Production Issues: Soil Fertility - Term Paper Example

Soil fertility Name Tutors name Subject Date Outline 1. Introduction 1.1 The principles underlying organic agriculture………………………….…….……….3 1.2 background issues…………………………………………………………..…………3 1.3 Aims of the report………………………………………………………….….………5 2. Body 2.1 Need for fairness in farming…………………………………………………..………5 2.2 Principle of care…………………………………………………………….….……...5 2.3 Factors affecting soil fertility…………………………………………….….….……..6 2.4 Soil erosion…………………………………………………………………….……...7 2.5 Phosphorus effects…………………………………………………………….….…...7 2.6 Need for soil management……………………………………………………….……9 2.7 Importance of organic matter in soil………………………………………….……….9 2.8 Soil pollution…………………………………...…………………………………….10 2.9 Effects of salty water…………………………………………………………..…….11 3. Conclusion…………………………………………………………...…………………..11 4. References………………………………………………………………………………..12 1. Introduction 1.1 The principles underlying organic agriculture There is growing demand for food in the modern world we live in with the rapid population growth being witnessed. This demand will not be met if soil is not well managed to remain fertile. The application of fertilizers from factories add unwanted substance to the soil that will deplete it in the long run and also food from such fertilizers are not widely recommended for consumptions. If food production is to be sustainable then soil must be managed in such a way that it remains fertile and producing saver products for consumption. Organic farming therefore has become inevitable in the modern world of agriculture. Organic farming system is not new and is being followed from ancient time. It is a method of farming system which mainly aimed at cultivating the land and raising crops in a style that keeps the soil fresh and alive by use of organic wastes and other biological materials to release nutrients to crops for increased sustainable production in an eco friendly pollution free environment (Stephan, Haring, Raffaele, 2004). 1.2 background issues United states department of agriculture define organic farming as “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 rely upon crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste, mineral grade rock additives and biological system of nutrient mobilization and plant protection” (Stephan, Haring, Raffaele, 2004). According to FAO, it sees organic farming as “Organic agriculture which is a unique production management system that promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity, and this is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs” (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development, 2003). Organic farming should ensure that the health of soil is maintained and enhanced as well as those of creatures within the universe i.e. humans and animals and the planet itself so as not to separate one from the other (Acram & John, 2006). This principle brought forth the fact that the health of individuals are intertwined with the health of the ecosystem because healthy soil produce healthy food crops and in extension will ensure that the health individuals and communities is upheld. Health is significant because it does not necessarily mean the lack of sickness but it entails a lot of aspect which include good physical, social and even mental health. Health also entails having good immune system and being productive (Acram & John, 2006). The main aim of organic farming is to ensure that the health of creatures from those living in soil like worms to those living on ground like cows, dogs and humans are guaranteed at all levels whether in farming, processing or distribution. To be specific, organic farming intends to produce safe food that contribute to good health and bodies that are not prone to diseases. With regard to this it should avoid the use of harmful substance like pesticides, fertilizers and other substance plus chemicals that might cause some health complications (Palakasseril and Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation, 1995). Organic agriculture should work to ensuring that the living ecological system is sustained, it should borrow from it, work in harmony with it, and this will ensure that organic agriculture is practiced within the confines of the living ecological system. Production process should be based on ecological processes, and recycling. The well being and growth of both plants and animals is directly dependant on the ecology of certain environment i.e. for human being and animals it is farm while for crops it is soil ecosystem (Robert, 1978). Organic farming that one practice should fit within the ecological system and cycle that the nature manifests. The ecological cycles are the same all over but their operations are specific to specific sites. The organic practice that one adopts should be compatible with the local conditions culture and ecology. Practice of recycling and reusing inputs should be adopted for better and improved environments to be achieved. The system of farming should attain ecological balance and ensure that agricultural and genetic diversity are maintained (Robert, 1978). Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect and benefit the common environment including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water. 1.3 Aims of the report The aim of this report is to explain why organic farming should play by the rules that will ensure that there is fairness with regard to environment and life in general. Fairness is manifested in the way people share environment with other living creatures in a way that justifies the principal of equity respect and proper planning of the shared world. 2. Body 2.1 Need for fairness in farming Fairness emphasizes the need for those involved in organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels is guaranteed to farmers, processors, workers, traders, distributors and consumers. This mode of farming should provide everybody with healthy and quality life and also ensure that there is enough food for consumption and also ensure that there is poverty reduction. Its primary aim is to supply safe and quality food sufficient quantities (Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) & Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF), 2002). Principal of fairness in organic farming works to ensure that animals are well taken care of and provided with opportunities This principle insists that animals should be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, natural behavior and well-being (Pedro, Luis, and Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical, 1979). Both environmental and natural resources should be used in a fair manner that will ensure that the future generations are guaranteed to get them in fair share and when they are safe. The same principal requires production and distribution pattern that are transparent and fair and account for actual environmental and social costs. 2.2 Principle of care Organic agriculture should be carried out in a manner that is responsible by taking precautions to ensure that the life of current and future generations plus the environment well kept and healthy. Organic agriculture is a system that is living and it respond to modern external and internal demands and the conditions (Young, 1980). Those undertaking organic farming are free to design ways to improve efficiency and increase productivity but not at the expense of harming well being and health. Technology should be accessed before being used and old methods should be checked as well. The principal of care in organic farming states that caution and responsibility should be exercised in development, technology and management in farming. There is therefore science that is embraced to ensure that organic farming is safe and healthy. Scientific knowledge is therefore not enough alone there need to be wisdom, traditional knowledge that has proven to have worked in the past and still works (Young, 1980). Organic agriculture should stop significant risks by using right technologies and doing away with unreliable ones, such as genetic engineering. Decisions should reflect the values and needs of all who might be affected, through transparent and participatory processes. 2.3 Factors affecting soil fertility The Major factors that adversely affect tropical soil fertility and sustainable agriculture are low nutrient capital, moisture stress, erosion, high P fixation, high acidity with aluminum toxicity, and low soil biodiversity. The lose of fertility by tropical soils often cause poor harvest during harvesting seasons leading to decline in supply of food. Tropical soils under natural conditions have a concentration of biological activities and it is therefore important if these biological capabilities are utilized, so that the threats posed by food challenges can be addressed in right way (United States. Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering, 1950). There is a fungus called Arbuscular Mycorrhizal that is mostly misunderstood with regard to its role in nutrients acquisition by plants. The fungi increase chemical physical and biological quality of soil. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal play a role in maintenance and improvement of soil structure, the uptake of comparatively static elements, both macronutrients and micronutrients, the acceleration in aluminum and manganese toxicity, it also interacts with other soil organism and step up the shield against pathogens. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal associations with plants enable the plants enhance its use of soluble phosphorous pools and phosphorous fertilizers that are added to plants. Mycorrhizal can be managed better through the practice of agro forestry rather than inoculation because inoculations very costly and often got whole punch of problems that comes with it (United States. Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering, 1950). Moisture stress also causes unsustainable agricultural activities and it has to be given attention to, practice of organic however offers solution to the problem. 2.4 Soil erosion Erosion is another major cause of soil infertility. Erosion is the wash away of soil and rocks on the earth surface. This is caused by natural features like wind and rain water. Erosion cause land degradation and ecological collapse as it wash away the nutrient rich upper layer of soil. It also causes sedimentation of waterways (Kang, 1991). In the modern days human activities are accounts for the highest percentage of the causes of soil erosion. Soil erosion leads to a massive decrease in agricultural activities. Wind erosion is very common in arid and semi arid areas. It is also a major cause of land degradation evaporation and airborne dust diseases (Kang, 1991). 2.5 Phosphorus effects Phosphorus content is important for all living organism. There could be no life if there is no phosphorus. The content of phosphorus is dependant on soil characteristics and ability to fix in plants. Plants therefore depend a lot on the availability of phosphorous in soil for its fixation. The P fixation in soils relies on a number of factors that includes the PH of soil organic matter in the soil and type of clay (Byron, 1947). It was studied in Ghana the sorption of PH by soil and it was found that it depends on the properties of soil. Taking in to consideration both environmental and economic effect of phosphorous fertilization it would be important to put the process of fixation under control. Organic matter increases P availability in the soil in a number of ways. Organic matter forms some mixing with organic phosphate hence this complexes formed increases phosphate uptake by plants. It has also been found that organic anions can displace sobbed phosphate. Also, humus coats aluminum and iron oxides, which reduces P sorption (Byron, 1947). Through some reactions organic matter produce some phosphorus. Soil acidity also causes infertility. Soil becomes acidic when PH goes below 7.0. Each unit PH drop indicates 10 times more acidity (Byron, 1947). Soil acidity is often caused in some parts of the countries by high temperatures with high rainfall. With such conditions soil weathers quickly and the same natural conditions make soil acid and short of nutrients. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) released primarily by industrial activities react with water to form acid rain, which acidifies soils, particularly forest soils with low buffering capacities (Byron, 1947). Acid soil are infertile coz aluminum is more soluble under toxic conditions. Aluminum affects plants roots making them appear short and swollen this therefore impairing plants growth. Calcium deficiency is also one of the characteristics of soil acidity. Calcium being immobile only appears at the growing points in plants. Phosphorus reacts strongly in acidic conditions and therefore limiting the amount available for consumption (Christopher, Holm, & Paul, 2001). Lime is often used to neutralize soil acidity. Soil biodiversity is the relation between soil and biodiversity. Most of the live in the universe is either directly or indirectly supported by soil. A lot of fungus has their natural habitats in soil. Plants also are supported by soil as source of food (Arthur, 1997). Plants and other living organism die and rot resulting to soil formation. Soil biodiversity is important because of the structure formation and stability as well as soil fertility. Soil biodiversity also refers to all living organism in soil both macro and micro. A small fraction of soil is where biological activities take place. Microorganism is involved in the biological activities that take place in soil (Arthur, 1997). Soil biodiversity is affected by the activities carried out on the soil. Use of heavy machinery for cultivation compact the soil hence hampering the natural habitats within the soil. Use of chemicals in the farms also tempers with the biological processes that are beneath the soil. Application of fertilizers and the soil pH both influence the structure of the soil biota (Arthur, 1997). Low pH favors fungi over bacteria, and high nitrogen concentrations result in increased bacterial concentrations. PH influences on soil fauna are also clear. E.g. a low pH in the soil leads to a decrease in abundance of earthworms (Arthur, 1997). The interactions of organism in the soil increase the stability of the soil food web. 2.6 Need for soil management Prober soil management has become inevitable going by the current sharp decline in the fertility that has triggered unsustainable agricultural activities. Soil fertility for crop production is considered in terms of soil organic carbon and nitrogen. An indebt analysis of first deriving the maximum nitrogen content and application rates is followed by an assessment of tillage, stubble, and fertilizer strategies to obtain an optimal level of soil organic carbon (Nabhan, 2001). Soil management is important if the issue of global food security is to be addressed. So as to go per the principal of ecological stewardship soil management is the key to achieving that. 2.7 Importance of organic matter in soil Agriculture in most part of the world relies on the release of plant nutrients from the organic matter in the soil and organic manure as well. The organic matter in the soil plays a crucial role of ensuring that fertility of soil is maintained by increasing its capacity to hold water and lowering surface crusting as well as raising cation exchange capacity and playing the role of a buffer against PH changes in the soil (Nabhan, 2001). Organic materials needed for maintenance of soil organic matter are often not available in right quantities, and are often used for other purposes like fuel, building material or animal feed. Adding organic materials can be more reliable way of adding nutrients in to the soil because they are made locally and are comparatively cheaper. In management of soil fertility it is important that nutrients loss is minimized. Nutrients are lost through harvesting and soil erosion (Nabhan, 2001). Through harvesting soil organic matter is lost and erosion mostly water erosion is prevalent in African countries. Erosion washes away the top fertile layer of soil and reduce the soil depth hence reduction in water holding capacity. Use of organic fertilizers should be enhanced in management of soil fertility. Organic fertilizers differ in quality and so it should be used differently and in different ways. Several programmers and soil biology came up with ways on how to use different types of organic materials. This differentiation is informed by the nitrogen, phenol and lignin make up of organic materials that is there. Through this classification it is evident that low quality organic materials should be used as surface mulch for erosion and those that are of high quality to be used as a direct plant nutrient source (Nabhan, 2001). 2.8 Soil pollution Soil pollution is a major contributor to degradation of soil. Use of pesticides and insecticides is major contributor even though it serves the immediate purpose that is intended it ends up deteriorating the quality of soil. It makes soil contaminated and unfit for use later. However, it is not pesticides and insecticides only that causes soil pollution but there are a number of other factors. These chemicals greatly affect the soil by raising its salinity and making it not good for crop cultivation (FIFA, 2006). Excessive use of these chemicals also greatly affects the microorganisms with natural habitat in the soil, causing the soil to lose its fertility and resulting in the loss of minerals present in the soil, thus causing soil pollution. Organism inside the soil should be well taken care of. Soil nutrients are kept inside the bodies of living organism and not in solutions underground (International Rice Research Institute, 1980). It is therefore the reason why life in soil is more than twice the amount of life above it. Nutrient becomes available when this organism die and it is also the same reason why they often die. It is with this regard that productive soil seems to want more fertilizer than it actually does. Modern farming, driven by economic constraints, is forced to use artificial fertilizers, often to the detriment of the soil's natural fertility (FIFA, 2006). 2.9 Effects of salty water Water is very essential for plants growth and ample supply should be ensured, Nonetheless water with high salinity should not be used. Water with high salinity is the one with high salt content. This kind of water not only affects soils but adversely affects plants growth. Salt that is water accumulate at the top surface of the soil leading to drop in the growth of the crops and reduced yields, and therefore making both land and soil not good for crop yielding and other practices of agricultural nature (International Rice Research Institute, 1980). 3. Conclusion There is no one agreed upon method across the globe on how to manage effectively the problem of soil fertility. There are a number of disparities in different countries on the way of dealing with soil fertility with each country taking the method convenient to them. There are also difference with regard to market opportunities in those countries, experience with soil degradation, and the capacity to venture in to soil fertility maintenance with aid of financial capabilities. The management of soil fertility however does not do away with the use of inorganic fertilizers, but when it is adopted the returns are compromised because the price or rather the cost of fertilizers can be high when compared to price of output. The research cooperation’s should come up with new designed ways that introduce adoption of technology that can enhance the integration between crop and livestock production, increase the capacity to recycle organic materials, come up with new ways that lowers the cost associated with fertilizer application and moisture conservation. Sustainable resource management in many fragile areas will often require reform of property rights, both to ensure secure rights over settled farmland, and to strengthen community rights over common property resources such as grazing areas, forests, and woodlots. Land tenure laws also often make agriculture practitioners less wiling to venture in to soil fertility management. In some parts of the regions with well laid infrastructure and high agricultural productivity profit often become the center of attention hence many foregoing the responsibility to manage soil fertility. People with such intentions and motivations should notwithstanding the increased use of fertilizers, they should recycle organic materials to ensure the quality of soil is maintained for future generations. References Acram, T & John, R. (2006). Organic Agriculture: A Global Perspective. Melbourne: Csiro Publishing Arthur C. S. (1997). Air Pollution: The Effects of Air Pollution. Washington: Elsevier Byron C. M. (1947). Soil fertility depletion of cropped Antigo and Almena silt loams in Barron county, Wisconsin. Madison: University of Wisconsin Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) & Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF). (2002). Integrated soil fertility management in the tropics: TSBF-CIAT’s achievements and reflections, 2002-2005. London: CIAT Christopher M, Holm T, Paul L.G. (2001). Managing Organic Matter in Tropical Soils: Scope and Limitations. New York: Springer. FIFA. (2006). Australian Soil Fertility Manual. Melbourne: Csiro Publishing International Rice Research Institute. (1980). Priorities for alleviating soil-related constraints to food production in the tropics. Sydney: Int. Rice Res. Inst Kang, B.T. (1991). Soil Management and Crop Production in Alley Farming. Cornell: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Nabhan, H. (2001). Soil fertility management in support of food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. London: Food & Agriculture Org. Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development. (2003). Organic Agriculture: Sustainability, Markets and Policies. Sydney: OECD Publishing Pedro A. S, Luis A. T, Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical. (1979). Pasture Production in Acid Soils of the Tropics: Proceedings of a Seminar Held at Ciat, Cali, Colombia, 17-21 April 1978. London: CIAT Palakasseril K. T, and Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation. (1995). Organic Agriculture: Peekay books. London: Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation Robert C. O. (1978). Organic agriculture: economic and ecological comparisons with conventional methods. Madison: Allanheld, Osmun Stephan D, Haring. & H, Raffaele Z. (2004). Organic Farming: Policies and Prospects. London: Zed Books United States. Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering. (1950). Improvement of Soil Management and Crop Production through Investigations with Isotopes. Michigan: United States Atomic Energy Commission, Technical Information Service Young, A. (1980). Tropical Soils and Soil Survey. Michigan: CUP Archive Read More

Organic agriculture should work to ensuring that the living ecological system is sustained, it should borrow from it, work in harmony with it, and this will ensure that organic agriculture is practiced within the confines of the living ecological system. Production process should be based on ecological processes, and recycling. The well being and growth of both plants and animals is directly dependant on the ecology of certain environment i.e. for human being and animals it is farm while for crops it is soil ecosystem (Robert, 1978).

Organic farming that one practice should fit within the ecological system and cycle that the nature manifests. The ecological cycles are the same all over but their operations are specific to specific sites. The organic practice that one adopts should be compatible with the local conditions culture and ecology. Practice of recycling and reusing inputs should be adopted for better and improved environments to be achieved. The system of farming should attain ecological balance and ensure that agricultural and genetic diversity are maintained (Robert, 1978).

Those who produce, process, trade, or consume organic products should protect and benefit the common environment including landscapes, climate, habitats, biodiversity, air and water. 1.3 Aims of the report The aim of this report is to explain why organic farming should play by the rules that will ensure that there is fairness with regard to environment and life in general. Fairness is manifested in the way people share environment with other living creatures in a way that justifies the principal of equity respect and proper planning of the shared world. 2. Body 2.

1 Need for fairness in farming Fairness emphasizes the need for those involved in organic agriculture should conduct human relationships in a manner that ensures fairness at all levels is guaranteed to farmers, processors, workers, traders, distributors and consumers. This mode of farming should provide everybody with healthy and quality life and also ensure that there is enough food for consumption and also ensure that there is poverty reduction. Its primary aim is to supply safe and quality food sufficient quantities (Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (CIAT) & Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility (TSBF), 2002).

Principal of fairness in organic farming works to ensure that animals are well taken care of and provided with opportunities This principle insists that animals should be provided with the conditions and opportunities of life that accord with their physiology, natural behavior and well-being (Pedro, Luis, and Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical, 1979). Both environmental and natural resources should be used in a fair manner that will ensure that the future generations are guaranteed to get them in fair share and when they are safe.

The same principal requires production and distribution pattern that are transparent and fair and account for actual environmental and social costs. 2.2 Principle of care Organic agriculture should be carried out in a manner that is responsible by taking precautions to ensure that the life of current and future generations plus the environment well kept and healthy. Organic agriculture is a system that is living and it respond to modern external and internal demands and the conditions (Young, 1980).

Those undertaking organic farming are free to design ways to improve efficiency and increase productivity but not at the expense of harming well being and health. Technology should be accessed before being used and old methods should be checked as well. The principal of care in organic farming states that caution and responsibility should be exercised in development, technology and management in farming. There is therefore science that is embraced to ensure that organic farming is safe and healthy.

Scientific knowledge is therefore not enough alone there need to be wisdom, traditional knowledge that has proven to have worked in the past and still works (Young, 1980).

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