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151.

What Can And Cannot Be Composted?

Answer»

What's in - fruits and vegetables, baked goods, rice and other grains, dried corn stalks, pasta, PEANUT shells, COFFEE GROUNDS and filters, tea leaves and bags, egg shells, paper towels, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, dry leaves, dried and untreated grass clippings, weeds, twigs, small branches, sawdust, plants (non-diseased), and grass clippings.

What's out - all meat and fish products, bones, fat and OILS, all dairy products, weeds that have gone to SEED, diseased plants, dog and cat waste, and plants previously sprayed with non-degradable pesticides.

What's in - fruits and vegetables, baked goods, rice and other grains, dried corn stalks, pasta, peanut shells, coffee grounds and filters, tea leaves and bags, egg shells, paper towels, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, dry leaves, dried and untreated grass clippings, weeds, twigs, small branches, sawdust, plants (non-diseased), and grass clippings.

What's out - all meat and fish products, bones, fat and oils, all dairy products, weeds that have gone to seed, diseased plants, dog and cat waste, and plants previously sprayed with non-degradable pesticides.

152.

What Are The Benefits Of Composting?

Answer»

COMPOSTING can play an important role in solid waste management programs and greatly reduce the amount of waste going to LANDFILL. In addition, composting conserves resources, reduces POLLUTION, reduces landfill and waste disposal costs, and builds HEALTHY SOIL.

Composting can play an important role in solid waste management programs and greatly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. In addition, composting conserves resources, reduces pollution, reduces landfill and waste disposal costs, and builds healthy soil.

153.

Why Should I Compost?

Answer»

Although organic waste MAY not SEEM harmful - it actually REPRESENTS more than 30% of all the MATERIAL sent to landfill sites. When organic material is held in a landfill, it produces harmful gases. In addition, as water runs through this decomposing waste, TOXIC liquid runs out the bottom.

Although organic waste may not seem harmful - it actually represents more than 30% of all the material sent to landfill sites. When organic material is held in a landfill, it produces harmful gases. In addition, as water runs through this decomposing waste, toxic liquid runs out the bottom.

154.

What Is Composting?

Answer»

Composting is a natural process, and when carried out under controlled conditions, converts organic material (LIKE food scraps and garden waste) into a product CALLED compost. During composting, various MICROORGANISMS, including BACTERIA and fungi, BREAK down organic material.

Composting is a natural process, and when carried out under controlled conditions, converts organic material (like food scraps and garden waste) into a product called compost. During composting, various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, break down organic material.

155.

Is Organic Food Safe?

Answer»

Yes. Organic food is as safe to consume as any other kind of food. Just as with any kind of produce, CONSUMERS should wash before consuming to ensure maximum cleanliness. As cited above, organic produce contains significantly lower levels of pesticide residues than conventional produce. It is a common misconception that organic food could be at greater risk of E. coli contamination because of raw manures application although conventional farmers commonly apply tons of raw manure as well with no regulation whatsoever. Organic standards set strict guidelines on manure use in organic farming: either it must be first composted, or it must be APPLIED at least 90 DAYS before harvest, which ALLOWS ample time for microbial breakdown of pathogens.

Yes. Organic food is as safe to consume as any other kind of food. Just as with any kind of produce, consumers should wash before consuming to ensure maximum cleanliness. As cited above, organic produce contains significantly lower levels of pesticide residues than conventional produce. It is a common misconception that organic food could be at greater risk of E. coli contamination because of raw manures application although conventional farmers commonly apply tons of raw manure as well with no regulation whatsoever. Organic standards set strict guidelines on manure use in organic farming: either it must be first composted, or it must be applied at least 90 days before harvest, which allows ample time for microbial breakdown of pathogens.

156.

How Are Organic Livestock And Poultry Raised?

Answer»

Organic meat, dairy products, and eggs are produced from animals that are fed organic feed and allowed access to the outdoors. They must be kept in living conditions that accommodate the natural behavior of the animals. Ruminants must have access to pasture. Organic livestock and poultry may not be give antibiotics, hormones, or medications in the ABSENCE of ILLNESS; however, they may be vaccinated against disease. PARASITICIDE use is strictly regulated. Livestock diseases and parasites are controlled primarily through preventative measures such as rotational grazing, balanced diet, SANITARY housing, and stress REDUCTION.

Organic meat, dairy products, and eggs are produced from animals that are fed organic feed and allowed access to the outdoors. They must be kept in living conditions that accommodate the natural behavior of the animals. Ruminants must have access to pasture. Organic livestock and poultry may not be give antibiotics, hormones, or medications in the absence of illness; however, they may be vaccinated against disease. Parasiticide use is strictly regulated. Livestock diseases and parasites are controlled primarily through preventative measures such as rotational grazing, balanced diet, sanitary housing, and stress reduction.

157.

How Do Organic Farmers Fertilize Crops And Control Pests, Diseases, And Weeds?

Answer»

Organic farmers build healthy soils by nourishing the living component of the soil, the microbial inhabitants that release, transform, and transfer nutrients. Soil organic matter contributes to good soil structure and water-holding capacity. Organic farmers feed soil biota and build soil structure and water-holding capacity. Organic farmers build soil organic matter with cover crops, compost, and biologically based soil amendments. These produce healthy plants that are better able to resist disease and insect predation. Organic farmers' primary strategy in controlling pests and diseases is prevention through good plant nutrition and MANAGEMENT. Organic farmers use cover crops and sophisticated crop rotations to manage the field ecology, effectively disrupting habitat for weeds, insects, and disease organisms.

Weeds are controlled through crop rotation, mechanical tillage, and hand-weeding, as well as through cover crops, mulches, flame weeding, and other management methods. Organic farmers rely on a diverse population of soil organisms, beneficial insects, and birds to keep pests in check. When PEST populations GET out of balance, growers implement a variety of strategies such as the use of insect predators, mating disruption, traps and barriers. Under the National Organic Program Rule, growers are REQUIRED to use sanitation and cultural practices first before they can resort to applying a material to CONTROL a weed, pest or disease problem. Use of these materials in organic production is regulated, strictly monitored, and documented. As a last resort, certain botanical or other non-synthetic pesticides may be applied.

Organic farmers build healthy soils by nourishing the living component of the soil, the microbial inhabitants that release, transform, and transfer nutrients. Soil organic matter contributes to good soil structure and water-holding capacity. Organic farmers feed soil biota and build soil structure and water-holding capacity. Organic farmers build soil organic matter with cover crops, compost, and biologically based soil amendments. These produce healthy plants that are better able to resist disease and insect predation. Organic farmers' primary strategy in controlling pests and diseases is prevention through good plant nutrition and management. Organic farmers use cover crops and sophisticated crop rotations to manage the field ecology, effectively disrupting habitat for weeds, insects, and disease organisms.

Weeds are controlled through crop rotation, mechanical tillage, and hand-weeding, as well as through cover crops, mulches, flame weeding, and other management methods. Organic farmers rely on a diverse population of soil organisms, beneficial insects, and birds to keep pests in check. When pest populations get out of balance, growers implement a variety of strategies such as the use of insect predators, mating disruption, traps and barriers. Under the National Organic Program Rule, growers are required to use sanitation and cultural practices first before they can resort to applying a material to control a weed, pest or disease problem. Use of these materials in organic production is regulated, strictly monitored, and documented. As a last resort, certain botanical or other non-synthetic pesticides may be applied.

158.

Are Organic Yields Lower?

Answer»

Based on 154 growing seasons' worth of DATA on various crops, organic crops YIELDED 95% of crops GROWN under conventional, high-input CONDITIONS. Growers who go through the 3-year transition period from conventional to organic management usually experience an initial decrease in YIELDS, until soil microbes are re-established and nutrient cycling is in place, at which point yields return to previous levels.

Based on 154 growing seasons' worth of data on various crops, organic crops yielded 95% of crops grown under conventional, high-input conditions. Growers who go through the 3-year transition period from conventional to organic management usually experience an initial decrease in yields, until soil microbes are re-established and nutrient cycling is in place, at which point yields return to previous levels.

159.

When Compost Is Ready?

Answer»

The compost is READY when the material is moderately loose and crumbly and the colour of the compost is dark brown. It will be black, GRANULAR, lightweight and humus-rich. To facilitate separating the worms from the compost, stop watering two to three days before emptying the beds. This will force about 80 per cent of the worms to the bottom of the bed. The rest of the worms can be removed by HAND, and are ready to be transferred into the next round of compost making. The vermicompost is then ready for application. The smell is earth-like. Any bad odour is a sign that fermentation has not reached its final GOAL and that the bacterial processes are still going on.

The compost is ready when the material is moderately loose and crumbly and the colour of the compost is dark brown. It will be black, granular, lightweight and humus-rich. To facilitate separating the worms from the compost, stop watering two to three days before emptying the beds. This will force about 80 per cent of the worms to the bottom of the bed. The rest of the worms can be removed by hand, and are ready to be transferred into the next round of compost making. The vermicompost is then ready for application. The smell is earth-like. Any bad odour is a sign that fermentation has not reached its final goal and that the bacterial processes are still going on.

160.

Do Leguminous Plants Help In Cultivation Of Other Crops?

Answer»

Leguminous PLANTS in association with the bacteria in their ROOT nodules, can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the SOIL. The INCREASED nitrogen in the soil will help in the growth of succeeding CROPS.

Leguminous plants in association with the bacteria in their root nodules, can fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil. The increased nitrogen in the soil will help in the growth of succeeding crops.

161.

How Is Compost From Coconut-pith Prepared?

Answer»

PITH PLUS is an effective fungal culture which is ADDED to the COIR pith to compost it.

Pith plus is an effective fungal culture which is added to the coir pith to compost it.

162.

What Is Varahagunabajalam? What Is It Used For And Is There Any Place From Where I Can Get Training In Its Usage?

Answer»

Varahagunabajalam is MADE from the flesh and bones of pigs. About 5KG of pigs flesh and bones, 1 kg of BLACK gram and sesame each are fried in about 2 lts of gingerly oil. About 2 kg of jaggery is added to the MIXTURE and soaked in cow’s urine or water and buried under soil for about 30 DAYS. It helps in better flower formation and fruits. The recommended dosage is 100 ml diluted in 10 litres of water, which can be either sprayed on the leaves or mixed together with irrigated water.

Varahagunabajalam is made from the flesh and bones of pigs. About 5kg of pigs flesh and bones, 1 kg of black gram and sesame each are fried in about 2 lts of gingerly oil. About 2 kg of jaggery is added to the mixture and soaked in cow’s urine or water and buried under soil for about 30 days. It helps in better flower formation and fruits. The recommended dosage is 100 ml diluted in 10 litres of water, which can be either sprayed on the leaves or mixed together with irrigated water.

163.

Is There Any Method For Making Organic Hormones Apart From Vermiwash For Inducing Good Crop Growth?

Answer»

MIX about 5ml of coconut milk and BUTTERMILK each in a mud pot and BURY the pot under the soil for a PERIOD of 10 days for fermentation. After the stipulated time the fermented concoction should be distilled and diluted in water in the ratio of 1:10 and sprayed over the crops.

Mix about 5ml of coconut milk and buttermilk each in a mud pot and bury the pot under the soil for a period of 10 days for fermentation. After the stipulated time the fermented concoction should be distilled and diluted in water in the ratio of 1:10 and sprayed over the crops.

164.

Are There Any Bio Friendly Methods To Cure My Curry Leaf Tree That Has Wrinkled Leaves With White Patches?

Answer»

The tree may be sprayed with a combination of neem oil, vermin wash and COW’s urine at weekly INTERVALS especially during SUMMER for effective RESULTS.

The tree may be sprayed with a combination of neem oil, vermin wash and cow’s urine at weekly intervals especially during summer for effective results.

165.

Can We Use Coconut Coir Waste Instead Of Cow Dung In Preparing Vermi Compost?

Answer»

Coconut COIR can be separately added but cow DUNG is necessary for promoting population and ALSO to meet the essential microbial energy REQUIREMENTS of earthworms.

Coconut coir can be separately added but cow dung is necessary for promoting population and also to meet the essential microbial energy requirements of earthworms.

166.

Can Drip System Be Used To Supply Liquid Nutrients Such As Panchagavya As Liquid Fertilizer?

Answer»

Yes, a number of farmers have ALREADY been using the TECHNIQUE of using ORGANIC liquid fertilizers through drip system.

Yes, a number of farmers have already been using the technique of using organic liquid fertilizers through drip system.

167.

Are There Any Leguminous Plants, Which Could Be Used As Green Manures?

Answer»

NUMBER of crops such as peas, gliricidia and dhaincha can be used for GREEN MANURING. These plants have to be ploughed in the FIELD when they are tender and before they start FLOWERING.

Number of crops such as peas, gliricidia and dhaincha can be used for green manuring. These plants have to be ploughed in the field when they are tender and before they start flowering.

168.

What Is Cow Pat Pit And How Is It Prepared?

Answer»

COW pat pit is an organic PREPARATION, which is prepared by mixing cow dung, EGG shell powder, basalt ROCK and biodynamic preparations in a desired proportion in brick-lined pits.

Cow pat pit is an organic preparation, which is prepared by mixing cow dung, egg shell powder, basalt rock and biodynamic preparations in a desired proportion in brick-lined pits.

169.

Why Super Phosphate Is Added In The Compost?

Answer»

Due to quick heating and drying during the decomposition of ORGANIC wastes, nitrogen in the organic wastes will be lost due to volatilization. Addition of SUPER PHOSPHATE decreases such nitrogen losses. It will ALSO increase the phosphate CONTENT of compost.

Due to quick heating and drying during the decomposition of organic wastes, nitrogen in the organic wastes will be lost due to volatilization. Addition of super phosphate decreases such nitrogen losses. It will also increase the phosphate content of compost.

170.

How Good Compost Is Prepared?

Answer»

Compost MAKING is the process of decomposing organic wastes in a pit. Site for compost making is selected should be at a high level and water should not pond during monsoon season. Pit should be of 3’ depth and 6’ to 8’ width. Length may be of any convenient size.

The process is as follows:

  • Make slurry of the cattle dung with water.
  • Prepare 6” layer of organic wastes – plant residues, sweepings from the cattle shed, waste fodder, dried plants stalks and leaves etc. and sprinkle water to just moisten it. (Over watering should be avoided).
  • Cover with the layer with urine earth and cattle dung slurry.
  • Add 5 to 10 kg of super phosphate for every 10 TONS of organic wastes.
  • Repeat the process of putting such layers till the pit is full.
  • Close the pit with urine earth, waste fodder and then heap the soil till it gets convex shape (about 1 to 1.5’ above the ground) so that the rainwater ROLLS AWAY.
  • After six months compost is ready to apply to the fields.

The pit can be filled up if sufficient organic wastes are available. Otherwise a temporary partition can be MADE in the pit with bamboos or stalks and the pit can be filled up over time filling each partitioned area as and when the material is available for composting.

Compost making is the process of decomposing organic wastes in a pit. Site for compost making is selected should be at a high level and water should not pond during monsoon season. Pit should be of 3’ depth and 6’ to 8’ width. Length may be of any convenient size.

The process is as follows:

The pit can be filled up if sufficient organic wastes are available. Otherwise a temporary partition can be made in the pit with bamboos or stalks and the pit can be filled up over time filling each partitioned area as and when the material is available for composting.

171.

What Is Compost?

Answer»

Compost is WELL decomposed organic wastes LIKE plant residues, animal dung, and urine earth from cattle sheds, WASTE FODDER etc.

Compost is well decomposed organic wastes like plant residues, animal dung, and urine earth from cattle sheds, waste fodder etc.

172.

What Are The Benefits Of Organic Farming?

Answer»
  1. It helps in maintaining environment health by reducing the level of pollution.
  2. It reduces human and animal health HAZARDS by reducing the level of residues in the product.
  3. It helps in keeping agricultural production at a higher level and makes it SUSTAINABLE.
  4. It reduces the cost of agricultural production and also improves the soil health.
  5. It ensures optimum utilization of natural resources for short-term benefit and helps in conserving them for future generation.
  6. It not only saves energy for both animal and machine, but also reduces risk of CROP failure.
  7. It improves the soil physical properties such as granulation, and good tilth, good aeration, easy root penetration and improves water-holding capacity.
  8. It improves the soil chemical properties such as SUPPLY and retention of soil nutrients, and promotes favorable chemical REACTIONS.

173.

Is There A Need To Practice The Organic Farming?

Answer»

With the INCREASE in population our compulsion would be not only to stabilize agricultural production but ALSO to increase it further in sustainable MANNER. Excessive use over years of agro-chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers MAY affect the soil health and lead to declining of crop yields and quality of products. Hence, a NATURAL balance needs to be maintained at all cost for existence of life and property. The obvious choice would be judicious use of agro-chemicals and more and more use of naturally occurring material in farming systems.

With the increase in population our compulsion would be not only to stabilize agricultural production but also to increase it further in sustainable manner. Excessive use over years of agro-chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers may affect the soil health and lead to declining of crop yields and quality of products. Hence, a natural balance needs to be maintained at all cost for existence of life and property. The obvious choice would be judicious use of agro-chemicals and more and more use of naturally occurring material in farming systems.

174.

What Is Organic Farming?

Answer»

ORGANIC farming is a system, which avoids or largely excludes the use of SYNTHETIC inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent feasible relies upon crop rotations, crop RESIDUES, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral GRADE rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant PROTECTION.

Organic farming is a system, which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc) and to the maximum extent feasible relies upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection.