AMANIA, VICALYLE K.

01/06/25
STEM XI
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1

Conventional vs Organic Farming: Contrasting Sustainable Practices

Introduction:
Decline on the agricultural lands pose a threat in the agriculture in modern times.
Leading for the concept of sustainability to become a hot topic globally. Sustainable agriculture
contains a wide variety of seven natural resource systems. To some people, sustainable
agriculture contains three functions. Regardless of having numerous accounts, there is a general
definition that an ample evaluation of sustainability should include its ecological, economic, and
social elements Chand et al., (2015). Consequently, sustainable agriculture means a farming
system that is frugally feasible, environmentally sound and appropriate.
Agricultural researchers widely commend the importance of sustainable
agricultural production systems and the need to develop appropriate practices to ensure
sustainability. Sustainable agriculture is associated for food security, that requires the availability
of food or adequate source of food. This research highlights the importance of agriculture to the
lives of the people, stressing the needs of it for sustainability. Technology, planning, and lifestyle
are considered as major parts of a holistic approach for sustainable development. In general, the
approach being use can be vital to determine the sustainability of the present environment. A
interdisciplinary and successful approach to sustainable development has been attempted by
integrating all three factors.
Most of the agricultural methods necessary for economic transformation comes
from enlarge input use, especially modern inputs that involves well-developed seed,
agrochemicals, fertilizers, machinery, and irrigation Sheahan and Barrett (2017). Much better
inputs of fertilizers and pesticides have generated immense production rise over the past century
Chen et al., (2018). Nevertheless, the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in
agriculture has gained negative environmental consequences Cardoso and James (2012). While
chemical processes accord to increased production in agriculture, it causes a non-point source
(NPS) pollution and environmental degradation Shen et al., (2012), Zhou et al., (2018). NPS
pollution results from many dispersed sources, compared to industrial pollutions.
Environmentalists, public health professionals and consumers have stressed the need of serious
environmental and health impacts of chemical used in recent years.
 Organic agriculture is increasing rapidly today across 170 countries, producing
organic food commercially. Organic farming (OF), a part of a viable agricultural practices, is
now working as an alternative to Conventional Farming (CF) Azam and Shaheen (2019), Singh
et al., (2023). It is an approach that undergo biological and ecological processes through
enhancement by avoiding agro-chemicals in production systems. Organic agriculture applies to
any parts of the country, first off, Asia (36%) followed by Africa (29%) and Europe (17%). This
chapter aims to bring together different issues through recent developments in organic farming.
This highlights the use of management practices in preference to the use of–crop inputs, taking
into account that regional conditions require locally adapted systems, using agronomic,
biological and mechanical methods.
Methodology:
The study showed a case-control design to deeply examine the gap in crop yield
and sustainability between organic and conventional farming methods in Dinagat Islands. Data
was gathered through a combination of both primary and secondary sources including on-site
observations, interviews with farmers, surveys and the analysis of government reports, as well as
academic studies. Data analysis was managed using a variety of statistical techniques such as t-
tests and ANOVA to contrast both farming techniques.
The results gathered were then examined and interpreted within the context of
existing writings on organic and conventional farming practices. The ultimate purpose of the
study had yielded insights into the effectiveness of both farming methods, and to notify policy
and practice in the realms of agriculture and sustainable development in Dinagat Islands.
The total number of participants in this study was only limited to a small sample
size (ranging from 1-30) in order to lower down the possibilities between the two farming
method which may have resulted in a biased representation of opinions and perceptions.
Additionally, the participants’ requirements included their knowledge and experience in farming
methods which may have possibly influenced their responses.
In order to contrast the resourcefulness of organic and conventional farming, data
was gathered using a range of key variables. The data on the crop yields was collected through
on-site observations, interviews with farmers, surveys and the analysis of government reports
and academic studies. It includes measuring the nutrient levels, carbon and nitrogen content
insight into the health of the soil and its ability to maintain productivity over time. Data on water
and energy usage, including the pesticide and fertilizer use, were also estimated to evaluate the
sustainability of each type of farming practice.
The analysis showed that both farming methods were relatively comparable, with
differences in yield widely depending on factors found locally, such as the soil quality and
weather patterns. In terms of resource usage, conventional farming practices had proved to be
more efficient, with lower water and energy usage as well as decreased pesticide and fertilizer
use, hinting at a slightly more sustainable approach. Lastly, the analysis to the soil quality
revealed that the use of organic pesticides and fertilizers had led to a slight improvement in soil
quality. The outcome of the data analysis stated that although organic farming methods were
more sustainable in some areas, other variables such as cost and availability was needed to be
taken into consideration to make an apparent comparison between organic and conventional
farming practices.
While there are a lot of benefits to convention farming practices, there are also
some limitations. It is the gap between the two farming methods. Organic farming can sometimes
be less productive than conventional farming, due to factors such as lower yields and higher
production costs. In addition, the availability and cost of organic inputs, such as seeds and
fertilizers, can also work as limiting factors, as they might be harder to come by and pricey
compared to conventional inputs. Finally, the adaptability of organic farming is a significant
challenge, as it can be hard to produce enough organic products to meet the necessity of large
populations. Nevertheless, further research is needed in order to fully grasp the gap on the long-
term impacts of both farming practices.
 References

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