Essential Preparations:
At the beginning of ecological farming (before preparing the soil), it is essential to test the soil and both underground and surface water of the relevant area. This is necessary to understand the components of the soil and the minerals present in the water. Thus, soil and water testing is mandatory before starting agricultural activities.
Standards or Practices for Eco-Friendly Agriculture:
These are divided into two parts: (a) What to do and (b) What not to do.
(a) What to do:
– Revitalize and protect the soil;
– Use improved local and native crop seeds;
– Plant crops in the appropriate season;
– Always practice mixed cropping;
– Keep the soil covered with something at all times (using mulching);
– Leave some parts of the crop in the field during harvest (seeds and leftover branches).
(b) What not to do:
– Do not excessively till the soil;
– Do not practice chemical agriculture alongside or in conjunction with ecological farming;
– Avoid using hybrid seeds as much as possible;
– Absolutely do not use GMO seeds;
– Do not attempt to force crop production;
– Do not use herbicides (prohibited);
– Avoid using groundwater unless necessary;
– Do not kill animals and birds;
– Do not burn dry vines and leaves in the field; – Do not use the manure from animals and birds treated with antibiotics.
