Organic plant cultivation techniques have now become an
alternative chosen by many modern farmers. This is done following
the trend of healthy lifestyles, especially the "back to nature"
eating pattern which is increasingly widespread globally.
People are increasingly aware that their environment is exposed to high levels of pollution, so awareness has emerged to selectively choose food products that are safe and environmentally friendly. So, this article will discuss more about agricultural systems and principles of organic cultivation, along with how to cultivate organic vegetables.
Organic Farming Techniques
Also known globally as organic farming, organic plant cultivation techniques are a sustainable agricultural system or technique that does not use or even avoids the use of chemicals in the process.
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Simply, organic farming techniques refer to an approach using natural ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals or dangerous pesticides.
Three main things are usually found in organic plant cultivation techniques, namely the use of organic fertilizer, natural techniques for controlling pests and diseases, and sustainable agricultural practices.
This organic plant cultivation practice is closely related to nature conservation and natural ecological cycles. Several benefits can be obtained from using organic materials or fertilizers, including maintaining healthy soil and water, reducing carbon footprints, reducing soil and water pollution, and many more.
Principles of Organic Cultivation
Organic cultivation is increasingly being practiced and applied, both on a small scale such as at home and on a large scale for commercial organic products.
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) put forward several principles for programs, position development, and also standards for organic cultivation.
All of these principles apply broadly to agricultural systems, especially in relation to sustainable practices. The four (4) principles are the principle of health, the principle of ecology, the principle of justice, and the principle of protection.
This is especially related to how humans manage land, water, plants, animals and the environment.
a. Health Principles
The health of each individual and community cannot be separated from the health of the ecosystem. Therefore, an organic farming system must be able to maintain and even improve the health of soil, plants, animals, humans and the earth as an inseparable unit.
b. Principles of Ecology
Ecological systems and cycles of life are the basis of organic farming systems. Placed in the ecological system of life, organic farming makes ecological processes and recycling the basis for production. Organic farming techniques must also consider ecological balance.
c. Principles of Justice
Organic cultivation must foster relationships that can ensure justice in relation to the environment and opportunities for life together. The characteristics of justice can be seen from equality, mutual respect, fairness, and managing the world together.
This applies to fellow humans, including their relationships with other living creatures.
d. Protection Principles
Organic farming systems require careful and responsible management. The aim is to protect the health and welfare of current and future generations, along with the environment. This requires not only scientific knowledge or technological development, but also the appropriate application of technology to combine it with traditional wisdom.
Apart from the four general principles above, there are several principles more specific to organic farming systems. What are they?
a. Environment
The location or land must be free from contamination by synthetic materials, such as chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
b. The variety or material planted
The variety has very good adaptability according to the location chosen or (point one above). This plant material must also not have a negative impact on the surrounding environment.
c. Planting pattern
Must refer to the principles of maintaining and preserving soil and water, or sustainable organic farming techniques.
d. Fertilizers and growth regulators
Fertilization must come from permitted organic materials or not be contaminated with synthetic or other toxic chemicals. Fertilizer can come from or outside the garden and is made organically, compost from plant residues, livestock manure, straw, green manure, etc.
In addition, organic cultivation does not allow the use of artificial fertilizers and growth regulators.
e. Control of nuisance organisms
Organic cultivation must not use all forms of artificial pesticides or those containing chemicals, except for biological pesticides that have been registered or permitted by IFOAM.
How to cultivate organic vegetables
It cannot be denied that organic plant cultivation is growing due to increasing public awareness of healthy lifestyles, including healthy diets.
Many people want to try their hand at practicing organic plant cultivation, one of which is by growing organic vegetables. Cultivated without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, organic vegetables are increasingly popular because they are healthy, thanks to the ingredients in them which are still completely natural.
Some examples of vegetables that can be cultivated independently, for example at home, are lettuce, mustard greens, kale, white mustard greens, or several other vegetables that have strong resistance to pest attacks.
So, how do you grow organic vegetables easily at home?
Choosing Planting Media
Planting media can be chosen between planting organic vegetables in the soil directly or using polybags.
For the first option, you can build a mini greenhouse with a silver roof. This can further help vegetable growth. This greenhouse functions to protect vegetables from direct sunlight, raindrops and pests. If you choose polybags, the planting method requires a mixture of soil and composition with a ratio of around 1:1. A roof can also be made using plastic supported by bamboo.
Maintenance
Planting or caring for organic vegetables is quite easy. Here are some things you need to pay attention to or follow.
a. Attention and regular check-ups
Especially from pest attacks or other diseases
b. Regular watering
Namely morning and evening with appropriate water levels
c. Weeding
Cut or pull out the grass that grows around the vegetables
d. Fertilization
Provide sufficient and appropriate fertilizer and does not contain chemicals. One example is organic liquid fertilizer which can be purchased or made yourself, for example from fine soybean dregs mixed with decomposing microbes.
e. Control pests
Physical control by throwing, catching or making the pests go away by themselves. Another way is to use insect repellent made from natural ingredients. Examples of pest repellent ingredients are lemongrass oil, sour sugar liquid, etc.
f. Harvest
Harvesting organic vegetables can be done according to the type of vegetable grown, because the harvest period varies. Harvesting can be done by pulling out or using tools to carefully lift the roots of the vegetables.
As the name suggests, organic farming is a form of agricultural cultivation that is more sustainable. This principle of organic cultivation tries to avoid the use of chemicals in the process to remain in harmony with ecological cycles and sustainability.
It is not surprising that the quality and safety of the production of this organic plant cultivation technique is guaranteed from chemical or toxic contamination. In other words, organic products are the results of planting or livestock obtained through sustainable practice processes, both ecologically and socio-economically.
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