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
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