106 Horticulture Today
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
As with everything else, as long as there is demand, there will be
growers producing foods to fi ll that demand, especially when those foods can
bring premium prices. There is still a great debate between conventional and
organic foods producers regarding the benefi ts of organic foods. However,
consumers are showing through their purchases that they value organic food.
Sustainable Agriculture
Many farmers do not grow their crops completely organically or completely
conventionally. However, most growers do consider their growing practices to
be sustainable. Sustainable agriculture is farming or producing plant and animal
products in ways that promote the health of people, animals, and the environment.
Sustainable agriculture employs practices that will conserve natural resources and
ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to farm.
Pest Management
Many farmers employ farming practices that are organic, but when needed,
they may use pesticides. Integrated pest management (IPM) is an approach
to managing pests that uses commonsense,
economical practices, and results in the least
possible hazard to people, property, and the
environment. When it is necessary to apply
chemicals, only the least harmful methods of
application are used, Figure 4-14. IPM involves
monitoring, trapping, and using other means
of pest control, such as natural predators
(ladybugs, praying mantis) or crop rotation,
before resorting to the use of harsh chemicals.
IPM benefi ts farmers by helping to keep their
land and the ecosystem surrounding their
farms healthy.
Soil Nutrition and Conservation
Sustainable farming also involves
bettering the soil. Certain methods of crop
rotation and growing cover crops can be
Frederico Rostagno/Shutterstock.com
Figure 4-14. Sometimes, organic farms must use chemicals
to manage pest problems or treat disease. In this image,
pesticides are being sprayed on a field using a boom sprayer.
In what other ways can farmers deter pests and treat disease?
Thinking Green
Parasitic Wasps
©iStock.com/grandaded
Various types of wasps are used
by some farmers as a means of pest
control. These wasps lay eggs on pest
larvae. When the eggs hatch, they feed
on the pest larva. Parasitic wasps are
often referred to as predatory wasps.
Which species of wasps are used by
farmers as a means of pest control?
Safety Note
Organic Pesticides
When growing plants
organically, it is just as
important to garden
safely as it is when using
conventional methods.
When using a pesticide
labeled “organic,” you
must follow the directions
for safely using the
product.
Corner Question
Does the United
States Department of
Agriculture (USDA)
certify sustainable
agriculture farmers?