s dependency on chemical fertilizers destroys topsoil. If organic

methods were used – instead of chemical fertilizers and ammonia – we

would instead see an increase in the healthiness of this topsoil, which in

turn would produce fruit and vegetables higher in minerals and

micronutrients. An equally disturbing loss of micro nutrients and minerals

in fruits and vegetables;

6. Feeding the soil with organic matter instead of ammonia and other

synthetic fertilizers has proven to increase nutrients in produce, with

higher levels of vitamins and minerals found in organic food, according to

the 2005 study, “Elevating Antioxidant levels in food through organic

farming and food processing,” Organic Center State of Science Review

(1.05)

7. Job Creation; the organic farms are more profitable – even though

they often require more employees. It‟s not difficult to equate the economic

benefit and job creation that a shift to organic farming would create.

Organic farms have a double economic benefit: they are profitable and they

farm in harmony with their surrounding environment, organic is a beneficial

practice that is genuinely family-friendly.

8. Assisting the Fight against Climate Change; because organic

farming eschews chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it reduces

nonrenewable energy use. It takes considerable amounts of fossil fuel to

create the synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in conventional farming.

What‟s more, organic farming increases the amount of carbon returned to

the soil, which in turn lessens the impact on the greenhouse effect and

global warming.

9. Safer Water; the runoff of chemicals from conventional farming

seeps into groundwater supplies, and groundwater pollution has become a

serious issue. Soil itself is a natural water filter. Organic farming enriches

the soil, which not only removes the risk of groundwater pollution but can

also act as a way to rehabilitate soil in areas where damage to water

supplies has already occurred.

10. Preservation of the Culture of Agriculture; It is said that every culture shares one

thing in common: Food. It is a universal celebration. Organic farming celebrates

healthfulness and biodiversity. It removes damaging chemical toxins from our environment

and our food. That is something to promote and foster; Organic is the only de facto seal of

reassurance against these and other modern, lab-produced additions to our food supply,

and the only food term with built in inspections and federal regulatory teeth

. .

11. Protect Future Generations; before a mother first nurses her newborn, the toxic

risk from pesticides has already begun. Studies show that infants are exposed to hundreds

of harmful chemicals in utero. In fact, our nation is now reaping the results of four

generations of exposure to agricultural and industrial chemicals, whose safety was deemed

on adult tolerance levels, not on children‟s. According to the National Academy of Science,

“neurologic and behavioral effects may result from low-level exposure to pesticides.”

Numerous studies show that pesticides can adversely affect the nervous system, increase

the risk of cancer, and decrease fertility.

12. Food Tastes Better Animals and people have the sense of taste to allow them to

discern the quality of the food they ingest; organically grown food tastes better than that

conventionally grown. The tastiness of fruit and vegetables is directly related to its sugar

content, which in turn is a function of the quality of nutrition that the plant itself has

enjoyed. This quality of fruit and vegetable can be empirically measured by subjecting its

juice to Brix analysis, which is a measure of its specific gravity (density). The Brix score

is widely used in testing fruit and vegetables for their quality prior to export.

13. Food keeps longer; organicall y grown plants are nourished naturally, rendering

the structural and metabolic integrity of their cellular structure superior to those

conventionally grown. As a result, organically grown foods can be stored longer and do

not show the latter‟s susceptibility to rapid mold and rotting. A healthy plant grown

organically in properly balanced soil resists most diseases and insect pests. This was

proven by US doctor and soil nutrition pioneer Dr Northern who conducted many

experiments to test the hypothesis during the 1930‟s.

14. Lower Input Costs; organic farming does not incur the use of expensive

agrichemicals – they are not permitted! The greater resistance of their crops to pests

and the diseases save farmers significantly in expensive insecticides, fungicides and

other pesticides. Fertilizers are either created by green manuring and leguminous crop

rotation or on-farm via composting and worm farming. Biodynamic farmers use a low

cost microbial solution sprayed onto their crops. The creation of living, fertile soil

conditions through early corrective soil re-mineralization and strategic Keyline chisel

ploughing are significant establishment costs that, however, reap ongoing benefits to

production at minimal maintenance.

15. Loss of soil fertility due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and lack of crop

rotation, nitrate run off during rains contaminates water resources, soil erosion due to deep

ploughing and heavy rains, more requirements of dangerous chemicals for cultivation, use of

poisonous bio-cide sprays to curb pest and weeds which leads to loss of bio-diversity .

16. Organic food is much richer in nutrients; nutritional value of a food item is determined

by its mineral and vitamin content. Organic farming enhances the nutrients of the soil which is

passed on the plants and animals.

17. Organic farming does not make use of poisonous chemicals, pesticides and

weedicides, studies reveal that a large section of the population fed on toxic substances used

in conventional agriculture have fallen prey to diseases like cancer, as organic farming avoid

these toxins, it reduces the sickness and diseases due to them.

18. The quality of food is determined by its taste, organic food often tastes better than

other food. The sugar content in organically grown fruits and vegetables provides them with

extra taste, the quality of fruits and vegetables can be measured using Brix analysis

19. Organic plants have greater metabolic and structural integrity in their cellular

structure than conventional crops; this enables storage of organic food for a longer time.

20. Organic farming is preferred as it battles pests and weeds in a non-toxic manner,

involves less input costs for cultivation and preserves the ecological balance while promoting

biological diversity and protection of the environment.

21. Enhance income generation among the farmers in order to improve their living

conditions; the project enhances income generation among the community members, both

through short- and long-term employment generation. Members of the community play a

supporting role in establishing and managing the production, thus generating an income, they

will continue to generate employment for community members, thus further raising the

income-generating capacity of the community as a whole.

22. A total number of farmers will greatly increase resulting from home made garden

inputs resulting from organic farming training knowledge; improvement in garden management

harvesting and processing for increased food supply.

23. The malnutrition rates will decrease; there will be increase in production of high value

crops and improvement in income levels and nutrition. Yields will increase due to good rainfall

patterns resulting well managed climate, more seed variety availability, good crop management

and increased use of manure and natural pesticides.

Summary

you can actually taste these chemicals in the food some consumers believe that harmful

chemicals never make it to the foods, that they‟re all broken down in the soil that is wrong, the next

time you visit your local supermarket, select a fruit of your liking, purchase one that‟s organically

grown and one that‟s grown through conventional farming methods.

Taste the organically grown fruit and then compare it to the taste of conventionally grown

fruit; organically grown foods taste sweet without any toxic residues you‟ll actually taste in

conventionally farmed foods. Not only do they taste better, but also it‟s been proven through

numerous scientific studies that organically grown foods have a higher nutrient value (up to 80%)

than conventionally grown foods.

Look at the fruit, its density, color and skin; as a result of the project foods produced by

organic growers will not require any synthetic fertilizers or sprays to protect them while they grow.

Yet conventionally grown apples are sprayed with dangerous chemicals at least 18 times during their

growing period, what goes into the soil and what‟s sprayed on fruits and vegetables will end up in

your body. The skins on organically grown foods are thicker with more density and texture than

conventionally grown foods.

Chances are organically grown foods will leave an after taste similar to what you actually

tasted when you bit into the fruit or vegetable. Whereas, with foods that are grown using conventional

farming practices, your tongue will leach out and can actually taste the toxic residues. Think about this

for a moment and realize that if you‟ve been eating conventionally grown foods all your life, your body

is continually working overtime to extract toxins every time you consume foods which have traces of

toxins in them.

Our current food production system is in need of repair. We need to promote organic systems

which respect the integrity of soil health and sustainable systems; organic farming is the way of the

future we need, both collectively and as individuals, to support the organic food movement to enable

the process to move forward with the seed development and farming practices needed to feed a

hungry world. Healthy plants mean healthy people, and such better nourished plants provide better

nourishment to people and animals alike.

Food security, provision of safe, nutritious, quantitatively and qualitatively adequate food, as

well as access to it by all people due to availability of sufficient quantities of food of appropriate

quality, supplied through domestic production access by households and individuals to appropriate

foods for a nutritious diet and optimal uptake of nourishment.

Food insecurity and hunger are widespread in the community due to lack of the provision of

safe, nutritious, and quantitatively and qualitatively adequate food, as well as access to it by all

people. TWADDI suggests appropriate measures for reducing poverty, ensuring food security, fighting

hunger and promoting a sustainable management of natural resources.

The project will contribute to the empowerment of the farmers, increasing a

contribution to household income especially by women to have an effect on household

dynamics with regards to decision-making on household expenditure.

Develop the women‟s business and agricultural skills through training and

technical support, facilitate empowerment, particularly through self help grouping,

enhance income generation in order to improve living conditions, promote a savings

culture among the women by providing links to formal financial institutions, build and

provide support volunteer recruitment & management and establishment of self-help

groups

Providing the women with information on financial products leading to the

empowerment of women by virtue of raising their contribution to household income and

earning potential; linking farmers to markets demonstrates the expected level of increase

in income per beneficiary for each of the enterprises

Undertake longer-term solutions needed to fight hunger. Organic farming

emerged as a farming system which was very resilient and robust in a wide range of

climatic conditions; generate significant increases in production and food security, as well as spontaneous uptake by other members of the communities.

TWADDI is well positioned to undertake the campaign, the organization has

trained staff and institutional experiences which give strong leadership to the program

and avoid the mistakes made to such program. The campaign aims to train farmers used for farmer-to-farmer exchanges to promote agriculture.

ORGANIC FARMING IN PRACTICE: AN OVERVIEW ON ORGANIC CROP NUTRITION

Synthetic fertilizers are not used in organic agriculture. Organic crop nutrition is based on “feeding the soil, not the plan t”. Increasing soil

fertility is regarded as central. Organic matter is maintained or increased in the soil by addition of compost, animal manures, green manures,

and leaving residues in the field as mulch. Organic matter binds nutrients including Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and potassium. The y become

available to the plants when micro-organisms break the organic matter down while feeding on it.

Nitrogen (N): Good organic sources of nitrogen are urines and all animal manures, especially from poultry and pigs. Teas from plants o r

manures provide easily available nitrogen. Leguminous crops and green manures are an important organic nitrogen source. Nitrogen-rich

products include blood meal and feather meal.

Phosphorus (P): Organic sources of phosphorus are rock phosphate, poultry manures, and bone meals.

Potassium (K): Organic potassium sources are wood ash, goat and sheep manures, poultry manure, and cattle manure.

Organic farming maintains soil fertility-Organic methods of production can sustain soil fertility and increase crop yields; Soil is one

of the most important resources on the farm, both in crop and even in animal production. Unless farmers take good care of the soil, their

crops and even pasture cannot give them the desired yields and income. The problem is that although every farmer wants to get the highest

yield possible, they forget that good crop yields can only be obtained if they maintained soil fertility through proper management, which helps

maintain the nutrient balance in the soil.

INORGANIC FERTILIZERS CAUSE SOIL ACIDITY

During the beginning of the year; some farmers prepare their land in time for planting. But the only input most of them think about when it

comes to soil fertility is the use of chemical fertilizer. But what they may not know is that the use of such fertilizer only help the crop to grow

in that particular season; the use of chemical fertilizer over a long period of time contributes to the buildup of soil acidity– many crops

including maize, which is widely grown in the country cannot do well in acidic soils, a reason why many farmers record low crop yields despite

using increased amounts of fertilizers.

If chemical fertilizers are used year after year, the nutrients balance in the soil is interfered with, leading to a situatio n where you have

more of one nutrient that blocks the others from being taken up by plants; for example, too much magnesium in the soil can block the uptake of

potassium while the presence of more potassium can block the release of magnesium for use by plants –in the same way that excess nitrogen

can block the availability of potassium and copper to plants.

Since farmers cannot be able to tell what nutrients are missing in their soils unless they do soil tests, the easiest way is to ensure their

soils have adequate organic matter at all times. Another option is to avoid the overuse of chemical fertilizers. These practices help to regulate

the nutrient balance in the soil when combined with other sustainable agriculture practices such as addition of compost, manu re, planting

fertilizer trees, crop rotation, inter-cropping maize with beans and other legumes, planting cover crops and ensuring permanent soil cover to

prevent soil erosion

FEED THE SOIL, NOT THE PLANT

Organic farmers use the maxim: Feed the soil to feed the plant; the meaning of this statement is simple: When farmers build the soil fertility

over a period of time, say 3 years, using organic matter such as recycling of crop residue, compost, liquid manures, crops ro tation etc., all the

major soil nutrients that are taken up by plants or lost through soil erosion are replaced naturally thus maintaining soil fertility. Organic

farming lays the foundation of soil fertility in all types of soil. The importance of organic soil fertilization is illustrated by the use of the simple

diagram given in the first column.

Organic matter is an important part of the soil (crop residue such maize stalks, bean residue, grasses etc.) that includes li ving

microorganisms, control both the chemical composition and the physical structure of the soil. The more organic matter is used in farms, the

better the soil becomes. Farmers who add organic matter to the soil every year notice a gradual increase in crop yields because the organic

matter helps increase the nutrient level in the soil, and therefore fertility.

ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Fertilizers from recycled plant and animal material (livestock manures, green manures, composts) before their nutrients can be taken up by

plants, organic matter has to be broken down by micro-organisms; nutrients are therefore released slowly and over longer time.

Breakdown of organic matter is speeded up by:

Tillage, as this adds oxygen so the soil.

Addition of nitrogen, as this allows the soil organisms to multiply and to be more active.

Moisture, as water is required for all biological processes.

LEGUMINOUS GREEN MANURES –THE MOST EFFICIENT NITROGEN PROVIDERS

Green manures and cover crops are a major source of organic matter and nutrients, and they protect the soil from erosion and crusting.

Green manures are grown during the off-season or can be intercropped with a main crop. They can be cut or grazed to feed animals. They are

worked into the soil or left as mulch to decay and to provide nutrients before the next crop is planted. Suita ble plant species have deep root

systems that bring nutrients up to the soil surface and are tolerant of drought or nutrient stress.

HIGH NITROGEN FIXATION RATES; The most important green manures and cover crops are leguminous plants that together with bacteria are

able to capture nitrogen from the atmosphere to build up plant material. When they decay, this nitrogen can be used by the ne xt crops for

their growth. Nitrogen fixation rates can be between 15 to 80 kg N per acre! Green manuring is therefore the most efficient way to provide

nitrogen to your farm and to replace synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.

LIVESTOCK MANURE; Livestock manures are the primary source of nutrients and soil organic matter; they are the most widely used organic

fertilizers. It is strongly encouraged in organic farming that livestock is integrated into the farm operation and manuring is part of a system

where nutrients are continuously recycled.

NUTRIENT CONTENT OF MANURES; The amount of nutrients in manure from different animals can vary widely and are very dependent on

handling methods. Especially nitrogen content decreases over time. Nitrogen can be quickly lost to the atmosphere and is easi ly washed out by

rain. To avoid nutrient losses, cover manure and compost heaps, and applies manure when the soil is moist, and works it in superficially.

COMPOSTING OF MANURES; One of the best means of handling manures is composting. Composting stabilizes the nutrients in manure and

makes them more available to plants. Composting reduces pathogens as well as livestock parasites, and builds populations of beneficial

organisms. Composted manure has a highly beneficial effect on soils and crops.

Compost is a very good source of organic matter and some nutrients, particularly for smaller farms. It is an ideal phosphorus provider when

mixed with rock phosphate. Compost is very low in nitrogen compared to a synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. But it is most essential as it supplies

organic matter and improves soil fertility. In mature compost, nutrients are stable and their solubility is decreased. Weed seeds and soil born

diseases are also decreased. It is almost impossible to produce and to use too much compost on the farm; compost is always a scarce

resource!

MANURE NEEDED TO FERTILIZE AN ACRE It is estimated that one dairy cow and her calf produce just around the amount of manure to

fertilize one acre planted with Napier grass or another common crop like maize or potatoes per year. This is around 15 tons o f manure per

year – if you collect all the manure continuously.

SUPPLEMENTAL FERTILIZATION; Crop rotation, manuring, green manures, cover crops and composts provide an abundant supply of minerals.

Supplemental fertilization can be beneficial or necessary in specific situations, but for poor soils and for soils that have been heavily exploited

for many years, a serious soil-building programme with green manures and cover crops that increase soil organic matter should always have

first priority.

PHOSPHORUS (P)

Phosphorus is absolutely essential for both plants and animals as an energy carrier and for growth and reproduction, flowering and fruiting.

Deficiency is rather difficult to identify. Plants are dwarfed or stunted and develop only very slowly. Stems and the under s ides of the leaves

may become purple. In healthy soils rich in organic matter, special fungi attaching to the roots help the plants to extract phosphorous from

the soil. Phosphorus does not get lost as easily as Nitrogen.

POTASSIUM (K)

Potassium deficiency starts with browning dry leaf tips on older leaves, and later the spaces between the veins get yellow, while the veins still

remain green. The leaves may start curling up. African soils often do not have large amounts of potassium, as it easily washes out with rain.

ASHES

Wood ash is a good source of calcium and potassium carbonate. It can be mixed into compost. Ashes raise soil pH (reducing acidity). However,

if very large quantities are applied repeatedly, this can have an adverse effect on soil structure.

FOLIAR FEEDS

Foliar feeds provide nutrients to plant leaves and stems and are absorbed there. Plant teas (liquid manures) are watery extracts from plants,

manures, or compost and can be produced on farm. Foliar feeding can provide some nutrients when they are needed urgently. The y usually

provide some quick nitrogen. Foliar fertilization also seems to stimulate the roots and biological activity in the root zone.

ABOUT NITROGEN (N); Nitrogen deficiency causes uniform yellowing of older leaves, progressing upward in the plant. In young plants,

nitrogen deficiency causes the whole plant to be pale and yellowish green with weak stems. All forms of nitrogen which can be taken up by

plants and which are found in the soil or in fertilizers tend to transform and to disappear. They can be washed out with wate r in the form of

nitrate, or they go into the air as ammonia and nitrogen gas (N2). This is why compost and manures should not be exposed to sun and rain an d

should be worked into the topsoil. They should be used as soon as they are applicable, as their nitrogen content diminishes steadily.

ORGANIC FARMING AND NITROGEN; Nitrogen management is probably the greatest challenge in organic farming. Nitrogen is mainly recycled

from two sources: from nitrogen-fixing green manure plants and from animal manure which is usually composted. Composting recycles and

stabilizes at least a part of the Nitrogen which is present in all plant materials and animal manures. Nitrogen applied in this way is more

stable and less likely to leach or volatilize, but it is also not as readily available to the plant. As a result, organic crops may have slower growth

rates, and sometimes less lush Green vegetation. Leguminous species are so important: they convert the nitrogen they catch from the air into

recyclable plant material.

NUTRIENT CONTENTS OF COMMON ORGANIC FERTILIZERS WHICH PRODUCE NITROGEN PHOSPHORUS (P2O5) POTASSIUM (K2O); Rock

phosphate, bone meals, poultry manure, animal manure, compost, wood ash; Leguminous crops that are used as green manures or as mulch

provide content which can be used by subsequent crops, Urines from all species contain pure urea It is a good idea to urinate on the compost

heap; Manure teas and plant teas provide easily available nitrogen and can be used as top dressing or foliar feeds; Content o f purely vegetative

compost; if compost is prepared with livestock manures, rock phosphate and wood ash, the product will have higher nutrient contents.

INCREASING SOIL ORGANIC MATTER; keeping the soil covered and reducing tillage will automatically increase soil organic matter. Organic

matter is also provided with organic manures like compost and livestock manure. This will at the same time improve soil struc ture, reduce

erosion, and increase water infiltration and water storage in the soil. It will also improve crop nutrition and soil productivity.

ADDRESSING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES IN CROPS

COMPOST SHOULD ALWAYS BE COVERED TO CONSERVE NUTRIENTS

1. APPLYING WATER ON COMPOST IF MOST OF THE COMPOSTING MATERIAL IS DRY; a compost pile should be moist, not wet. If the pile is

wet, the water replaces the air in the pile - this is not good for composting because it interferes with the bacteria responsible for breaking

down the organic matter. If there is too much water in the compost, it‟s turned up over and over until much of the water is absorbed into the

compost. This reintroduces the air into the compost allowing the soil bacteria to be active again. If you notice a foul smell when turning the

compost, it means that the compost will not be of good quality.

Apply enough water to make the compost heap moist, not wet. In areas with a lot of rainfall, it is important to cover the com post heap with a

polythene sheeting, banana leaves or grass straw to prevent too much water from getting into the compost. Covering the heap also prevents

the leaching of essential nutrients and even loss of nitrogen to the atmosphere (volatility).

Moisture and air must be balanced in order to make good compost. On the other hand, if the pile is too dry, biological activi ty cannot take place

(breaking down of organic material requires oxygen). If the heap is too dry, then one has to add enough water to make it mois t and allow the

composting process to go on.

2. MATERIALS USED IN PLACE OF ASH WHEN PREPARING COMPOST! The main nutrient in ash is potash (potassium). Most organic matter

used in compost making does not have potassium in adequate quantities. That is why farmers are advised to use ash as much as possible.

Since we do not encourage the use of external inputs in making compost, the organic farmer use ash since there is plenty of it in most

homesteads. If you do not have enough of it, you can ask your neighbors to allow you to take ash from their kitchens.

Farmers can also use tithonia leaves (contains 4.6 % potassium) Leucaena leucocephala (3.37 % potassium) banana stalks (4.10 %

potassium) sweet potato vines (6.63% potassium) in their compost piles.

3. BEST PLACE TO MAKE COMPOST FROM IT is best to put up compost pile in a place where run-off water cannot wash or cause leaching; a flat

ground which has good drainage is good. Standing water will slow down the Decomposition process. Avoid direct sunlight and areas prone to strong winds

which can dry and cool the material. Putting up a compost heap under a tree shade is ideal. Sometimes a shallow trench about 1 foot deep can be used for putting up a compost heap.

4. USING TOPSOIL DURING THE PROCESS OF COMPOST MAKING. Topsoil contains a lot of bacteria that help in the compost decomposition process.

Using topsoil in your compost heap is most beneficial since it introduces the useful bacteria into the heap. After each layer of compost material, farmers

advised to top it up with topsoil for this purpose.

5. MANURE APPLICATION, most soils after harvesting is always low in soil nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus, which are important for

adequate crop growth. To alleviate this deficiency a wide range of manures and fertilizers are used. Manure improves the organic matter content of the soil,

Moisture retention ability and structure, manure can be broad cast in the field and mixed with soil during ploughing, it can also be spread along the

planting furrows and mixed with soil before seeds are placed but for liquid manure you need to use it after germination.

6. Compost applied per hole during planting; Compost is ideally spread evenly on the garden and then worked into the soil. A special way of applying

Compost is to apply it as surface mulch. This helps to stimulate living organisms in the soil. However, due to loss of nutrients when using this method, it is advisable to spread it first and then apply mulching material to stop the nutrients from being exposed to the sun or even washed away by run-off water.

Vegetables turning yellow. Vegetables such as kales and cabbages turn yellow because of deficiency in nutrients like nitrogen and magnesium. Heavy

rainfall or cold weather may cause these deficiencies. Soils low in organic matter is also prone to nitrogen deficiencies. In such cases there is poor

growth and leaves may have tints of yellow, red or purple. Magnesium deficiency may first show the yellow colour on the older leaves, and then spread to

younger leaves.

Nitrogen deficiency can be corrected by building up organic matter in the soil and applying nitrogen rich organic fertilizers which provide the required

nitrogen for immediate use by the plant. In the long term however, the solution is to practice crop rotation. The best crops for rotation are legumes which

fix nitrogen into the soil such as beans, peas or green manure crops such as lablab. Tithonia, when chopped and worked into, is also a good source of

nitrogen and other nutrients.

Neutralizing soil acidity Agricultural lime is obtained from crushed limestone, an organic sedimentary rock made of calcium carbonate. The carbonate is formed when dead microscopic material such as coral, shells and algae accumulate over millions of years. The rocks are then crushed into powder to form lime.

Lime is used to reduce soil acidity especially soils where a lot of chemical fertilizers have been used for a long time, in the process reducing soil pH.

Different types of lime have different abilities to neutralize acidity in the soil. This is sometimes determined by the how fine the lime is. The finer the lime,

the faster it reacts with acid soil to neutralize it.

Application rate The application rate of agricultural lime depends on the condition of the soil especially its pH level (acidity or alkalinity). Lime cannot be applied unless the

farmer has done a soil test on their garden soil. The agricultural specialist or soil scientists will then advice how much lime the farmer can apply.

Agricultural lime can be used as a soil conditioner

When to apply lime

Lime should be applied 3 months before planting row crops (maize, wheat, beans) and 6 months before planting forage crops such as pasture

grasses-this is adequate time for the lime to neutralize acidity in the affected soil.

How to apply lime

Farmers should always work lime into the soil whenever possible. The contact with the soil helps maximize the effectiveness o f the liming

material. Because lime gets absorbed into the soil at the rate of 1 inch per year; there is also the risk of much of the lime being washed away

during heavy rains. Lime applied as dust is also difficult to get into the soil and is therefore not very effective in neutra lizing acidity. Farmers

are advised to buy granulated lime, which is more effective in correcting acidity in the soil. Farmers can buy agricultural lime from agro-vet

shops; Lime is useful for reducing soil acidity.

STRENGTH BY USE OF LIQUID MANURE

The strength of the soil is determined by the amount of nutrients it has, well maintained soil will observe, fertility, if soil is over used, it loses

capability to feed plants just as a human being fails to poses power in case he/she is hungry it is the same way when the soi l loses nutrients.

It‟s important to use liquid manure because it quickly assimilate into the soil and supply nutrients very quickly for the plants, it help stimulate

crop growth during growing season, especially when roots have been damaged and nutrient up take through roots is hindered.

Liquid manure & plant teas are ready for use after two to three weeks, as compared to eight weeks or more for compost, as liquid manure is

made from yard manure, like cow dung, goat dropping, chicken and other animal & birds dropping a farmer can get. If possible it is better to

mix up the dropping of various categories, but if not possible whatever, you collect can be use full, soak in water for two three weeks, to

undergo fermentation frequent stirring which encourages microbial activity. The content mixed could produce a s trong smell as excess

nitrogen turns into ammonia; it is therefore best to keep a cover on the drum/ container, also to prevent evaporation.

MAKING LIQUID MANURE FROM FARMYARD DROPPING (I.E. GOATS, COW DUNG, CHICKEN, DUCKS ETC)

1. manure(droppings) is put in the strong suck (50kg) in a drum of 10 jerry cans (200litres) filled with water in such a way tha t you leave a

space of one jerry can for the sack we are going to insert in there containing droppings.

2. Suspend the bag or sack containing dropping / manure in a drum full of clean water, the bag should be tied securely with a rope and

suspend on a strong pole placed across the top of the drum.

3. Leave the dropping s/manure in the drum for two or more weeks, cover the drum on the top to prevent evaporation.

4. After two days and every other day thereafter, stir the drum by lifting the bag/sack several times using the pole.

5. After fifteen (15) days, the plant food in the manure will have been washed into the water and then remove the bag/sack from the drum.

6. The mixture is a concentrate and therefore needs to be diluted to radio of 1:2 (to 1 part of liquid manure add two Parts of c lean water)

meaning in 1 litre of liquid manure you add two litres of clean water.

7. Water with this liquid manure for two or three weeks; spray the crop at the stem and not at the leaves. Water around the roots near the

stem, it is effective as top dressing after planting the crop using compost.

MAKING PLANT TEA

The preparation of plant tea is similar to liquid manures. Comfrey leaves are best, you can use the leaves of Tithonia, a bushy plant with nice

yellow flowers and all green leafy grassland trees with in a farmers community without pests and diseases.

1. When preparing plant teas, branches and green sappy leaves are chopped up and placed in a drum full of clean water. It is no t necessary

to put the leaves in a bag/sack.

2. Leave it covered during 15 days, after three days and every other day thereafter, stir in the drum.

3. After 15 days remove the leaves, dilute the content to the ratio of 1:2 (to 1 part of the plant tea add 2 parts of clean wate r)

4. Water this diluted plant tea for two or three weeks, spray the crops at the crop stem not at leaves or water around the roots near the

stem, water with this plant tea for two or three weeks.

BENEFITS OF THE ABOVE METHODS

1. The materials need in making as in puts are very easy to get, like when making liquid manure we need to get either animal or bird dropping

if possible both and mix them up, a farmer can get these from within the community or from the farmers farmyard in ma king the plant tea a

farmer can get these from within the community or from the farmers farm yard. In making the plant tea a farmer can use the surrounding

green plants leaves and sometimes farmers can grow some of needed plants as in puts.

2. The mean through which the farmer obtains the liquid manure, pesticides and plant teas are very easy to understand and to follow during

the time of making the concentrate, which make this method easy to use.

3. This method takes a very little period of time for production process yet it increased performance in terms of output, therefore even large

scale farmers can use it in case a farmer has 10 drums can make liquid manure close to 1800 litres of concentrate. In the 1800 litre you add

in 3600 litres when you add up you get a total of 5400 litres of a liquid solution in just two to three weeks.

4. This method is associated with very little spending and sometimes no spending compared to any other means, because someone ca n

undertake all processes by him/her self or family members.

5. There is no chemical element associated with these methods and it is in friendship and in relationship with the natural setti ngs of human,

animal, birds‟ health and environment.

6. The concentrate obtained can quickly assimilate into the soil and making it easy for the plants to quickly absorb the nutrients. The leads to

quick improvements in the garden and in the harvests.

7. The method is available all the time a farmer needs the product, the farmer just prepares the production process, by use o f surrounding

materials as in puts, unlike chemicals a farmer might be in need but the production is out of stock(however we do not support the use of

chemicals ) Sometimes the types needed by farmers are not available leading the farmer to buy chemicals not in interest of the farmer, in

case the chemicals have expired the seller will not lose but use all possible means to sell to farmers which is extremely dan gerous to the

farmers health and environment, this also cause loss of money by farmer.

8. The method is easy to teach other people, which widen the use of organic farming practice, in case a farmer sees what the practitioner is

doing can copy and also use it to make liquid manures & plant tea, and also in case a farmer teaches another farmer about the practice it is

easy to understand & follow the steps and the other importance is that the farmer uses in puts surrounding the farmer.

9. Improvement in the general cleanliness and health in the farmers homes, the most things which cause decline in the hygiene of homes are

the inputs needed in the making of liquid manures (animal and bird droppings) attracts flies and other insects of which some are associated

with spreading diseases like diarrhea, typhoid etc, the droppings leads to decays and strong smell and also cause some diseases in animal &

birds droppings are collected and used as in put for making liquid manure, this improves the general cleanliness and hygiene in homes and

community as well, hence reducing diseases among human, animal and birds.

FRESH MANURE INCLUDES RISKS.

Manure includes some health and environmental risks, as it contains relatively high levels of human, animal and plant pathoge ns. Soluble and

volatile nutrients may cause water and air pollution, and it may also contain weed seeds, parasites, and veterinarian drugs. Fresh manure and

urine can also “burn” plants due to high ammonium content. Farmers can protect people and the environment from these risks. This is what is

done:

Compost animal manures and urine before application.

If you apply fresh manure, keep an interval of at least two months between manure application and harvest of crops for human

consumption.

Use fresh manure only in moderate amounts and spread it uniformly and superficially.

ORGANIC PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Organic farming is an agricultural system which deliberately renounces the use of synthetic and dangerous inputs; they usuall y include high

risks: long-term contamination of land and water resources and intoxication risks for farmers and their families. Organic farmers therefore

prefer practices which prevent the building up of high pest and disease populations. They try to avoid direct and potentially harmful control

measures.

USE ORGANIC PESTICIDES

The ban on the use of chemical pesticides is not surprising. Besides being a danger to human health, many of the chemicals used in pest and

disease control in the farms have detrimental effects on the environment. The chemicals not only destroy beneficial insects that control the

pests naturally. Residue from chemicals used in agriculture remains in the soil harming important soil organisms. Much of the chemical

residue is washed away by run-off water into rivers and lakes, affecting the water people are fetching, and harming fish and other aquatic li fe.

If farmers want to reduce reliance on chemicals, there are many other simple and natural methods they can use to protect their crops. The

best methods to ensure the plants are strong enough to withstand pests, is to have healthy plants. Plants can only remain healthy, if the soil on

which they are planted is fertile. This is why organic farming puts emphasis on building soil fertility.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Practice crop rotation. It is one of the most effective techniques to prevent accumulation of diseases and weeds which are associated with

most crop families.

SUSTAIN SOIL FERTILITY. Use organic fertilizers like compost and manure to support soil and crop health.

Various manures supply nutrients as follows:

Chicken manure: nitrogen rich: use for heavy feeders such as corn, tomatoes and squash.

Cow Manure: potash: use for root crops.

Rabbit manure: promotes strong leaves and stems.

Horse manure: leaf development.

CHOSE DISEASE-RESISTANT VARIETIES. They do not require much additional plant protection.

DIRECT MEASURES

There is a range of efficient insecticides and fungicides of plant and mineral origin which can be used in organic farming. Not all of them are

harmless, but with the exception of copper, they usually break down more rapidly than common chemicals. Some plant extracts and other

sprays against pests and diseases can easily be prepared by small-scale farmers. Organic Farmer's "Plant Extracts Special". Against seed-

borne diseases, seeds may be treated in hot water.

PEST CONTROL: NATURAL ENEMIES ARE FARMERS' FRIENDS

The natural methods which are health to the crops, human, animals, birds and environment, therefore, a farmer need to be trained these

methods and how they can protect the crops and environment. This method is wide and farmers need to clearly learn and understand various

means how they can be used in relation to the environment and the various forms of agriculture in relation to those the farm ers use.

Therefore the natural practice of farming do not depend on one method, it is a mix of various methods depending on the types soil, climate and

weather, those factors matters much in a way a farmer determines how to protect the crops, therefore a farmer should be aware of the

environment and situations of weather in the area of operation. These methods bring success gradually, it takes time but when done for a

period of time, it becomes of a great success to the farmer and environment.

In a natural farm environment, you find not only pests, but also many beneficial organisms which help farmers to control pests. It is very

difficult for one species to build up large populations if organisms which feed on it are also present. Ladybird beetles for example and their

larvae feed almost exclusively on aphids. Spiders, predatory bugs or praying mantids catch mites and insects. Tiny wasps lay their eggs into

other insects. For instance into diamondback moth caterpillars that just started to ruin the cabbage you want to sell later.

The wasps‟ larvae feed on the pests‟ larvae , killing them, and saving your cabbage while you may not even have noticed anything. There are

also nematodes, fungi and other microorganisms which can infect and kill pests, for example whiteflies, caterpillars, beetles or grasshoppers.

Most people can't identify many insect species and their different stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult insect. Here you see the different life

stages of the ladybird beetle. Eggs hatched larvae big larva pupa adult beetles.

WHAT IS DONE BY FARMERS TO KEEP A NATURAL BALANCE

They choose crop cultivars that are not highly susceptible to pests and diseases.

Farmers encourage natural enemies on their farm. It is not necessary to know them all, but it is good to know they are there

and how to promote them.

Hedges and trees not only provide fodder, poles and firewood, they also provide shelter for beneficial insects. Grassy spots,

flowering plants, unsprayed fields and wild areas are places where a wide variety of useful species develop.

NATURAL METHODS

It is possible to reduce harmful pests by planting hedges around the crop Fields to attract predators. The hedges also act as barriers that help

keep off pests. Tithonia for instance is very, good when planted on hedges as it can be used to prepare fertilizer. There are many plant

extracts that can be used to control common pests on the farm Plant extracts however do not work apply them as many as three times a week

depending on pest pressure.

MIXED FARMING or planting crops together is good for a farmer, to have some knowledge of the way in which cultivated fields and

surrounding environment are ecologically associated. It is good to mix crops when their times of maturity and harvest periods are different,

the root structures are different, it is always to mix other plants with legumes.

The greater availability of small habitats maintains a higher permanent population Of the predators and parasites of pest. This is one principle

of mixed farming, pests can become confused or disoriented and thus are not able to detect or discover their food plant.

For instance maize and cowpeas planted together are subject to significantly less damage from the stalk borers. Or a mixture of maize and

beans reduces infestation by the fall army worm. Potatoes planted in conjunction with onions, beans, soya beans, tomatoes and maize were

significantly less affected by the potato tuber moth.

In some cases mixed cultivation increases infestation, that means, farmers have to observe carefully.

ADVANTAGES OF MIXED FARMING.

1. They diminish the risk of pests building up resistance to treatment.

2. They have less destructive effects on the natural enemies of the pests; they diminish the risk of secondary out breaks.

3. They are less harmful to the health of either human or farm animals.

4. They cause no damage to the environment or to water supplies.

5. They mean no dependence on a constant supply of agricultural chemical to the farmer and the cost much less

INTERCROPPING

A wide range of vegetables and other crops can be intercropped; especially vegetables like beans, cabbages and tomatoes are a gronomically

suitable. Other recommended crops include potatoes, beetroots, Swiss chard, carrots, spinach, strawberries, eggplants, peppers, onions,

leeks and head lettuce. However, cucurbits (cucumbers, pumpkin, and squashes) are not recommended due to the woodiness virus and fruit

flies. Other crops that should not be intercropped with passion fruits are maize, cowpea, sorghum, okra , sweet potatoes and other creepers.

Intercropping can help in erosion control particularly when fed with good compost .

ROTATION

To avoid build up of soil-borne diseases strict crop rotation is practiced (farmers find suitable crops under intercropping). Passion fruits

should not be grown for more than 2-3 years on the same plot.

Strict crop rotation is one of the best strategies against diseases. Disease and pest resistant crops and crop varieties are preferred. Organic

farming promotes beneficial insects and natural enemies of pests and diseases as they often control pests like aphids effecti vely. Sustaining

soil fertility makes plants healthier and more resistant to diseases and pests. For direct control, insecticides and fungicides of botanical origin

are applied, and are be prepared by farmers themselves.

FRUIT FLIES; Pierce young fruit shrivels and falls; later injuries cause damage that lowers the market value of the fruit. So control ma y not be

necessary. Farmers; Collect and destroy all fallen fruits at least twice a week during the fruit Season. They do not put collected damaged

fruits into compost heaps. Instead, burn them or bury them at least 50 cm deep, so that the fruit flies cannot reach the soil surface. They

remove fruits with dimples and those that ooze clear sap. This method is more laborious than picking the rotten fruits from the ground, but it

is also more effective. They Pick overripe fruits, as they attract fruit flies.

ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES are serious pests. Characteristic symptoms of infestation by root-knot nematodes are formation of galls or knots

on roots, yellowing of leaves, stunting and eventual wilting of the affected plants. Farmers; Rotate with cassava, cereals, maize, Baby corn,

sweet corn, sweet potato, onions, cabbages / kale, garlic or fodder grasses (e.g. Sudan grass). They Use tolerant rootstocks and

Maintain high organic matter (farmyard manure / compost) in the soil.

THE SYSTATES WEEVIL; attacks many crops and ornamental plants, It is active at night, feeding on the edges of leaves producing a

characteristic indentations. During the day it hides in the mulch, at the base of plants or in loose soil near plants. They feed on a wide range of

crops and wild plants. They can be a problem to young papaya plants when present in large numbers, farmers; hand pick and destroy them.

SOAP SPRAY (SABUNI); Soap spray is used against aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, leaf miners, thrips, whiteflies, armyworms and

caterpillars. Soap concentration: 5-8 g soap per litre of water kill aphids and small caterpillars 8 g soap per litre will kill larger caterpillars 10

g soap per litre can kill plants Never use powder detergents (like Omo): they can burn plant leaves and reduce soil fertility!

PREPARATION AND APPLICATION

1. They dissolve 1 tablespoon of mild soap (Gun soap, sunlight, Snowflake etc.) in 3 litres of water (exact dosages see previo us paragraph).

2. Test the strength on a few infested plants

3. They apply on the infested plants thoroughly, including the undersides of the leaves. Spray early in the morning or in late afternoon. Soap

solutions are only effective as long as they are wet.

PESTS AND DISEASES

Pests can destroy crops and fodder trees. Diseases can also keep the crops and trees from thriving and lower their optimum production. They

attack the fodder trees and lead to reduction of foliage and even to plant death. Fortunately only a few pests and diseases a re known to cause

serious damage to trees. Some trees, e.g. gliricidia and leucaena, are resistant to attack by pests such as termites. Pests and diseases of

mature trees include scales, black ants, termites, crickets and hoppers.

SCALES; Are white, powdery insects that attack plant stems, especially calliandra. Scale attacks occur during the dry season. Farmers

Control scales with washing detergents dissolved in water. They Sprinkle the detergent solution onto the affected plants using leafy branches

or a knapsack sprayer.

BLACK ANTS; Damage the crops or tree by debarking the stems. Farmers control the ants, by digging out and destroying their nests. Smear

wet dung or used motor vehicle oil at the base of the tree or sprinkle some fresh ash to repel the ants.

TERMITES; Are destructive and cause serious damage by debarking the crops and tree and may lead to its death. Farmers Control them using

the methods for controlling black ants. Some farmers use fresh urine from cows diluted with water to repel the termites once they are

noticed to affect trees.

ARMILLERIA MELLEA; It‟s a fungus that attacks the roots of plants, causing root rot and eventual death; Farmers control Armilleria mellea;

problem, by uprooting the affected trees and burn them. They avoid planting trees areas that have been affected by Armillaria mellea.

CONTROLLING NEMATODES IN BANANAS; Root-knot nematodes are soil inhabitants. They do not move more than 10cm per year. They can

survive in nearly all types of soils where they cause great damage to plant roots. Nematodes are spread by transplanting infested seedlings or

plant material from soil washed down slopes or sticking to farm implements and even farm workers. Affected plants become stunted and

yellow in colour.

WAYS OF CONTROL

Plant extracts made from cassava (farmers crush juice, dilute in at ration of 1:1 using 4 litres per square metre. African ma rigold (crush 100-

200g leaves, roots or flowers pour in 1 litre boiling water soak for 24 hours then add 1 litre of cold water. Spray into the soil at base of

affected plants.

ORANGE PEEL SPRAY; Oranges and other citrus fruit contain natural occurring pesticide compounds called limonene and linalool. These

compounds can be used as a treatment for soft bodied pests such as aphids, fungus gnats, mealy bugs and as an ant repellant.

To Make: farmers Pour 2 cups of boiling water over peelings of one orange. Let this steep for about 24 hours. Strain the mixture into a glass

jar and toss the peels into the compost. They use this liquid as a spray mixing in a few drops of liquid soap on target insects or on ants and

their nests. Smells nice too

PEPPER DUSTS

Target Insects: General

Peppers contain the compound "capasaicin" which will irritate and repel many insects. Cayenne, chili, dill, paprika, red and black peppers can

be used as dusts. Farmers Purchase or grow peppers and dill in your garden. Dry them and pulverize them in a food processor. Sprinkle on

moist plant foliage and the surrounding soil.

PEPPER SPRAY

Target insects: All-purpose

Just like the pepper dusts a spray made from peppers will release the capasaicin compound to repel insects. Chili peppers have root exudates

that prevent root rot and other Fusarium diseases. Plant anywhere you have these problems. While you should always plant chili peppers close

together, providing shelter from the sun with other plants will help keep them from drying out and provide more humidity. Teas made from hot

peppers can be useful as insect sprays.

To make: farmers Mix 1/2 cup of finely chopped or ground hot peppers with 1 pint of water. They Let this sit for 24 hours. Use as is for a soil

drench application or strain the mixture through cheesecloth until you have a clear liquid. Add a few drops of castile soap and use as a foliar

application. Keep away from your eyes and skin when using.

GARLIC SPRAY

Target insects: Aphids, cabbage loopers, grasshoppers, June bugs, leafhoppers, mites, squash bugs, slugs, whiteflies and also help to repel

rabbits. Because garlic contains naturally occurring sulfur it also acts as an antibacterial agent and fungus preventative.

To make: farmers Combine 3 ounces of minced garlic cloves with 1 ounce of mineral oil. Let soak for 24 hours or longer. Strain.

Next Add 1 tablespoon of Castile or liquid soap

Now they slowly combine the water with the garlic oil. Kept in a sealed container this mixture will stay viable for several months. To use: they

Mix 2 tablespoons of garlic oil with 1 pint of water and spray.

TOMATO OR POTATO LEAF SPRAY

Target insects: Repels asparagus beetles and flea beetles. This will kill earworms and maggots and acts as an anti-feedent for other insects.

Plants belonging to the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes etc.) have large amounts of compounds called "alkaloids" in the ir leaves. These

compounds are water soluble and can be extracted by soaking chopped leaves then using as a spray. The toxicity of the alkaloids may account

for only part of their effectiveness. The sprays may also attract beneficial insects that follow the chemicals in these plants as a cue in

searching for their prey.

To make: farmers Soak 2 cups of chopped tomato leaves in 1 pint of water overnight. Strain this mixture then add another pint of water and

1/4 teaspoon of castile soap a sticker; They Spray foliage and soil as needed.

SUGAR DRENCH

Target insects: Bad nematodes! Sugar also adds trace minerals to the soil.

Farmers Mix ½ a cup of sugar with 1 gallon of water. Stir to dissolve sugar. Pour on the soil around plant roots where nematode problems are

or use as a treatment prior to planting.

CORIANDER (Cilantro, Chinese Parsley etc.):

The leaves of this plant are Cilantro. When left to flower and go to seed the dried tan seeds are Coriander, a familiar spice. It is a member of

the carrot family. Repels harmful insects; such as aphids, spider mites and potato beetle. A tea from this can be used as a s pray for spider

mites. Partners coriander are for potatoes and dill.

ROSEMARY: Companion plant to cabbage, beans, carrots and sage, deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.

COMFREY: This is one amazing plant. Accumulates calcium, phosphorous and potassium; Comfrey is beneficial to avocado and most other fruit

trees. Traditional medicinal plant. Good trap crop for slugs. Excellent compost activator, foliage spray, nutrient miner. Com frey is truly

essential to all gardens.

LAVENDER: Repels fleas and moths. Prolific flowering lavender nourishes many nectar feeding and beneficial insects. Lavenders can protect

nearby plants from insects such as whitefly, and lavender planted under and near fruit trees can deter codling moth. Use dried sprigs of

lavender to repel moths. Start plants in winter from cuttings, setting out in spring.

LEMON: Sprinkle throughout the garden in an herbal powder mixture to deter many bugs. Lemon balm has citronella compounds that make this

work: crush and rub the leaves on your skin to keep mosquitoes away! Use to ward off squash bugs!

MARIGOLDS: (Calendula): Given a lot of credit as a pest deterrent. Keeps soil free of bad nematodes; supposed to discourage many insects ;

Plant freely throughout the garden. The marigolds you choose must be a scented variety for them to work. One down side is that marigolds do

attract spider mites and slugs. Companions: Corn, pumpkin, radish and squash. Other suggested helpers for melons are as follows: Marigold

deters beetles, nasturtium deters bugs and beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection.

BEANS: All beans enrich the soil with nitrogen fixed form the air, improving the conditions for whatever crop you plant after the be ans are

finished. In general they are good company for carrots, celery, chards, corn, eggplant, peas, potatoes, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry

and cucumbers. Beans are great for heavy nitrogen users like corn and grain plants because the nitrogen used up by the corn and grains are

replaced at the end of the season when the bean plants die back.

COMFREY FERTILIZER: With its' high levels of potash comfrey tea is used as an excellent fertilizer for tomato, pepper, cucumber and potato

plants. The smell while it is "cooking" is strong. Farmers Pick a good sized handful of leaves, Place them in a container with enough water to

cover the leaves, Cover and let it cook for 4 weeks in cool weather or 2 weeks in hot weather. They then squeeze the leaves to extract as much

juice as possible Strain and use at a rate of 1/3 cup 0f comfrey juice to one gallon of water Use as a soil drench around the plants. Put the

solid wastes into the compost pile.

Dried or fresh comfrey leaves have the following percentages of NPK:

Nitrogen 0.75% Phosphorus 0.25 Potash 0.2%

CAUTION:

Avoid using chemicals to control pests and diseases on forage materials that are about to be fed to livestock. Such chemicals may affect the

health of the animals and could eventually be transmitted to human beings through milk and meat.

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

ELEMENTS SYMPTOMS REMEDIES Nitrogen (N)

Necessary for all

phases of plant

growth

Little new growth, yellow leaves: this being more pronounced in older leaves. Earlier fall

leaf drop. New shoots may be red to red-brown.

Quick fix: Farmers Make foliar applications of manure tea. Long term: Apply aged

compost, manure, soybean meal or

cottonseed meal to the soil once. Seaweed

extract improve the soil environment thus giving nitrogen fixing bacteria a boost.

Phosphorous (P)

Necessary for strong

stems, fruiting,

rooting and seed

making.

Overall dark green with purple, blue or reddish cast to leaves particularly on underside,

veins and stems and some plants respond to lack of P with yellowing. Foliage may be

sparse, small and distorted becoming mottled and bronzy with maturity. Very distinctive

symptoms. Excess foliage with no flowers can also indicate lack of (P).

Quick fix: farmers apply a light soil dressing

of wood ashes. Incorporate aged compost into the soil to boost microorganisms. Long

term: Mix rock phosphate or aged manure

into the soil in fall.

Potash (K) Potassium

Necessary for strong

root systems &

forming starch,

protein and sugar.

Sickly looking plants, undersized fruits, leaves showing marginal and interveinal yellowing.

Yellowing starts on older leaves and progresses upwards. Leaves crinkle, turn brown and

roll upwards. Blossoms may be distorted and small. Plant has little resistance to heat, cold

and diseases

Potash deficiency is mostly in the upper levels of soil. Quick fix: Spray plant with fish

manure tea until symptoms quit.

Long term: Apply manure and Hardwood

ashes to soil anytime.

Magnesium (Mg)

A lack of magnesium is characterized almost identically with iron deficiency but the older

leaves at the bottom of the plant, show marginal and inter-veinal reddening or yellowing

with leaf base and midrib staying green. Leaves may be brittle and thin with leaf curling and

stunted growth.. Apples may drop prematurely. In the fall as temperatures cool plants are

unable to take up Mg and leaves will turn a purple color

Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is used for

magnesium deficiency. They use it watering with a mix of 1-2 teaspoons or Epsom salts

dissolved in 1 gallon of water or using the mix

as foliar spray. They Make 3 applications 6

weeks apart. Iron (Fe)

New leaves are the most symptomatic and when condition is most severe they can be all

yellow or white but still have green veins. Overall you see yellow leaves with green veins

leading to marginal scorching or browning of leaf tips. Tip leaves, especially basal areas of

leaflets, intense chlorotic mottling; stem near tip also yellow. Fruits have poor color. Shoot

diameter is small. Iron deficit often occurs when the soil pH is higher than 7.5 meaning it is

more alkaline. Lack of Fe is common in plants living next to concrete walls, foundations etc.

Farmers Improve the soil by adding 1-2 inches of compost every year.

Manganese (Mn)

Similar to N deficiency, leaves display marginal scorching, rolling and reduced width.

Yellowing may also occur between leaf veins or total yellowing on youngest leaves.

In deficient soils, Organic compounds contents

Molybdenum (Mo)

Only a problem with brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower etc in acid soil. Heads can fail to

form leaves and become thin, elongated and rippled.

Add lime to soil before planting or sowing seeds.

Zinc (Zn)

Zinc deficiencies are mainly found on sandy soils low in organic matter and on organic

soils. Zinc deficiencies occur more often during cold, wet spring weather. New and

intermediate leaves are small, yellow, sometimes with a grayish cast. Narrow and older

leaves may drop. Small shoots may show rosetting followed by dieback.

Farmers use aged organic manure.

ELEMENTS FUNCTIONS

Iron (Fe)

Stimulates the formation of chlorophyll and helps oxidize sugar for energy; also necessary

for legume nitrogen

FIXATION. It regulates the respiration of the plant's cells.

Magnesium (Mg) Aids in chlorophyll formation and energy metabolism; it increases oil production in flax and

soy beans; helps regulate uptake of other elements. It also promotes healthy, disease

resistant plants. It is generally available in acidic soils.

Manganese (Mn) Necessary for the formation of chlorophyll

Molybdenum (Mo) Needed for nitrogen fixation and nitrogen use in the plant; stimulates plant growth and vigor

much like nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) Necessary for chlorophyll and genetic material (DNA & RNA) formation; stimulates green,

leafy growth

Phosphorous (P) Necessary for genetic material (DNA & RNA) formation; stimulates fruit, flower and root

production, and early season growth; increases disease resistance

Potassium (K)

Associated with movement of water, nutrients, and carbohydrates in plant tissue. Stimulates

early growth.

Helps in the building of protein, photosynthesis, fruit quality and reduction of diseases.

Sodium (Na) Increases resistance to drought; increases sugar content in some crops

Zinc (Z) Stimulates stem growth and flower bud formation

PESTS MODE OF TREATMENT

1) Aphids, cabbage loopers, grasshoppers, June bugs, leafhoppers, mites,

squash bugs, slugs & whiteflies

Garlic Spray

2) Cucumber beetles, mites & all purpose Lime spray

3) Repels asparagus beetles, tomato hornworms, leaf cutting & chewing

insects

Marigold spray

4) Aphids, fungus gnats, mealy bugs & as an ant repellant Orange peel spray

5) All purpose Pepper and herb dusts

6) All purpose Pepper spray

7) Bad nematodes! Sugar drench

8) Repels asparagus beetles & flea beetles, will kill earworms & maggots,

acts as an anti-feedent for other insects

Tomatoes or Potatoes leaf spray

9) Aphids, caterpillars, crawling insects and slugs, it may also repel

snakes

wormwood

10) Aphids, mealy bugs and other soft-bodied insects Yarrow tea