Organic Gardening Benefits

The alleged benefits that chemical fertilizers provide to plants come at a very high price for nature: soil degradation and depletion of its resources. Hence organic gardening (or farming) has become increasingly more widespread in an age flagged by concerns with sustainability and the human footprint in natural ecosystems. The use of harmful chemical compounds is, thus, barred in favor of natural solutions that promote an healthy and sustainable environment. Organic gardening has become more than just a fashionable eco-friendly trend; it is a serious and urgent revivalism of ancient practices to answer the new environmental challenges caused by careless human activity.

While the predominance and convenience of artificial substances and fertilizers

It is the transformation of organic raw material into a product that is nutritionally assimilated by plants, through an efficient decomposition process executed by microorganisms. This is where effective microorganisms are relevant. Effective microorganism - also known by the abbreviation EM - is a natural technology developed by Japanese Dr. Teruo Higa during the 80s, and consists of mixed cultures of natural microorganisms that help to convert organic matter into a nutritionally rich organic soil for plants. In short, the organic fertilizer makes it possible to grow healthy and strong plants without having to resort to chemical fertilizers. Additionally, it improves the soil's quality and enhances its management by directly or indirectly promoting crop rotation, plant conservation, waste recycling and biological pest control. EM products create an antioxidant effect which enhances the immune system of plants and

Wet the soil with a solution of EM + sugarcane juice (optional) + water 1:1:1000 per m2 (in very poor soils a dilution of 1:1:300 can be used). Cover the soil with straw or grass. If you're in a hurry, you can plant the seeds after just 10 days. The ideal is to wait three months to use the cradle, irrigating it with an EM solution of 1:1000 one week before planting.

Foliar sprays - Make a solution of EM + water to 1:1000. Perform weekly foliar feeding to observe an improvement in soil structure and health of plants, then spray every two weeks.

Preparation of composts - Create a stack up to 1 meter tall, and irrigate with an EM solution with a 1:100 ratio. Proceed to the treatment as in a normal composting. Don't let the temperature rise above 55 degrees Celsius;, if it does, turn over the compost. If it is smelly while you move it around, sprinkle it again with the EM solution indicated above. Depending on ambient conditions and the material used, the compost can be ready in a minimum of 15 days.

Revisiting older practices -