8 Doodles That Easily Explain The Way Organic Farming Works

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1. How do farms keep their soil nice and fresh?

Farmers often use something called “crop rotation”, which breaks down a specific area to rotate in different kinds of crops with the seasons, usually over a four-year cycle.

2. Do they do anything special with water?

They sure do! Special irrigation systems and terracing are often used across spacious lands. This practice helps collect runoff water and reduce soil erosion.

3. Uh huh... And how do they get rid of gross bugs without using harsh chemicals?

Not all bugs are gross and bad! Some places bring in good guys (like ladybugs) to eliminate troublemakers such as beetles.

4. How do these farms keep their waste output down?

Some have been known to use closed-loop systems, which means virtually nothing goes to waste, thanks to recycling.

5. I’ve heard of composting before. What does it actually do?

Not only does it use piles of earthy garbage to fertilize soil, but it also helps reduce waste, which is super valuable.

6. Do we have to worry about GMOs when buying organic?

Genetically modified organisms are not allowed on organic farms. Animals aren’t given hormones or antibiotics, and they’re raised in generous quarters.

7. How much food in America is grown this way?

Over 4% of food sales in the U.S is certified organic — a number which has doubled since the ‘90s.

8. Whoa, so is that why it can cost more than nonorganic?

Organic food can be more expensive, because of many factors. Crops can be harder to produce, come from smaller farms, and they have to live up to higher standards.

Images via Lyla Ribot for BuzzFeed

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The pulp that's left over from juicing is given to local farms for animal feed. Isn't that cool?