ASCOT Library Zabali Campus

Chapter 1: introduction to organic farming. –
Chapter 2: types of organic farming. –
Biodynamic agriculture –
Forest gardening –
Organic horticulture –
Natural farming –
Chapter 3 : organic food: an integrated study. –
Organic food –
Organic beans –
Organic coffee –
Organic certification –
Organic movement –
Chapter 4: organic fertilizer and its types. –
Organic fertilizer –
Compost –
Manure –
Green manure –
Bone meal –
Alfalfa –
Seed ball –
Vermicompost –
Mulch –
Weed control –
Liming (soil) –
Chapter 5: organic farming: cultivation practices. –
Crop rotation –
Companion planting –
Satoyama –
Windbreak –
Chapter 6: biological pest control. –
Biological pest control –
Bioeffector –
Biopesticide –
Biocide –
Entomopathogenic nematode –
Entomophatogenic fungus –
Chapter 7: understanding nitrogen fixation. –
Nitrogen fixation –
Denitrification –
Diazotroph –
Nitrogen deficiency –
Trichodesmium –
Chapter 8: evolution of organic farming.

"This book explores all the important aspects of organic farming in the present day scenario. It describes in detail the various concepts and techniques used under this area. Organic farming is an alternative form of agriculture. Unlike normal agricultural practices, it does not use artificial fertilizers but instead, uses bone meal, compost, manure and green manure for fertilization. Some of the diverse topics covered in this text address the varied branches that fall under this category. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this textbook will help the students understand the modern concepts and techniques of the subject. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this textbook.
Given below is the chapter wise description of the book:
Chapter 1- Farming practices have rapidly been changing. Organic farming is the usage of organic and natural substances instead of synthetic substances. This chapter will provide an integrated understanding of organic farming.
Chapter 2- Biodynamic agriculture is very similar to organic farming. It focuses on organic approaches towards agriculture and emphasizes the use of manures and composts. The other types of organic farming are forest gardening, organic horticulture and natural farming. This section has been carefully written to provide an easy understanding of organic farming.
Chapter 3- Organic food is produced with the help of organic farming. Usually, organic foods are not processed by using irradiation or industrial solvents. Some of the organic foods explained in this chapter are organic beans, organic coffee, organic certification and organic movement. This chapter will provide an integrated understanding of organic food.
Chapter 4- The ability of soil to sustain plant growth is soil fertility. The plant nutrition practices discussed in this chapter are manure, green manure, bone meal, compost etc. Nutrients and the fertility of the soil are both equally important for the growth of plants. The aspects elucidated in this chapter are of vital importance.
Chapter 5- The cultivation practices discussed within this chapter are crop rotation, companion planting, windbreak and satoyoma. Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops in the same area in different seasons whereas the planting of different crops for pest control and maximization of space is companion planting.
Chapter 6- Biological pest control is the method used for controlling pests. It uses methods such as predating, parasitism or other natural mechanisms. The topics explained are bioeffectors, biopesticides, biocides, entomopathogenic nematode, entomopathogenic fungus etc. The aspects elucidated in this chapter are of vital importance and provide a better understanding of biological pest control.
Chapter 7- Nitrogen fixation is a process that occurs in the Earth's atmosphere that converts nitrogen into ammonia. In order to develop an in depth understanding of nitrogen fixation, it is important to understand topics such as denitrification, diazotroph, nitrogen deficiency and trichodesmium. The section serves as a source to understand the major categories related to nitrogen fixation.
Chapter 8- Traditional farming has been practiced for thousands of years and it is now considered to be organic farming. One of the examples of organic farming is forest gardening. The topics discussed in the chapter are of great importance to broaden the existing knowledge on organic farming.
At the end, I would like to thank all those who dedicated their time and efforts for the successful completion of this book. I also wish to convey my gratitude towards my friends and family who supported me at every step."
- Editor