Organic and Sustainable Vegetable Production Flashcards
What is the long term effect of using synthetic chemical fertilizers rather than natural fertilizers in agriculture?
The use pf chemical fertilizers instead of natural fertilizers such as plant biomass and animal manures eliminated the “natural” accumulation of soil nutrients as well as the micro-flora that produced them. So although the concentrated industrially synthesized fertilizers increased yields, the yield potential of agricultural soils declined as the biological processes that maintained their health and quality became over burdened.
What are ecological concerns arising from “conventional” farming?
Decline in soil productivity due to wind and water erosion of topsoil, increased soil compaction, loss of soil organic matter, decreased soil water-holding capacity, loss of biological activity, salinization of soil and water on irrigated farms, non-point source water pollution including sediments, salts, fertilizers, pesticides, and manures.
What are potential negative impacts from the use of chemical pesticides?
Development of resistance of weeds, insects, mites, and fungal pathogens to pesticides; detrimental effects on pollinator and beneficial insect species, and loss of wetlands and wildlife habitat.
What is a potential negative result of growing only a relatively few F-1 hybrid vegetable cultivars?
Reduced genetic diversity.
What is a potential negative tradeoff of having vegetables shipped long distances from locations where their cultivation is maximized?
Often vegetables designated for long distance shipment have to be harvested before reaching maturity and the peak of flavor and quality. Long distance shipments also require a grower to focus on traits such as greater fruit firmness and shelf life to meet the goals of industry rather than more flavorful and nutritious vegetables that consumers would prefer.
Why is the use of conventional agrichemicals decreasing?
Because of increased organic production, fewer chemical registrations for vegetable use, and improved non-chemical alternatives for crop production.
What characteristics are shared by many conventional farming systems?
Rapid technological innovation; large capital investments in order to apply production and management technology; repeated use of intensive monoculture production systems; extensive use of uniform high-yielding hybrid crops; use of pesticides, fertilizers, and external energy inputs; high labor efficiency; and dependency on agribusiness partners. d
What characteristics are shared by organic vegetable production systems?
No use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically engineered organisms. Minimization in general of external inputs and emphasis on recycling. d
What is the “NOP”
The National Organic Program (NOP) facilitates the marketing of fresh and processed organic food sold in the USA to provide consumers with consistent, uniform standards. The NOP uses a federal accreditation program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service through certifying agents rather than government officials.
Are all natural or nonsynthetic materials permitted in organic farming practices?
No. For example, ashes derived from the burning of manure and nicotine sulfate.
Are all synthetic materials forbidden for use in organic farming practices?
No. For example sulfur compounds and insecticidal soaps are permitted even though they are synthetic.
Do non-actives such as fillers and carriers have to meet organic standards?
Yes
What is OMRI?
It is the Organic Materials Review Institute. OMRI is not a regulatory body but rather a non-profit, non-governmental organization that plays an important role in determining which materials are suitable for certified organic production under the NOP in the USA. OMRI evaluates products for suitability in organic production and processing. Most certifiers of organic production accept the use of OMRI-listed products with a high degree of confidence that they are suitable for organic production.
What fundamental principles characterize organic crop production?
Biodiversity, integration, sustainability, natural plant nutrition, natural pest management, and integrity.
What practices meet the fundamental principles of organic crop production?
Use of cover crops, green manures, animal manures, and crop rotations to fertilize the soil, maximize biological activity, and maintain long-term soil health; use of biological controls, crop rotations, and other techniques to manage weeds, insects, and diseases, reduction of external and off-farm inputs and the elimination of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other unnatural materials, a focus on renewable resources, soil, and water conservation, and management practices that restore, maintain, and enhance ecological balance.
