Natural Farming, Plant Nutrients, and Pest Control

Vocabulary review flashcards covering natural farming principles, organic fertilizers, plant nutrient requirements, fertilizer application methods, and pest/disease management.

Natural Farming

A farming system based on natural materials, organic fertilizers, and biological processes that protects the environment and improves soil health.

Healthy Soil

The foundation and first principle of natural farming that contains organic matter, earthworms, beneficial microorganisms, and proper moisture retention.

Use Natural Fertilizers

The second principle of natural farming that encourages using compost, animal manure, vermicompost, and plant residues.

Avoid Harmful Chemicals

The third principle of natural farming that encourages farmers to avoid chemical pesticides, synthetic herbicides, artificial growth hormones, and chemical fungicides.

Recycle Farm Waste

The fourth principle of natural farming that encourages turning leaves, rice straw, and vegetable scraps into compost.

Protect Biodiversity

The fifth principle of natural farming that focuses on protecting organisms such as bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and earthworms, viewing the farm as a living ecosystem.

Conserve Water

The sixth principle of natural farming that focuses on reducing water waste and maintaining soil moisture.

Compost

An organic fertilizer made from decomposed plant and animal waste, kitchen scraps, leaves, and fruit peels that improves soil fertility and structure.

Animal Manure

An organic fertilizer made from nutrient-rich waste of farm animals (such as cows, chickens, pigs, and goats) that must be properly composted or handled before use.

Vermicompost / Vermicast

An organic fertilizer made from earthworm castings and produced by earthworms processing organic materials.

Mulching

The practice of covering the soil with dry leaves, rice straw, or grass clippings to help soil retain moisture and reduce evaporation.

Bees and Butterflies

Insects that act as pollinators to help flowers and crops reproduce.

Ladybugs

Beneficial organisms and natural enemies that naturally eat aphids and other tiny harmful pests.

Earthworms

Organisms that loosen the soil and add nutrients while producing vermicast.

Conventional Farming

A farming system that uses chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides.

Composting

The process of using organic waste to return nutrients to the soil instead of burning it.

Plant Nutrients

Essential substances that plants need for growth, development, and reproduction.

Nitrogen

The primary macronutrient responsible for leaf and stem growth and chlorophyll production; deficiency causes yellow leaves or chlorosis.

Phosphorus

The primary macronutrient responsible for root development, flowering, and seed formation; deficiency causes poor or weak roots and delayed flowering.

Potassium

The primary macronutrient responsible for plant strength, disease resistance, and fruit quality; deficiency causes yellow or brown leaf edges and poor fruit quality.

Green Manure

An organic fertilizer made from green plants incorporated into the soil ("plants returned to soil") that reduces erosion and weeds.

Fertilizer Application

The process of placing fertilizer into the soil or near plants to supply necessary nutrients.

Chlorosis

The yellowing or paling of leaves caused by nutrient deficiency.

Under-Application

The condition that occurs when a farmer applies less fertilizer than a crop needs.

Over-Application

The condition that occurs when too much fertilizer is applied to plants, which can cause root damage or environmental pollution.

Broadcasting

A fertilizer application method that spreads fertilizer evenly over the soil surface.

Side Dressing

A fertilizer application method that applies fertilizer beside growing plants, but not directly on the stems.

Ring Method

A fertilizer application method that places fertilizer in a ring around the base of the plant.

Spot Application

A fertilizer application method that applies fertilizer to specific spots near individual plants.

Cultural Control

A pest control method using smart farming practices (e.g., crop rotation, removing weeds, cleaning the farm, proper spacing, proper watering) to reduce pest-friendly conditions naturally.

Mechanical Control

A pest control method that physically removes or blocks pests without chemicals.

Handpicking

A mechanical control method that involves manually removing caterpillars, insects, or egg clusters by hand.

Biological Control

A pest control method that uses natural enemies (such as ladybugs, spiders, frogs, and birds) to fight pests.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A farming approach that emphasizes monitoring pests and using non-chemical methods first, with chemical control used only as a last resort.

Spiders

Organisms that catch and eat harmful insects and act as natural traps in the garden.

Chewing Pests

A type of pest indicated by holes in leaves.

Sucking Pests

A type of pest indicated by yellowing or curling leaves.

Fungal Disease

A plant disease indicated by spots or mold.

Viral Disease

A plant disease indicated by mosaic patterns on plants.