Organic farming is an agricultural method that utilizes ecologically based pest controls and biological fertilizers obtained mostly from plants and animal wastes, as well as nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Modern organic farming was established in response to the environmental damage done by the use of synthetic pesticides and artificial fertilizers in conventional agriculture.
Organic farming employs fewer pesticides, lowers soil erosion, minimizes nitrate leaching into groundwater, and recycles animal fecal matter back into the farm.
Synonyms: Chemical-free farming