Organic agriculture has taken a quantitative leap over the years and being oblivious to this trend is to stop escaping a business opportunity in international markets. So much so that this year Peru is expected to reach 700,000 hectares of organic production, a distant figure of almost 340,000 in 2011.
What is organic agriculture
The concept of organic agriculture requires strict compliance with the standards established in the applicable techniques. Among the most common and accepted are the following:
Crop rotation
Crop rotation involves changing species in the same field season after season. This agricultural technique may also include a set-aside period within a certain time interval.
Green fertilizer
The mixture of green plants with soil enriches it with organic materials, and nitrogen in particular. It also increases moisture levels and adds nutrients to microorganisms, thus improving soil quality. This method of organic agriculture also reduces weed infestation.
Animal manure
This practice enriches the soil with natural components from animals, either raw or composted (excluding by-products of slaughter). However, there are restrictions, as the material must not contain any synthetic additives, the soil must be analyzed before applications and this fertilizer is only allowed at least three months before harvest.
Composted compost is preferable as its volume is more compact and contains fewer pathogens and potential contaminants.
Integrated weed management in organic agriculture
Heavy agrochemicals are not allowed in this agriculture. Therefore, weed control is done through other integrated weed management options (prevention, biological, physical and cultural).
