I am sure you would like to think that what you eat has no effect on the environment, but unfortunately that is not true. You might think that organic farming is obviously the nature friendly choice, but that isn't true either. There are drawbacks and advantages to both organic and conventional farming, and we should all take note of them.
First of all, organic farming is a process that uses biological methods instead of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Conventional farming uses these types of chemicals (some of which have caused some unpleasant environmental effects). So, organic farmers use compost and straw to nourish their soil and plants instead of chemical fertilizers. They also use methods like crop rotation and insect pest control instead of chemical pesticides. But all those natural chemicals can be bad in large quantities. If you've ever touched poison ivy, you know that natural chemicals are not always good. Rotenone, a natural insect deterrent, has been linked to Parkinson's disease and is sometimes sprayed in large quantities over plants while other man-made pesticides would only have to be used occasionally. Also, genetically modified food(uses the Bt gene which deters pests) may reduce the amount of pesticide needed, but insects will eventually become resistant to this chemical. Then, all the organic farmers who have been spraying their plants with this naturally occurring insect toxin will have to use something else. Who knows when genetically modified super-plants will overcome all others and become horrible weeds?
Truthfully, I don't know, but I think the best solution for growing plants is a mix between natural methods and man-made chemicals. Sometimes massive farms ignore the needs of the average plant and decide to smother it with chemicals. On the other hand, organic farmers drench their plants in naturally occurring chemicals instead of using a minimal amount of man-made chemicals. So, hopefully more farms will care about their plants enough to use such practices as crop rotation and natural fertilizers, but will also take advantage of the chemicals that have been created to make farming easier.
Basically, chemistry is quite important no matter what kind of farming you are doing. As a gardener, you should know about the Ph level of your soil, the nutrients that you are feeding your plants (Miracle Grow is the easy way out), and how to prevent pests from eating your plant. Thanks to chemists, there are some wonderful pesticides that can be used for farming, and there are some chemicals that we know not to use too much for farming. Knowing how chemicals will react to each other and affect the environment is essential, so chemistry has proven its worth yet again!
First of all, organic farming is a process that uses biological methods instead of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. Conventional farming uses these types of chemicals (some of which have caused some unpleasant environmental effects). So, organic farmers use compost and straw to nourish their soil and plants instead of chemical fertilizers. They also use methods like crop rotation and insect pest control instead of chemical pesticides. But all those natural chemicals can be bad in large quantities. If you've ever touched poison ivy, you know that natural chemicals are not always good. Rotenone, a natural insect deterrent, has been linked to Parkinson's disease and is sometimes sprayed in large quantities over plants while other man-made pesticides would only have to be used occasionally. Also, genetically modified food(uses the Bt gene which deters pests) may reduce the amount of pesticide needed, but insects will eventually become resistant to this chemical. Then, all the organic farmers who have been spraying their plants with this naturally occurring insect toxin will have to use something else. Who knows when genetically modified super-plants will overcome all others and become horrible weeds?
Truthfully, I don't know, but I think the best solution for growing plants is a mix between natural methods and man-made chemicals. Sometimes massive farms ignore the needs of the average plant and decide to smother it with chemicals. On the other hand, organic farmers drench their plants in naturally occurring chemicals instead of using a minimal amount of man-made chemicals. So, hopefully more farms will care about their plants enough to use such practices as crop rotation and natural fertilizers, but will also take advantage of the chemicals that have been created to make farming easier.
Basically, chemistry is quite important no matter what kind of farming you are doing. As a gardener, you should know about the Ph level of your soil, the nutrients that you are feeding your plants (Miracle Grow is the easy way out), and how to prevent pests from eating your plant. Thanks to chemists, there are some wonderful pesticides that can be used for farming, and there are some chemicals that we know not to use too much for farming. Knowing how chemicals will react to each other and affect the environment is essential, so chemistry has proven its worth yet again!
"It's not easy being organic." (Editorial Desk) The New York Times, May 27, 2006 pA13(L). Science Resource Center. Thomson Gale. 28 January 2008
"organic farming." Encyclopedia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 28 Jan. 2008
3 comments:
Hey Sandra,
I really enjoyed your post about farming. Most people think that organic farming is better because everything has always told us it was. It is interesting to know that really neither way is better. I also like the way your post is set up, it made it very easy for me to understand the difference between the two. One thing I would like to know is which is generally safer for humans? I know you said that some organic chemicals can cause Parkinson's disease, but overall which is safer?
Jen
Your post is very interesting. I was under the impression that organic farming is far superior, as we are lead to believe but now I have a fuller understanding of the situation. As Jen said, your post was set up nicely and very easy to follow. Also, I like your conclusion/suggestion for a better farming world.
It seems that Jen and James have already said a lot, but I also really like your post! It helped answer my question about the difference between the two, and now I'm reconsidering spending that extra bit for the organic option. I wonder- if neither is better in terms of farming and the environment, is either better in terms of health or taste? As far as the format and research itself, you're doing a fine job. I especially appreciate your specific examples on the cons of organic pesticides.
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