Eco-agriculture Trivia
What is organic farming?
Organic farming is a farming method that is in harmony with nature, does not damage the ecosystem, protects the soil, and maintains human health. The use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers is prohibited during farming to reduce environmental damage. The quality and nutrients of the soil can also be improved during the farming process. Organic farming prohibits the use of any genetically modified materials to ensure that the production process has no negative impact on the environment and the human body. There is also an organic farm in Lady Ho Tung Welfare Centre Eco-Learn Institute.
What fertilizers are used in organic farming?
Organic fertilizers used in organic farming can maintain the nutrient balance of the soil and protect the soil structure, and are not likely to pollute water sources. Organic fertilizers include chicken manure, peanut bran powder, bone meal, horse manure, slaked lime, etc.
Farmers will turn the soil three times before plowing. During the first time no fertilizer is used, the second time lime powder is added, and the third time peanut bran powder is used as base fertilizer. Apply chicken manure once after sowing and peanut bran powder once before harvesting.
What are some methods of controlling pests?
Insect and bird-proof net
Birds will eat the seeds and leaves of crops, while cabbage loopers and aphids will eat the leaves. Covering farmland with insect and bird-proof nets can prevent insects or birds from contacting crops, thus reducing the chance of crops being attacked.
Melon Net
The function of the melon net is similar to that of the insect-proof net, but it is smaller in scale and only one melon is caught in one net. It is used to prevent flies or fruit flies that love to eat melons and fruits.
Solar Insect Killer
A solar-powered electric light with a basin of water underneath. Phototactic insects will be attracted by the electric light, and then fall into the basin of water under the lamp and eventually drown.
Interplanting
Interplanting is a method of planting two or more crops at intervals on the same field to prevent the rapid reproduction of pathogens and pests. Pests usually only feed on one or two varieties of vegetables. Planting a variety of crops can reduce the pests' food sources and also the risk of all crops being eaten up.
What are some ways to protect the soil?
Covering
With covering materials such as canvas, nets, and plastic films, it can keep the soil moist and prevent evaporation under direct sunlight. At the same time, it can also prevent weeds from absorbing sunlight and preventing them from growing.
Weed Control Methods
Chemical herbicides cannot be used in organic farming. Organic weed control methods mainly include manual weeding or covering.
Machine Operation
Use a small cultivator to turn the soil
