List of Pros and Cons of Organic Farming

Even though there are a number of benefits to be had from organic farming, some farmers still stick to the traditional methods. Before making the switch to organic farming, it is important to truly examine the pros and cons of this agricultural approach, so that you can make a truly informed decision.

List of Pros of Organic Farming

1. Higher Nutritional Value.
When assessing the nutritional value of any food, the vitamin and mineral content is the first place to measure. Foods that grown organically provide a much higher nutritional content and have a far greater access to the natural nutrients that are provided by the soil. People who consume organically grown food are typically much healthier than their more conventional counterparts.

2. Free of Poison.
Unlike most conventional farming techniques, organic farming is noted for its lack of pesticide usage. Fungicides and herbicides are also avoided during growth cycles in an organic garden. By decreasing exposure to toxic chemicals, you can also decrease the chances of being diagnosed with diseases.

3. Food Is Tastier.
One of the more common observations made about food that has been grown on an organic farm is that it simply tastes better than foods that have been grown by conventional methods. Not only does it taste better, but it also has a much longer overall shelf life, which helps to decrease your food costs. Plants that have been able to enjoy quality nutrition during their growth cycle are typically going to taste better than those which have not.

List of Cons of Organic Farming

1. Less Productivity.
Conventional farmers who are looking to discredit organic farming will usually point to their superior yields as a basis of comparison. Since traditional farms utilize far more machinery and use additional pesticides, it can be difficult for an organic farmer to match their overall yields.

2. Cultivation Is More Difficult Than Direct Drilling.
Typically, farmers will drill their seeds directly into the soil when it is time to sow, organic farmers are forced to remove their weeds by hand before they can cultivate their crops. Direct drilling is much simpler than cultivation and does not tend to disrupt the structure of the soil. Direct drilling also reduces the risk of soil becoming exposed and lost due to erosion that is caused by the wind and rain.

3. Greater Time Commitment.
In order to get the most out of your organic farming, you will need to spend much more time with your crops than a conventional farmer would. Weed control is crucial and so is intervening at the correct moments. In order to keep the soil and the crops functioning at their best, a great deal of labor and time is necessary.