Organic Farming & Bio fertilisers
1. Organic Farming
Organic Farming is a natural way of growing crops without using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified seeds.
Instead, it uses organic (natural) inputs such as compost, manure, crop rotation, and biological pest control to maintain soil fertility and crop health.
Key Features:
- No chemical fertilizers or pesticides
- Uses compost, green manure, and animal dung
- Focuses on soil health and biodiversity
- Relies on crop rotation and mixed cropping
- Protects environment and water quality
Example:
A farmer uses cow dung, compost, neem oil, and vermicompost instead of urea or DAP for their paddy or vegetable fields.
Benefits:
- Healthier and chemical-free food
- Improves soil fertility and structure
- Reduces pollution and water contamination
- Long-term sustainable farming
- Good market value (higher price for organic produce)
2. Bio fertilisers
Bio fertilisers are natural fertilizers that contain living microorganisms (like bacteria, fungi, or algae).
These tiny organisms help increase the availability of nutrients to the plants naturally.
Common Types:
| Type | Function |
|---|---|
| Rhizobium | Fixes nitrogen in pulses (like lentils, peas) |
| Azospirillum & Azotobacter | Adds nitrogen for cereals like wheat & rice |
| Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) | Makes phosphorus available to plants |
| Blue Green Algae (BGA) | Adds nitrogen in paddy fields |
| Mycorrhiza | Helps roots absorb water & nutrients better |
Benefits:
- Improves soil fertility naturally
- Reduces need for chemical fertilizers
- Low cost and eco-friendly
- Safe for humans, animals, and soil
Organic + Bio fertiliser Farming = Sustainable Agriculture
When farmers use organic methods (compost, cow dung, neem, etc.) along with bio fertilisers, they create a natural, self-sustaining soil ecosystem — good for the environment and profitable in the long term.