Indian Journal of Economics and Development
  • Year: 2015
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 1

Future of organic farming in sustainable agriculture

Department of Agriculture, Baba Farid Group of Institution, Bathinda-151002

*Email: smn.dhaliwal1@gmail.com

JEL Classification: O13, Q01, Q10, Q18, Z00

Abstract

This article provides information about composting-key ingredient in organic farming which plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture. Organic waste material including livestock waste, food waste, garden waste, waste paper and mixed municipal solid waste representing major fraction of our waste stream, are common raw materials used for compost production. Organic material is collected and decomposed together. Various physical, chemical and biological components are involved in the production of compost. Vermi-composting, aerobic composting and anaerobic composting are the three types of composting. Vermi-composting is used to decompose food material using microorganisms and insects. It is a nutrient rich organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. Aerobic composting uses oxygen to biologically decompose waste material in controlled conditions. Anaerobic composting is done through fermentation using no or limited oxygen. Anaerobic microbes decompose the waste material. Composting is beneficial for both soil and environment. It is a substitute for chemical fertilizer and also increases fertility of the soil. It increases water utilization capacity of soil and is drought resistance. It helps to reduce amount of waste and prevent from environment pollution. Methane gas produced in anaerobic composting is used as source of energy production. Composting is a method of today that will affect our ecology positively tomorrow.

Keywords

Physical, chemical and biological components, organic farming