Is organic produce really organic?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the definition and implications of "organic" produce, particularly in relation to the materials plants absorb from the soil. Participants clarify that organic farming prohibits synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, utilizing natural alternatives such as bovine and porcine manure. The conversation highlights misconceptions about organic farming, emphasizing that while all fertilizers are ultimately inorganic, the term "organic" refers to the methods of cultivation rather than the chemical composition of the fertilizers used. Key examples include the use of biological control agents like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and the prohibition of growth hormones and antibiotics in animal feed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of organic farming principles
  • Knowledge of natural pesticides and biological control agents
  • Familiarity with fertilizer types and their sources
  • Basic concepts of organic vs. inorganic chemistry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in organic pest control
  • Explore the differences between organic and conventional farming practices
  • Study the chemical composition of common fertilizers used in agriculture
  • Investigate the regulations governing organic certification and labeling
USEFUL FOR

Agricultural professionals, organic farmers, consumers interested in food sourcing, and anyone seeking to understand the principles of organic farming and its implications on food quality.

wasteofo2
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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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