ALTERNATIVE FARMING

Organic and Sustainable Practices

PROBLEMS: REVIEW Fertilizers and aquatic ecosystems

This leads to ______ which leads to ______ ______

Pesticides and ecosystemsLead to deformities in amphibians and fish,

commonly sex reversalsDeclining ______ populations (like bees) The treadmill effectHealth effects on _____ and _______

ALTERNATIVE FARMING SYSTEMS Organic farming – farming practices that

generally prohibit the use of petroleum based fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, sewage sludge and genetic engineering

Organic Animals- must be given organic feed and allowed access to outdoors.No routine use of antibiotics, hormones or

growth-promoting drugs

BENEFITS Reduced chemical contamination of

ecosystems Soils are kept moist with compost Crops are rotated and planted at all

times so little erosion Health of workers is better Health of consumers is better

DRAWBACKS Not all organic foods are grown without

the use of pesticides Labeling may be deceiving

Processed organic foods- only a percentage has to be Organic

Organic foods tend to be more expensiveWhy?

Larger corporate farms are starting to join the organic marketSome are concerned about changes

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE Ecologically sound practices Economically viable Socially just Practices give consideration to the

importance of long term interestsSoil erosionCompostingWater use Integrated Pest Management- more to come

later

YOUR ASSIGNMENT (25 POINTS) Read p242-247 Outline information about soils, primary,

secondary and micronutrients Define organic and synthetic fertilizer With a partner, create a T-Chart of Pros

and Cons for both types of fertilizersOne person does organic, one does

synthetic- swap and share