Regarding Avery's statement that there is insufficient "organic" N to
support organic production. This is a serious misunderstanding about the
nature of N in agriculutre that, unfortunately is hsared by many organic
producers. The reserve of nitrogen for all life on earth is the air--70%
is composed of N, which means that over every square inch of soil there is
a column of nitrogen weighing down. All life depends on that N being
converted into "organic" forms which is done exclusively by microbial
action--nitrogen fixation. The art of organic farming is to foment the
natural fertility systems in the soil such that there is a constant flow o
N into the system.
What is insufficient is earth's capacity to handle any more excess nitrogen
wastes caused by irrational addition of soluble N to the soil in the form
of chemical fertilizers. So-called organic famers contribute to this air
and water pollution by N as well, by adding excess organic nitrogen as
bloddmeal or excessive amount of animal manure. N pollution has become a
serious global ecological problem and it is urgent to develop a sustainble
approach to N management in agriculture. In this Avery is way off base, as
usual, in his tendentious arguments in favor of corporate interests.
Ronald Nigh
Dana, A.C.
Mexico, D.F. & San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Tel. y FAX 525-666-73-66 (DF)
529-678-72-15 (Chiapas)
danamex@mail.internet.com.mx
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