WHAT DO SUGAR-HIGHS & NITROGEN FORMS HAVE IN COMMON?One of the major differences between organic & conventional farms is the forms in which N is present in the soil & cropping system. On conventional farms, the majority of the N is applied as fertilizer in a synthetic form that is rapidly available. On organic farms, N is supplied in a complex matrix involving N stored in the soil, N from composted manure, fish emulsion etc. These forms are slowly delivered to the plant. An example will explain somewhat the difference. Say that a candy bar & apple has the same amount of sugars. The rapidly available sugar in the candy triggers a spike in insulin, causing a sugar-high, followed by a crash in stamina due to rapidly depleting energy (sugar) levels. The apple slowly releases the sugars due to the prolonged breakdown of the apple tissues complex matrix. There is no major spike in insulin & instead a prolonged steady period of available energy (sugar) & no sugar crash. The rapidly available N in conventional farming diverts sugars from photosynthesis to produce more proteins & a spike in vegetative growth, thus more leaves. But in the organic system, the slower prolonged supply of N does not trigger a spike in plant growth, allowing more photosynthetic sugars to be available for other metabolic functions such as producing more Vitamin C & polyphenols. Because N becomes available more gradually in organic systems, the N supply tends to more closely match plant needs. This results in more N winding up in the plant, & less running off the field after a heavy rain, leaching into the groundwater, or being lost to the atmosphere. --The Organic Center, March 2008 There are tremendous differences in todays conventional farming & organic farming and this is just one more reason we are CERTIFIED ORGANIC.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:13:58 +0000
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