Natural Farming: Complete Guide to Sustainable Farming Success
🌱 How to Start Natural Farming: A Complete Guide to Successfully Adopting Natural Farming
Today, the cost of farming is continuously increasing. In such a situation, many farmers are moving towards natural farming. However, most farmers have one common question: How to start natural farming and what is the right way to begin?
Success in natural farming does not come only from stopping the use of chemical fertilizers. It comes from properly managing the soil, water, microorganisms, and crop production system. If the process is started correctly, the condition of the soil gradually improves, and the overall health of the farm becomes stronger.
In natural farming, the most important role is played by the microorganisms living inside the soil. When they get a favorable environment and proper food, they make the soil more active and fertile. This is why special attention is given to Jeevamrit, Ghan Jeevamrit, green manure, and minimum tillage in natural farming.
In this article, we will understand in detail how to start natural farming and what steps can be taken to make it successful.
📑 Table of Contents
- Right Time to Start Natural Farming
- Importance of Soil and Water Testing
- Why Organic Carbon is Important
- Why Field Leveling Should Be Done
- Use of Subsoiler (Parrot Plough)
- Use of Ghan Jeevamrit and Cow Dung Manure
- Importance of Green Manure
- Regular Use of Jeevamrit
- Use of Neemastra
- Importance of Minimum Tillage
- Three Pillars of Successful Natural Farming
- Farmer Suggestions
- Common Mistakes
- Conclusion
- FAQs
🌿 1. Right Time to Start Natural Farming
If a farmer wants to start natural farming for the first time, the Kharif season is considered a good time to begin. Especially in areas with a rice-based cropping system, the results of natural farming can be seen more quickly.
The management of paddy crops creates conditions where both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms remain active in the field. When both types of microorganisms work together, positive changes in the soil can be seen rapidly.
For this reason, paddy cultivation is considered one of the best starting points for natural farming. With proper farming practices, the organic carbon content of the soil starts increasing, and improvements in field health become visible.
🧪 2. Why Soil and Water Testing is Important
Before starting natural farming, it is extremely important to get both soil and water tested.
Just as a doctor examines a person to understand their health condition, a farmer should also understand the condition of their field.
Information Obtained from Soil Testing
- Organic carbon level in the soil
- Status of major nutrients
- Overall soil health
- pH level
- Salt content in the soil
Information Obtained from Water Testing
- Whether the water contains salts or not
- Quantity of salts present
- Suitability of water for irrigation
If salts are present in irrigation water, they may gradually accumulate in the field and affect crop growth over time. Therefore, testing both soil and water before starting natural farming is considered very important.
🌎 3. Why Organic Carbon is Important
Organic carbon has special importance in natural farming.
Organic carbon is considered an indicator of soil health. When a farmer gets the soil tested, the organic carbon value helps in understanding the current condition of the field.
After adopting natural farming, gradual improvement in soil organic carbon can be observed. This is why organic carbon information is considered useful for understanding the health status of the farm.
🚜 4. Why Field Leveling is Important
Field leveling is an important activity in natural farming.
Getting the field leveled after wheat harvesting is considered beneficial in many ways.
Benefits of Field Leveling
✔ Saves irrigation water.
✔ Ensures uniform crop establishment.
✔ Makes agricultural operations easier and more efficient.
✔ Reduces the chances of weed growth.
✔ Supports better crop development.
When a field is properly leveled, both irrigation and crop management become easier.
🔨 5. Why Use a Subsoiler (Parrot Plough)
Continuous cultivation using the same farming methods for many years can create a hard layer below the soil surface.
This hard layer can restrict root development and affect crop growth.
Benefits of a Subsoiler
- Works deep inside the soil without turning it over.
- Helps roots spread more effectively.
- Improves the internal soil structure.
- Supports better water and salt management.
Therefore, before starting natural farming, using a subsoiler according to the condition of the field is considered beneficial.
❌ 6. Why Should the Use of a Mouldboard Plough Be Reduced
In natural farming, frequent turning and disturbing of the soil is not recommended.
Excessive tillage can:
- Make the soil uneven.
- Create large soil clods in the field.
- Disturb the natural balance of the soil.
- Affect the organic carbon content.
For this reason, minimum tillage is given priority in natural farming.
🐄 7. Use of Ghan Jeevamrit and Cow Dung Manure
Ghan Jeevamrit has an important place in natural farming.
If a farmer is starting natural farming, the use of Ghan Jeevamrit during the initial years is considered beneficial.
When to Apply Ghan Jeevamrit
- At the time of field preparation
- Before the final ploughing
- Before the final harrowing
Use of Cow Dung Manure
If the farmer has well-decomposed cow dung manure or compost available, it can be used.
The combined use of Ghan Jeevamrit and cow dung manure is considered beneficial for the field.
🌾 8. Importance of Green Manure
Green manure plays an important role in natural farming.
Suitable Crops for Green Manure
- Dhaincha
- Moong
- Urd
- Sunn Hemp
The use of green manure is considered helpful in increasing biological activities in the soil.
🌱 9. Major Benefits of Green Manure
9.1. Food for Microorganisms
Green manure decomposes quickly, which provides food to soil microorganisms.
9.2. Germination of Weed Seeds
The weed seeds present in the field start germinating earlier.
9.3. Availability of Nutrients
Nutrients become available more quickly for the next crop.
9.4. Better Crop Development
The chances of crops turning yellow may be reduced.
🌾 10. Use of Green Manure in Paddy Crop
If paddy cultivation is planned, paddy transplantation can be done immediately after mixing the green manure into the soil or within two to three days.
This can help the crop benefit from the already active biological environment present in the field.
💧 11. Importance of Jeevamrit
In natural farming, the regular use of Jeevamrit is considered extremely important.
Benefits of Jeevamrit
✔ Increases the population of beneficial microorganisms.
✔ Enhances soil activity.
✔ Strengthens natural biological processes.
✔ Improves the biological environment of the field.
If Jeevamrit is used with every irrigation, the number of microorganisms in the soil can continuously increase.
🌿 12. Use of Neemastra
In crops like Dhaincha, caterpillar infestation may sometimes be observed.
In such situations:
- Neemastra can be used along with the first irrigation.
- Neemastra can be sprayed if required.
This practice is considered a part of crop management.
🦠 13. Role of Microorganisms
The foundation of natural farming is the microorganisms present in the soil.
When a farmer regularly uses:
- Jeevamrit
- Ghan Jeevamrit
- Green Manure
the number of microorganisms in the soil starts increasing.
As their activity increases, the natural balance of the soil also becomes stronger.
🚜 14. Importance of Minimum Tillage in Natural Farming
In natural farming, it is advised to avoid frequent tillage.
Excessive tillage can disturb the natural balance of the soil.
By adopting minimum tillage:
- The soil structure remains protected.
- Organic carbon can be maintained better.
- Natural processes receive support.
⭐ 15. Three Important Pillars of Successful Natural Farming
To make natural farming successful, attention should be given to three important factors.
15.1. 🍂 Use of Mulch
It helps in maintaining and improving soil condition.
15.2. 🚜 Minimum Tillage
It helps maintain the natural balance of the soil.
15.3. 🌱 Green Manure
It provides food for beneficial microorganisms.
If a farmer properly follows even two out of these three practices, it can help in making natural farming successful.
👨🌾 16. Farmer Suggestions
Some important suggestions for farmers who are starting natural farming:
✅ Get soil and water tested.
✅ Get the field properly leveled.
✅ Use a subsoiler.
✅ Apply Ghan Jeevamrit.
✅ Make green manure a part of your farming practices.
✅ Use Jeevamrit with every irrigation.
✅ Adopt minimum tillage.
✅ Continuously monitor soil health.
⚠️ 17. Common Mistakes in Natural Farming
Many farmers make some common mistakes in the beginning, due to which they may not get the expected results.
Avoid These Mistakes
❌ Not conducting soil testing.
❌ Not testing irrigation water.
❌ Ignoring field leveling.
❌ Not using green manure.
❌ Not applying Jeevamrit regularly.
❌ Frequent tillage of the field.
❌ Farming without understanding soil health.
🎯 Conclusion
If you want to know how to start natural farming, begin with proper field preparation. Soil and water testing, field leveling, use of a subsoiler, Ghan Jeevamrit, Jeevamrit, and green manure are practices that help build a strong foundation for natural farming.
The main objective of natural farming is to increase the activity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil and improve overall soil health. With proper preparation and regular management, farmers can successfully move towards natural farming.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming is an agricultural method that focuses on carrying out farming activities in harmony with natural processes. Its main objective is to increase the biological activity of the soil and strengthen the natural balance of the field.
In this farming system, emphasis is placed on maintaining balance between soil, water, microorganisms, and natural resources. Improving the health of the field is considered the most important aspect of natural farming.
By adopting natural farming, farmers can work towards improving soil quality. At the same time, this method aims to promote long-term agricultural sustainability.
Key Points:
- Use of natural resources
- Focus on soil health
- Promotion of biological activities
- Development of a sustainable farming system
2. What is Called Natural Farming?
Natural farming refers to an agricultural system in which farming is carried out according to the laws of nature. It gives importance to the natural strength of the soil and the biological processes present in the field.
The objective of this method is to create an environment where microorganisms remain active and soil health continues to improve over time. In natural farming, agriculture is viewed as a living system.
It is important for farmers to understand that natural farming is not just a technique but a complete farming approach based on strengthening the natural potential of the field.
3. What is the National Mission on Natural Farming?
The National Mission on Natural Farming is an important initiative aimed at promoting natural farming across the country. Through this mission, efforts are made to create awareness among farmers and encourage the wider adoption of natural farming.
The focus of this mission is on increasing awareness, training, and knowledge related to natural farming. It encourages farmers to move towards sustainable agriculture.
Main Objectives:
- Promote natural farming.
- Increase awareness among farmers.
- Encourage improvement of soil health.
- Strengthen sustainable agricultural systems.
4. What is the Natural Farming Scheme?
The objective of the Natural Farming Scheme is to encourage farmers to adopt natural farming and provide them with the necessary guidance.
Under such schemes, farmers are provided information about natural farming techniques, field management, soil health, and agricultural practices.
Main Focus Areas of the Schemes:
- Expansion of natural farming
- Farmer training
- Awareness programs
- Promotion of sustainable agriculture
Through these schemes, efforts are made to connect more and more farmers with natural farming.
5. What are the Benefits of Natural Farming?
Many important benefits are associated with natural farming. One of its biggest benefits is considered to be its positive impact on soil health.
By adopting natural farming, biological activities in the field may increase. It can also help improve the overall balance of the soil.
Main Benefits:
- Improves soil health.
- Increases the possibility of improving organic carbon levels.
- Enhances the activity of beneficial microorganisms.
- Promotes sustainable agricultural systems.
- Strengthens the natural potential of the field.
6. What are the Advantages of Natural Farming?
The advantages of natural farming are not limited to the field alone; it can also contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability.
Through this approach, farmers can work towards maintaining soil quality. It may also support better utilization of natural resources.
Major Advantages:
- Supports soil fertility.
- Helps maintain natural balance.
- Increases biological activity in the field.
- Promotes sustainable agriculture.
7. What are the Types of Natural Farming?
Various types of natural farming are discussed. Among them, Cow-Based Natural Farming and Subhash Palekar Natural Farming are the most widely known.
The objective of these different types is to make farming more aligned with natural processes, although their methods of implementation may differ.
Major Types:
- Cow-Based Natural Farming
- Subhash Palekar Natural Farming
- Local Resource-Based Natural Farming
8. What are the Components of Natural Farming?
Natural farming is considered to be based on several important components.
The purpose of these components is to strengthen the natural balance of the soil and the field.
Main Components:
- Soil health
- Microorganisms
- Biological activities
- Natural resources
- Balanced field management
The coordination of all these components plays an important role in the success of natural farming.
9. What are the Principles of Natural Farming?
The principles of natural farming are based on strengthening the natural potential of the field.
Major Principles:
- Practice farming in harmony with nature.
- Give priority to soil health.
- Promote biological activities.
- Use natural resources in a balanced manner.
- Maintain the natural balance of the field.
By following these principles, farmers can move towards long-term agricultural sustainability.
10. What is the Difference Between Natural Farming and Organic Farming?
Both natural farming and organic farming aim to promote sustainable agriculture, but their methods are considered different.
Natural farming places greater emphasis on natural field processes and biological activity in the soil. Organic farming, on the other hand, focuses more on organic inputs and organic management practices.
Main Differences:
- Natural farming focuses on a nature-based approach.
- Organic farming focuses more on organic input-based management.
- Both aim to promote sustainable agriculture.
11. What is the Difference Between Organic Farming and Natural Farming?
Organic farming and natural farming both aim to produce crops without harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides, but their approaches are different. Organic farming uses natural inputs such as compost, vermicompost, green manure, and bio-pesticides instead of synthetic chemicals. Farmers may also purchase certified organic inputs from external sources.
Natural farming, on the other hand, follows nature-based principles and minimizes or completely avoids external inputs. It mainly relies on locally available resources, especially preparations made from indigenous cow dung and cow urine, such as Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, along with practices like mulching and soil conservation.
Organic farming often involves higher production costs because organic fertilizers and other inputs may need to be purchased. Natural farming generally has lower costs since most resources are produced on the farm itself.
In summary, organic farming focuses on replacing chemical inputs with organic alternatives, while natural farming emphasizes a self-sustaining agricultural system that works in harmony with nature and reduces dependence on external resources.
12. What is Acharya Devvrat Natural Farming?
Acharya Devvrat Natural Farming is a widely discussed topic related to the promotion of natural farming. Through this approach, efforts are made to motivate farmers towards natural farming and create awareness about its benefits.
Its main objective is to increase awareness among farmers and encourage the large-scale adoption of natural farming.
13. What is Subhash Palekar Natural Farming?
Subhash Palekar Natural Farming is known as a popular concept of natural farming. It has been widely discussed among farmers.
The objective of this method is to align farming with natural resources and natural processes. It emphasizes soil activity and maintaining the natural balance of the field.
14. What is Cow-Based Natural Farming?
Cow-Based Natural Farming is considered an important form of natural farming in which cow-based resources are given priority.
This type of farming focuses on strengthening the natural balance of the field and promoting biological activity in the soil.
Main Features:
- Use of local resources
- Natural agriculture approach
- Focus on soil health
- Sustainable farming system
👉 For more information on organic farming: click here