Organic mulching

Abstract

Organic agriculture is one of the best agricultural methods towards sustainable farming. By sustainability it is meant that the present needs are met without compromising the needs of the future generations. These needs are met through methods that enhance the environment by reducing, recycling and reusing all that is possible and by respecting the animal welfare. In a general term, Organic Agriculture is the growing of crops and animal husbandry by using methods that avoid any animal torture or cruelty. Sustainable organic methods do not affect negatively the environment and that, includes as well both the urban and the rural way of living. The prohibition of the use of artificial fertilizers and synthetic pesticides coupled as well with the rational use of antibiotics in animal husbandry warrants top priority in organic agriculture. The ideal of organic agriculture is to work in harmony with nature and using the natural resources that are provided at source rather than trying to suppress nature with synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers , antibiotics , growth hormones and genetic modification. All around the world exist various Non Governmental Organisations, which promote organic agriculture. The largest worldwide organisation which promotes organic agriculture is the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movement (IFOAM), which was founded in Versailles, France on November 5th, 1972. The founding members of IFOAM aimed to establish a communication network among organic agricultural communities that had emerged in several countries including the Maltese NGO known as Malta Organic Agricultural Movement (MOAM). This organisation has a mission to fulfil in order to foster sustainable agriculture by means of organic agriculture.