What are the primary philosophical differences between maintaining plants organically and synthetically?
What are the primary philosophical differences between maintaining plants organically and synthetically?
BASIC ORGANIC PHILOSOPHY
ORGANIC |
SYNTHETIC |
| Proactive Program (addresses and corrects underlying problems) | Reactive Program (treat symptoms, does not address underlying cause of problem) |
| Slow Release Nutrients (spoon feed) | Fast Release Nutrients (force feed) |
| Soil is fed & nurtured | Soil simply holds plant upright |
| Soil biology is key to success | Rotation of pesticides is key to success |
| Problems faced are manifestations of nature | Problems faced are self inflicted wounds |
| Allows plants to grow to full genetic potential | Pushes plants beyond genetic capacity |
| Strategy is to promote controlled growth, improve soil biology & strengthen plant | Strategy is to push excessive growth and control problems with pesticides |
BASIC ORGANIC STRATEGIES
| Plant Nutrition | Maintain and promote healthy soil biology, slow release fertilizers, kelp, return clippings (no it does not promote thatch), maintain proper pH |
| Weed Control | Maintain and promote healthy soil biology, corn gluten, calcium, calcium to magnesium ratio, cut lawn @ 3”, choke out weeds with healthy turf |
| Insect Control | Maintain and promote soil biology, slow release fertilizers, neem, soaps, oils, kelp, calcium , beneficial insects, IPM monitoring |
| Disease Control | Maintain and promote soil biology, slow release nutrients, kelp, calcium, potassium, humic acid, watering habits, cultural practices |