What are the primary differences between an organic and a conventional orchard?
• The primary difference is that synthetic pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers are not used in organic farming. Natural fertilizers such as manure, compost, bone meal, fish meal and rock minerals are used for maintaining soil fertility. • Natural insecticides including insecticidal soaps, pheromones and dormant oils are used for insect pest management instead of synthetic pesticides. Organic orchards also use beneficial insects that prey on harmful insects to keep insect populations under control. • Weeds are controlled by cover crops, mulching and mechanical methods rather than herbicides.
