Off the Urban Grid

Conventional Farming Versus Organic Farming

Starting a vegetable garden is a cost effective way to provide fresh produce for your family. However, do you know which gardening method you’re going to be using? Although conventional farming is still being practiced, organic farming is less harmful on the environment and your well-being. Read more to find out the differences between these two methods of gardening.

Traditional farming relies on pesticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers to produce “quality” crops. Some farmers even choose to grow genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which are designed to be resistant to certain elements such as insect infestations and soil-borne diseases.

However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this farming method. While the plants are more likely to survive and become harvested, the chemicals that they are treated with leach into the soil and sometimes even groundwater. Also, the vegetables and fruits can end up having residual pesticides on them, which you will consume if you eat them. So along with soil degradation and water contamination, these fruits and vegetables are pumped full of chemicals that aren’t natural for your body to consume.

On the other hand, organic farming practices are pesticide free so there isn’t so much of a concern with chemical contamination. But because organic farming relies on manure for fertilizer, there is a risk of E. coli contamination, which can cause food poisoning. The presence of E. coli bacteria on the crops is only likely if the manure has not been composted properly. In a positive respect, growing organic ensures rich soils if you rotate the crops and fertilize with compost. Also, your organic garden will not need as much water as one treated with soluble chemicals that can prevent the plant from absorbing water.

Obviously, there are risks with either type of farming method, but organic farming ensures that the fruits and vegetables you eat aren’t contaminated with chemicals. Plus, the process is less harmful and destructive to our natural resources.

Tags: conventional farming, organic farming practices, traditional farming