The organic horticulture aims at improving the economic and environmental sustainability of farming enterprises through integrated research, Extension, and education programs. The main points of organic horticulture are
- Reduce leaching from manure applications by monitoring fertilizer needs
- Improve soil health, tillage, weed and pest management, and fertility in vegetables and fruits
- Produce high yield specialty seed
- Proper management of soil and organic matter to reduce soil-borne disease
- Breed and selection of vegetable cultivars for organic systems
Biodynamic agriculture is a popular system of organic gardening. The system of biodynamic agriculture is based on the teachings of German horticulturists Rudolf Steiner. The Biodynamic farming is based on a holistic and balanced development and interrelationship of soil, plants and animals. The method of biodynamic farming is regarded as the first and modern ecological farming system. In biodynamic farming the framers emphasizes on manures and composts and excludes the use of artificial fertilizers on plants and soil. Almost 50 countries practices biodynamic farming.
No-Till farming is another popular system of organic gardening. No-till farming or zero tillage is a method of growing crops every year without disturbing the soil through tillage. Researches show that no-tilling increases soil productivity, and improves soil structure. It also helps to control soil erosion. As a result of no-till farming the residues or other organic matter due to farming are retained in the soil surface and sowing is done without disturbing the soil. No-till agriculture promotes healthier and cleaner environment and a sustainable agriculture. The no-till farming leaves the soil intact and the crop residue is left behind on the surface of the soil. The no-till framing leads to very les carbon loss. Another method of strip-tillage is used on soil with high content of hard pan which does not allow the roots of the plants to go deep. There are pros and cons attached to the no-till farming. The main benefit of no-till farming is that it reduces the carbon being transferred to the atmosphere.
Another system of organic farming is the bio-intensive method. The method of bio-intensive farming focuses on maximum yields in minimum area of land. Bio-intensive farming is practiced on a small scale suitable for personal or community gardens.
Another type of organic gardening systems is Small Plot Intensive which is also a small scale farming technique.
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