Organic Fertiliser Is The Way To Go
By Mark Fergusson
Chief Vegetarian Officer, Chief Executive Officer
Down to Earth Organic & Natural
According to a study by the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Science the prime cause of soil erosion and nutrient depletion during the past thirty years is over-application of chemical fertilizer and over-dependency on artificial fertilizers by farmers.
The study also found that in the Northeastern Chernozem Region, the most fertile region of China, topsoil decreased from three feet in the 1960s to nine inches now. Additionally, the Epoch Times says “Organic matter in the soil dropped from 12 percent to 2 percent, and 85 percent of soil in the region now lacks nutrients, according to a Xinhua article cited by the Ministry of Land and Resources.”
While it took only 30 years to deplete the soil, analysts predict that even if trends reversed today, it will take over 100 years to return half an inch of topsoil. As the concern over diminishing soil quality grows in the Asia-Pacific region, natural farming methods may hold the cure. Organic matter is vital because it helps nurture soil and binds it together to resist erosion due to wind and rain.
Farmers can make a difference by reducing their dependence on chemical fertilizers. And those of you who have gardens can help, too. Instead of using chemicals to feed your plants, use organic fertilizers such as cow manure and compost that you make yourself.
Some predict that if the trend of soil depletion continues, healthy soil could become one of our most rare and valuable resources. Whether you are a farmer with vast acres to plant or simply have a small garden in your backyard, each of us can help make a difference. The use of organic fertilizers compost, mulches, and other organic matter not only preserves soil but also helps keep it healthy; increases crop yields; eliminates health risks associated with toxic, chemical fertilizers that can get absorbed into the food we eat; and most importantly, ensures fertile cropland for generations to come.
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Down to Earth was founded upon compassion and concern for the health and welfare of all living beings, both mankind and the animals, as reflected in their universally appealing slogans, “Love Life! Eat Healthy, Be Happy!”, and “Love Life! Love animals, don’t eat them!”
