Organic Farming: Core Concepts and Evolution Quiz

Explore the fundamental principles, objectives, and development of organic farming, focusing on sustainable practices and ecological benefits.

1. Definition of Organic Farming

   Which of the following best describes organic farming according to the provided context?

   1. A traditional system without any scientific basis
   2. A method that uses organic wastes and beneficial microbes instead of synthetic inputs
   3. An approach focused only on producing more crops using technology
   4. A system that maximizes use of chemical fertilizers for higher yields

   Explanation: Organic farming emphasizes using organic wastes and beneficial microbes, avoiding synthetic inputs. It is not about maximizing chemicals (B), is broader than simply producing more crops via technology (C), and relies on scientific principles, not just tradition (D).

2. Primary Goal of Organic Farming

   What is a primary goal of organic farming as outlined in the material?

   1. To maintain soil health and promote eco-friendly, pollution-free production
   2. To export as much food as possible
   3. To focus only on animal-based products
   4. To increase the use of pesticides for crop safety

   Explanation: Maintaining soil health and eco-friendly production is core to organic farming. Increasing pesticide use (B) is avoided, focusing solely on animals (C) is not stated, and maximizing exports (D) is not the central goal.

3. USDA's View on Organic Farming

   According to the USDA study team, what does organic farming largely exclude?

   1. Mineral grade rock additives
   2. Crop residues and rotations
   3. Synthetic inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and hormones
   4. All animal-based fertilizers

   Explanation: The USDA definition highlights excluding synthetic inputs. Animal fertilizers (B) and mineral rock additives (C) are often used. Crop residues and rotations (D) are relied upon, not excluded.

4. Need for Organic Farming in Modern Times

   Why is organic farming considered increasingly relevant according to the context?

   1. Because it requires more machinery
   2. Because high-input agriculture has plateaued and agrochemicals are non-renewable
   3. Because it uses more fossil fuels
   4. Because it is simpler than conventional farming

   Explanation: Organic farming is relevant as high-input conventional farming yields are leveling off and agrochemicals are finite. Simpler management (B), more machinery (C), or higher fossil fuel use (D) are not mentioned as benefits or reasons.

5. Key Characteristic: Soil Fertility

   How does organic farming protect the long-term fertility of soils?

   1. By relying solely on synthetic fertilizers
   2. By using only chemical weed control
   3. By increasing tillage and removing all residues
   4. By maintaining organic matter, encouraging soil biology, and careful mechanical intervention

   Explanation: Organic farming maintains fertility through organic matter and soil biology, not by removing residues (B), using synthetic fertilizers (C), or chemical weed control (D).

6. Nitrogen Management in Organic Farming

   What method does organic farming use to achieve nitrogen self-sufficiency?

   1. Completely excluding animal manures
   2. Relying on chemical additives only
   3. Using legumes and biological nitrogen fixation
   4. Applying high rates of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer

   Explanation: Legumes and biological fixation are key to nitrogen management. Synthetic fertilizers (B) and chemical additives (D) are excluded, and animal manures (C) are not excluded but recycled.

7. Organic Farming and Pest Control

   Which technique is primarily used in organic farming for controlling pests and diseases?

   1. Crop rotations and natural predators
   2. Continuous use of chemical pesticides
   3. Burning of all crop residues
   4. Genetically modified crops as the main strategy

   Explanation: Organic pest control relies on rotations and natural predators. Chemical pesticides (B) and burning residues (C) are avoided, and GM crops (D) are not mentioned as a primary measure.

8. Environmental Focus of Organic Farming

   How does organic farming address the impact on the wider environment?

   1. By considering wildlife conservation and impact on natural habitats
   2. By ignoring biodiversity concerns
   3. By focusing solely on yield improvements
   4. By maximizing land clearance for farming

   Explanation: Organic practices actively consider environmental impact and conservation. Maximizing clearance (B), focusing only on yield (C), or ignoring biodiversity (D) are not part of organic principles.