The Rise of Alternative Farming Systems: Methods-Based AFS (Week 3)

Organic agriculture, biodynamic farming, natural farming, and ecoagriculture are four well-known methods-based alternative farming systems that rely on biological processes to fertilize the soil and protect crops from pests (Diver, 1994). They either minimize or completely avoid the use of synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. Each system places a special emphasis on a particular aspect.

Organic agriculture is a response to chemical agriculture (another term used interchangeably for conventional and industrial agriculture) in the 1940s. It was influenced by the writings of J.I. Rodale, Lady Eve Balfour, and Sir Albert Howard (Diver, 1994). Though organic agriculture conceptually should not use chemical and synthetic inputs, some definitions imply that organic agriculture allows the use of synthetically-produces inputs in minimal amounts. Some methods and techniques common to organic agriculture are crop rotation, intercropping, mixed cropping, and mulching. Organic farms may or may not include animals within its system. Aside from agricultural systems, organic farming should also emphasize social goals (Schreck A et al, 2012).

Biodynamic farming is similar to organic agriculture in many ways but places greater emphasis on closed-system nutrient cycling, the lunar calendar, and awareness of spiritual forces within nature (Diver, 1994). The subscription farming method called Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an innovation born out of the biodynamic movement (Diver, 1994).

According to Diver (1994), eco-agriculture or biological farming uses the Reams fertility system as the basis for crop production. The term "eco-agriculture" was coined by Charles Walters of Acres Magazine in 1970 to consolidate the concepts of "ecological" and "economical: (http://www.acresusa.com/eco-agriculture/).

Natural farming is a system developed in Japan that focuses on composting and making microbial ferments and concoctions as natural fertilizers.

Next Week: Concept-Based Alternative Farming Systems (AFS)

References:

Diver, S (1994). Permaculture and Sustainable Agriculture. Introduction to low-input sustainable agriculture. P. 152-158. Proceedings of the 13th Annual Oklahoma Horticulture Industries Show. Held January 7-8, 1994. Tulsa Jr. College-Northeast Campus, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Schreck, A., Getz, G. Feenstra (2012). Social Sustainability, Farm Labor, and Organic Agriculture: Findings from an Exploratory Analysis. University of California, Department of EPSM 207, Agriculture and Human Values