Is organic produce really organic?

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The discussion centers on the definition and implications of "organically grown" produce. Participants debate the nature of organic farming, clarifying that it refers to the methods used rather than the chemical composition of fertilizers. Organic farming avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, relying instead on natural alternatives like manure and biological pest control. There is confusion about the term "organic," with some arguing that all materials plants absorb are inorganic, while others emphasize that organic refers to the farming practices rather than the chemical makeup of the inputs. The conversation also touches on the misunderstanding of organic matter, particularly in relation to animal waste and its role in fertilization. Overall, the thread highlights the complexities and nuances of organic agriculture and the terminology associated with it.
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I'm sure most everyone here's seen produce which is advertised as being "Organically Grown", yet (unless I'm horibly mistaken), the only materials plants intake from the soil are inorganic.

Sure the claim of only being nourished organically might work with meat or mushrooms, but as far as I can see, not plants.

So, are they just blatently lying to make their produce seem more attractive or am I missing something?
 
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I believe they are only referenencing the fact that pesticides, ect.. are not being used.

Nautica
 
Depending on the culture, animal or plants, it referes to the way its grown. The techniques employed are based on a guided lines. For plants, no synthetic fertilizer or pesticides is used. Natural pesticide or biological control agent can be used. The best example is Bt (bacterial incesticide), parasitoid, viruses, bacteria and fungi. The also agricultural techniques that prevent pest infestation. For animals, growth hormone, antibiotic as feed and animal flour as feed cannot be used.


Organics only referes to the old fashion way of agriculture with modern tools.
 
But any sort of fertilizer used would have to be inorganic, regardless of if it's synthesized or not...
 
Originally posted by wasteofo2
But any sort of fertilizer used would have to be inorganic, regardless of if it's synthesized or not...

It is accordin to its source. Cow produce fertilizer. We can also produce fertilizer out of tin air (i.e. nitrogen).

Organic farm will use bovine and porcine manuor (spellling) as a fertilizer whereas the normal farmer use synthesised nitrogen, phosphourous and potassium.

The bottom line is everything is inorganic but that is not it is why it is called organic food.
 
Originally posted by iansmith
It is accordin to its source. Cow produce fertilizer. We can also produce fertilizer out of tin air (i.e. nitrogen).

Organic farm will use bovine and porcine manuor (spellling) as a fertilizer whereas the normal farmer use synthesised nitrogen, phosphourous and potassium.

The bottom line is everything is inorganic but that is not it is why it is called organic food.

But aside from any undigested food in feces, it's all inorganic. And any undigested organic matter in feces would be useless to the plant until it was decomposed.

I hate people who claim to grow organic produce, lying filthy bastards...
 
Waste, maybe you should give your definition of organic, and tell us why you don't think feces are organic.
 
Originally posted by wasteofo2
yet (unless I'm horibly mistaken), the only materials plants intake from the soil are inorganic.


Turns out I was horribly mistaken, just found out that mistletoe and dodder plants are both auto and heterotrophic. Though I don't think any plants that are grown on farms have this quality.
 
Originally posted by selfAdjoint
Waste, maybe you should give your definition of organic, and tell us why you don't think feces are organic.
I'll check on this tommorow, but I always was taught that feces was the inorganic byproduct of digestion. I also have been taught that a substance is deemed organic or inorganic due to whether or not it has a carbon/hydrogen bond, though it may be some other kind of bond, I don't quite remember.
 
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