Several Good Reasons For Going Organic

According to THIS RODALE INSTITUTE BOOKLET, the best reason to buy organic food isn't because it tastes better. Perhaps not even that it's healthier for you.

The best reason is because up to 41% of fossil fuels used on farms goes toward nitrogen fertilizers.

By using organic means proponents claim they can produce the same yields. They further point out by using a layer of composting materials, instead of chemical fertilizers, the materials have a greater ability to absorb and hold moisture in dry weather.

The study also mentioned the chemical processing plants needed to create the non-organic fertilizers can lead to further usage of fossil fuels and their resultant green house effects.

Further the report pointed out that petro-fertilizers tend to destroy the natural bacteria that produce nutrients. This in itself requires re-applications to sustain their usefulness. Good for the companies that sell them, but this adds additonal expenses for the farmer.

They concluded,
* Organic yields match conventional yields.

* Organic outperforms conventional in years of drought.

* Organic farming systems build rather than deplete soil organic matter, making it a more sustainable system.

* Organic farming uses 45% less energy and is more efficient.

* Conventional systems produce 40% more greenhouse gases.

* Organic farming systems are more profitable than conventional.These are the results of a 30 year study conducted by The Rodale Institute
(one mile west of Maxatawny)

These seem like very good reasons to shop for organic agricultural products.

The 2011 USDA Organic Farming Systems Conference
Dr. John Reganold, Washington State University
"Comparing Organic and Conventional Agriculture in the U.S:
What Can We Measure?"
March 16, 2011

Updated 10:25 AM
After Thoughts

I personally can attest to the value of organics. For years I bought the bagged fertilizers. Some which required 4 applications a year. Now knowing they can kill off naturally occurring bacteria in the soil I can see why.

About 5 years ago I bought bags of mushroom soil instead. I used my leaf rake to spread it around evenly.

I was amazed the first year how green the grass was becoming. In addition I never had to reseed like I had been doing every spring.


I realize some of you folks have large yards that would require a lot of effort and compost. Think about how many times you've fertilized over the years. The mushroom composting effort is a once and done thing. At least it was in my case. PLUS it is also a one time expense.

The thing I'd caution against buying is the loose mushroom compose that hasn't been treated and has been stored outside. Those can contain pests and weeds.

If your not convinced, try a small area. I think you will be surprised how well it works.

Here's more information about 'Mushroom Compost'

We also bought one of those small backyard enclosed compost bins. We used some of our food scraps to fertilize our garden. That too worked out very well for us this year.

Just make sure it's enclosed. Like this one