Organic Farming: An Agricultural Waste Management System for Enhancing Soil Properties and Crop Yield_ Crimson Publishers

 Organic Farming: An Agricultural Waste Management System for Enhancing Soil Properties and Crop Yield by Oreva Oghene Aliku* in Modern Concepts & Developments in Agronomy_ International Journal of Agronomy

 

Abstract
Sustainable agricultural production systems are crucial for meeting the food demand of the ever-increasing human population. However, these systems generate large amount of wastes which is a major environmental challenge when not properly managed. The difficulty and cost-related constraints associated with achieving sustainable food production through effective soil and crop management practices has led to a paradigm shift from inorganic farming to organic farming, where agricultural wastes are incorporated into the production systems. Organic farming applies natural principles for improved quality and quantity of crop produce while maintaining and/or improving soil health. This paper explores some ways in which agricultural wastes are used and their impacts on soil properties and crop yield in organic farming systems.

Introduction
Agriculture is very pivotal to human growth and development. This is due to the production of food and fiber which are needed by humans all over the world. However, agriculture is also associated with the production of large amount of wastes such as crop residues, animal manure, etc. [1]. These wastes are usually difficult to dispose and often reduces environmental aesthetics and quality as they are usually disposed on open fields or burnt in most parts of the world. Those left on the field encounter wetting and dry processes which may sometimes cause anaerobic conditions that lead to bad smell, attraction of flies and insects, and spread of epidemic diseases, while those burnt are usually associated with air pollution and release of obnoxious and greenhouse gases [2]. Aiyelari EA [3] explained that burning of agricultural wastes could be detrimental to human health and the environment owing to the release of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere which could also lead to global warming effects. Some consequences of this phenomenon may result into chaotic weather changes, food insecurity, starvation and malnutrition [4]. In recent years, agricultural production has advanced beyond the focus on great yield production to improved food quality, human nutrition and environmental quality via practices that improve environmental health, sound ecology, while enhancing food security. Rodale [5] advised that instead of focusing on greater yields in production agriculture, which will eventually exhaust soil nutrients, the goal should be an agricultural management system that has the capability to preserve or improve soil quality and the environment. Lokeshwari M [2] noted that most agricultural wastes contain biodegradable hemicellulose and cellulose materials, which on decomposition improve soil properties and supply nutrients to crops

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