Identify the benefits and limitations of organic farming.

Benefits of organic farming:

(i) In organic farming synthetic chemicals, (petroleum based) are not required.

(ii) Organic crops contain more secondary metabolites than the conventionally grown plants. Secondary metabolites are substances that form part of plants' immune systems and which also help to fight cancer in humans.

(iii) Organic fields have more nutrients in the soil.

(iv) Organic fields have more biological activities and biodiversity.

(v) Organic crop production rates change little over time.

(vi) Organic soil fertility increases over time.

(vii) Organic crops have measurably higher levels of vitamins.

Disadvantages of organic farming :

(i) Its produce is more expensive

(ii) Organic farming is more work intensive.

(iii) Organic farming uses animal manures which can harbour deadly bacteria.

(iv) Organic farming yields on average around 20% less produce than does conventional farming.

(v) Organic farmers periodically lose all or large portions of their crops to pests.