Forage Complete

Organic farming is sustainable, profitable and healthy. Organic food gives consumers a nutritious and ethical alternative to the products of industrial agriculture. Organic farming involves using natural fertilizers such as cover crops (also known as “green manure”) and compost manure. Farmers also use techniques like companion planting, mixed planting, crop rotation and biological pest control to produce the best crops. Cover crop seed helps nurture soil in a variety of ways. The biggest benefits of using green manure or cover crops include: • Inhibits soil erosion by water and wind – When a piece of farmland is left bare, it is vulnerable to water and wind erosion. The roots of cover crops hold the soil in place and keep it from getting washed or blown away. They protect the rich topsoil and prevent the compaction of the soil underneath. • They add organic matter to the soil - The matter from organic crops enhances the soil in which it is planted. It provides the soil wit...

Organic farming involves more than simply farming without chemicals. It also requires rotating crop production, weed and nutrient management techniques and the integration of diverse organic pesticides. Innovative genetics are crucial for maintaining plant health, as chemical-based products cannot be used to control diseases and pests. A fundamental part of any sustainable organic operation is the use of cover crops. Organic farmers utilize cover crops to control weeds, reduce soil erosion and enhance soil quality by introducing organic matter. Because problems can arise due to unsuitable species or poor-quality cover crop seeds , it is essential to source from a trusted and reputable supplier. Important benefits of cover crops include: 1. Erosion Control Cover crops form a protective canopy over the soil, minimizing the impact of rain, high winds and the breakdown of soil aggregates. This increases the soil’s filtration and, most importantly, reduces erosion of the nutrient-ric...

The farming industry is currently at a crossroads. Farmers across the globe are weighing the pros and cons of continuing with conventional farming methods—including genetically-engineered crops, chemical-based fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and a general disregard for environmental effects—and those of transitioning to organic systems. Some believe that, from a supply-standpoint, it is important to stick with traditional methods that can feed more people. An increasing number of scientists and experts, however, understand that a shift to organic farming is essential from health, environmental and sustainability perspectives. Research shows that organized farming has existed since around 8,500 BC, when humans started to grow barley, wheat, lentils and other crops. Until this time, people survived by hunting animals and gathering plants. Though the fundamental processes—cultivate, plant, grow and harvest—has remained, farming has gone through innumerable transformations…for...

The adoption of farming practices which utilize organic and sustainable methods is no longer seen as a choice—it has become a necessity in many parts of the world. While it is an undeniable fact that chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides usher dramatically increased yields, they also degrade the quality of soil and pollute the underground water supply, both with potentially catastrophic long-term effects. We simply cannot continue to employ the traditional agricultural practices that involve exploitation of soil and water. Cover crops are plants which are introduced into fields to organically suppress many types of weeds, repel pests and improve soil quality and fertility. In addition to these benefits, farmers across the globe are recognizing the value of cover crops in increasing annual yields of organic commodities and also the prevention of soil erosion and harmful diseases. Any discussion of the sustainable future of agriculture must include mention of cove...

Alfalfa is commonly referred to as “Queen of the Forages” and is the fourth most widely grown crop in the US. Alfalfa is preferred by many farmers because it is comparatively easy to grow and thrives in a variety of climates and soil types. It is also a valuable component of successful sustainable agricultural programs around the world. A sample of alfalfa’s many benefits include: Soil Protection Alfalfa is a deep-rooted crop (often up to twelve inches below the surface) and, as it grows, forms a dense canopy covering the soil. These traits help hold the valuable topsoil intact and prevent it from being carried away by water erosion and wind, thereby reducing runoff. Its natural canopy also helps to suppress the growth of a variety of weeds. Nitrogen Balance Bacteria growing on the roots of alfalfa biologically balance the nitrogen content in soil without the application of supplemental fertilizers. Additionally, because alfalfa plants remain in the ground f...

The dramatic increase in the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides over the past few decades has caused significant deterioration in soil quality. Though it is an undeniable fact that chemical-based fertilizers increase crops’ yields, one of the downsides is that a portion of residual fertilizer makes its way into the water supply and causes contamination and eutrophication. Eutrophication has severely affected aquatic life in regions across the globe. from this, use of synthetic fertilizers in place of ‘organic’ or ‘green’ manure-cover crops grown into the soil-can deplete nutritional value of the soil after a period of time. The detrimental impact of artificial fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified crops on the environment and public’s health has escalated the need for organic farming methods. For example, non gmo alfalfa seed is now planted by more and more organic farmers to suppress weeds, reduce surface crusting, add active organic matter to the soil an...

Could organic farming really be the solution to our intensifying global food system challenges? An increasing number of individuals—from farmers and consumers to scientists and international supply organizations—are realizing that organic farming provides both the health and environmental benefits necessary to help usher in an exciting new era of farming. Critics, however, purport that any benefits of organic farming are grossly exaggerated, that it leads to lower-yielding crops and involves higher operating costs and, thus, cannot sustain the world's food supply. Time will tell whether organic farming becomes more mainstream but, in the meantime, it brings up these important questions: How does organic farming benefit the environment? The fundamental attribute of organic farming is that it does not involve the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, which are essential in conventional mass farming methods. Over time, these chemical-based fertilizers not only dimi...