How to fertilize organic produce
As any farmer will tell you, soil alone is not usually enough to create a healthy foundation for most crops. That’s why it is important to fertilize your plants and soil. Fertilizers are usually added to increase the plant’s supply of magnesium, sulfur and calcium. Fertilization can be applied directly to the plant’s leaves (called foliar application) or to the soil surrounding the plants, nourishing both the soil and the plant roots (called root uptake).
PF 2412
Once you have decided to fertilize with organic soil, there are many different kinds of fertilizers to choose from. Patrick Frink recommends his PF 2412 formula, which is among the most highly concentrated forms of organic carbon available today. PF 2412 derives its humate from Leonardite, a mineral rich in humic acid which is found exclusively in New Mexico.
Green Manure
Green manure is the term used to describe a plant composting method used in organic farming. It is created by growing a “cover crop” in the soil intended for use for whatever produces will be eventually grown. This cover crop is sustained for a definite period of time before it is then plowed under the soil so that it may decay and compost its nutrients back into the soil. After the soil has time to absorb some of the nutrients provided by the green manure, the produce crops are planted, reaping the benefits of the enriched soil.
Soil Quality
Fertilization is the core process of farming and affects the whole procedure, which is why it’s important that fertilizers be organic. The food quality isn’t the only factor that is an issue in the chemical treatment of crops. The surrounding terrain can also be affected by harmful chemicals and pesticides. Many people don’t know that there are living organisms in soil that are vital to the success of any given crop. When pesticides are used, these organisms are killed in the process. Also, pesticides destroy natural minerals in the dirt that are designed to naturally fertilize the plants. When chemicals are used in the soil, it becomes contaminated. That soil will remain for years to come, and will be used over and over in harvesting crops. The cycle never ends because the substances that are used perpetually pollute the soil.
Water Quality
Local water supplies are also affected by chemicals used in fertilizing crops. When it rains, dirt and the substances in it run off into streams, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Not only are animals now exposed to these dangerous pesticides, but through this process humans are also being put at high risk of cancer, birth defects, and other health complications. Ultimately, we end up drinking the water that has been contaminated by harmful substances. We don’t realize that our diet begins to be dominated by chemical treatments through processes such as these. In fact, it has been reported by various news sources that groundwater is being affected by toxins all around the world. The [Worldwatch Institute (http://www.worldwatch.org/)], an organization dedicated to educating the public about growing environmental problems, has recounted that some companies are even paying farmers to switch to organic methods because it is much cheaper than extracting the chemicals from the local water supplies.
The Surrounding Animal Population
The use of harmful substances in crop harvesting inherently drives away animal species. Bugs are killed through the dispersal of the pesticides and consequently other types of animals are driven away. Birds are no longer able to find food in the area and go elsewhere to find it. The natural food chain around the harvesting site becomes threatened. Insects that are actually beneficial to the crops are killed in the process. Other phenomena such as mutated animals with extra legs and eyes have also been reported. Overall, the animal population in the surrounding area suffers greatly as a result of chemical use.
The Ozone Layer
There is significant data to suggest that certain chemicals used in fertilizing crops also contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. One substance, methyl bromide, has been found to seep into the stratosphere and destroy beneficial ozone molecules. The popularity of this chemical grew because it was so inexpensive and easy to use, but the danger this pesticide presents is grave because it is a direct contributor to global warming. Fortunately, in recent times, the use of methyl bromide has declined and thus the levels of it that are airborne have declined as well. But the threat still remains: as long as harmful substances are being used for fertilization, the atmosphere stands the chance of being depleted through chemical dispersion.