Organic farming is becoming more popular. According to the Foundation Ecology and Agriculture and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, it’s becoming a big thing all over the world. The institute did a global survey that showed many farms are beginning to use organic techniques and practices, and more are becoming certified.
Organic fertilisers are, in part, defined by the amount of nutrients they have. According to the Philippine National Standard for Organic Fertilizer, they are able to supply substantial nutrients to plants and have a total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of 5 – 7 per cent.
One factor of this surge in popularity could be the increasing accessibility and affordability of organic fertilisers. It helps that these fertilisers conserve the soil and protect the environment while also maintaining and sustaining the growth and quality of produce.
Farmers can actually produce their own organic fertiliser. The booklet titled, “Profitability Analysis: Commercial Production of Organic Fertilizer” outlines how producers, such as organic meat suppliers, can start a program that will have them creating their own fertilisers that can be used on their land and sold to other farmers.
The initial investment covers costs to prepare the land, add buildings, and buy machinery and equipment such as shredders, weighing scales and a forklift. What farmers spend of their own money can be recouped in fewer than three years with the profit they are set to make.
While this plan has started and originates in the Philippines, it is a promising idea that can be adapted to different countries. It has been proven that organic fertiliser is better for plants and soil, and with the increase in farmers who are using them, there are profits to be made.
