Vol. 11, Issue 4 (2022)

Author(s):
PV Shingrup, AN Paslawar, BV Saoji, VM Bhale, DV Mali and YV Ingle

Abstract:
Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soil, surrounding ecosystem and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local condition rather than the use of inputs with adverse effect. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment with fair relationship and good quality of life for all involved. Unlike chemical farming, organic farming aims to "feed the soil" rather than "feed the plant". It means giving back to the nature what has been taken from it. Since organic farming aims to maintain soil health and to obtain highest yield in a sustainable and ecofriendly manner on the long term basis. Crop rotation is one of the important practices known to reduce infestation of insect pests, disease and weeds. This system not only provides organic matter to the soil but also proved to be profitable cropping system. But continuous growing of any crop or cropping system may leads to increase the intensity of pest, disease and weeds. To break their life cycle, crop rotation is must. Crop rotation affects, the insect population by altering the microclimate or by encouraging the natural enemies of the insect pest in the system. Inclusion of legumes in the cropping system is very effective not only from the point of nitrogen fixation but judicious utilization of soil nitrogen also.