Understanding the role of the soil in the farm ecosystem, and knowing how to manage the land, are critical and difficult tasks facing the organic farmer. The soil's biological and electrochemical processes cannot be observed directly since they take place at a microscopic and sub-molecular level. Changes in fertility, tilth and structure may take years to become evident. Early indicators are subtle, and the farmer must be a keen observer to spot them. Reviewing the biological, chemical and physical properties of the soil as a background to sound management. Much of the material will be familiar; the key difference is the recognition of the vital role soil micro-organisms play in recycling, releasing, and storing plant nutrients. Organic farmers use techniques that support and enhance the biological life of the soil, which in turn nurtures the crop and maintains soil structure.

Soil biology: Most of the farm's life exists out of sight, beneath the surface of the soil. Billions of organisms inhabit the upper layers of the soil, where they break down dead organic matter, releasing the nutrients necessary for plant growth. The micro-organisms include bacteria, actinomycetes, algae and fungi. Macro-organisms include earthworms and arthropods such as insects, mites and millipedes. Each group plays a role in the soil ecosystem and can assist the organic farmer in producing a healthy crop. Micro-organisms can be grouped according to their function: free-living decomposers convert organic matter into nutrients for plants and other micro-organisms, rhizosphere organisms are symbiotically associated with the plant roots and free-living nitrogen fixers.

Regards,
Angelina Matthew,

Journal Coordinator,

Global Journal of Agricultural Economics and Econometrics
Email ID: gjaee@scholarlynote.com