In contrast, organic farming restores and builds up the soil, increasing its organic content, which in turn increases its water-sustaining ability. The rich, moist rearth results in stronger plants, which improve the soil even more. Far less water runs off organic fields, and what does is not polluted with pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
Seeds: Uses untreated seeds, never GMO seeds
Soil and Water: Builds strong soil through crop rotation. Retains water more efficiently thanks to increased organic matter in soil.
Harvesting: Relies mostly on the seasonal freeze for defoliation. May stimulate defoliation through water management.
Weeds: Weeds are physically removed, rather than chemical destruction. Hand-hoeing and cultivation control weeds.
Pest Control: Maintains a balance between pests and other natural predators through healthy soil. Uses good bugs, biological and cultural practices to control pests. May use trap crops such as alfalfa, planted around the cotton to lure insects way from the cotton
Traditional:
On may traditional cotton farms, because of the depletion of nutrients and pesticides, the soil is most often sterile, meaning that the farms rely on additives, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, plus vast quantities of water to keep growing.
Seeds: 70% of seeds used are GMO – “Genetically modified organism” seeds. Typically treated with fungicides or insecticides
Soil and Water: Applies synthetic fibers. Loss of soil due to predominantly same-croprepetition. Requires intensive irrigation
Harvesting: Defoliates with toxic chemicals.
Weeds: Applies herbicides to inhibit weeds. Repeated herbicides to kill weeds that appear.
Pest Control: Uses insecticides heavily. Uses pesticides – the 9 most common are highly toxic; five are probable carcinogens. Frequently uses aerial spraying, with potential drift onto workers, communities and wildlife.
