2 Sustainable concepts. There are many suggested solutions to the sustainable farming problem. These range from ‘landcare’ and ‘conservation farming’ to ‘permaculture’, ‘biodynamics’ and ‘financial restructuring’. Most of these solutions are very | .2 Sustainable concepts There are many suggested solutions to the sustainable farming problem. These range from landcare and conservation farming to permaculture biodynamics and financial restructuring . Most of these solutions are very appropriate in the right place and at the right time. All have their application and in many cases elements of several can be combined to create a solution appropriate to a particular site. Natural farming Natural farming works with nature rather than against it. It recognises the fact that nature has many complex processes which interact to control pests diseases and weeds and to regulate the growth of plants. Chemicals such as pesticides and artificial fertilisers are being used more and more even though they can reduce both the overall health of the environment and the quality of farm produce. Undesirable long-term effects such as soil degradation and imbalances in pest-predator populations also tend to occur. As public concern grows these issues are seen as increasingly important. Farming the natural way aims to ensure quality in both the environment in which we live and in the produce we grow on our farms. There are a variety of ways of growing plants that work with nature rather than against it. Some techniques have been used for centuries. Some of the most effective and widely used methods are outlined here. Organic farming Organic farming has been given a variety of names over the years - biological farming sustainable agriculture alternative agriculture to name a few. Definitions of what is and isn t organic are also extremely varied. Some of the most important features of organic 10 Sustainable Agriculture Figure Ryton Organic Gardens. Vegetables growing at the Henry Doubleday Research Association grounds United Kingdom. production as recognised by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements IFOAM include Promoting existing biological cycles from micro-organisms in the soil to plants and animals .
