Organic horticulture

Training Certificate issued by INEA-University School of Agricultural Engineering.

Content:

• Concepts, Foundations and Precedents in the Garden:
  • Introduction and Regulations in Organic Agriculture: This section will explore the fundamental principles that guide organic agriculture, based on respect for ecosystems and the use of sustainable practices. The regulations governing organic production will be explored in depth, particularly the guidelines established by the European Union regarding agricultural certification and production (Regulation (EU) 848/2018). This will include an understanding of the regulations on the prohibition of synthetic inputs, the use of natural products, and the preservation of biodiversity.
  • History and Plot Conditions: The historical background of organic gardening will be addressed, considering the impact of traditional cultivation techniques on the evolution of modern agriculture. The identification and evaluation of plot conditions, such as soil characteristics (pH, texture, soil structure), water availability, and preexisting agricultural practices, which directly influence the success of organic farming, will be explored in depth.
  • Climate Factors: This section will focus on the influence of climate factors on organic horticultural production, analyzing parameters such as temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, relative humidity, and local microclimatic conditions that affect the development and productivity of horticultural crops, as well as strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather conditions.
• Management and Work in Organic Horticulture:
  • Cultivation Tasks: The various tasks performed in organic horticulture will be explored in depth, including soil tillage, planting, transplanting, pruning, and harvesting practices. The impact of each practice on soil health and the sustainability of the cultivation system will be analyzed.
  • Irrigation: Irrigation methods used in organic horticulture will be examined, with special emphasis on water use optimization, rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and other sustainable techniques that minimize environmental impact and promote efficient water resource management.
  • Crop Rotation and Intercropping: The principles and benefits of crop rotation will be explored, an essential practice for preventing soil depletion, pest buildup, and improving biodiversity. The planning of crop intercropping that fosters synergy between different species, promoting soil health and reducing the need for external inputs, will also be addressed.
  • Mulches and Amendments: The use of organic mulches, such as straw or compost, will be discussed to improve moisture retention, reduce weed competition, and enrich the soil with organic matter. Additionally, the importance of organic amendments, such as compost, manure, and biochar, in improving soil structure, nutrient retention, and microbial biodiversity will be detailed.
  • Weed, Pest, Disease, and Physiopathies Management: Ecological weed management will be addressed using mechanical, thermal, or biological control techniques, avoiding the use of synthetic herbicides. Integrated pest and disease management strategies will also be studied, including the use of biological control (introduction of natural enemies), natural repellents, and preventative practices to reduce the risk of infection. The most common physiopathies in horticultural crops, such as nutritional deficiencies or alterations due to environmental factors, will also be analyzed.
  • Biological Control: This section will explore biological control as a key strategy in organic farming, addressing the use of living organisms (beneficial insects, bacteria, fungi, nematodes) to combat pests and pathogens without resorting to synthetic chemicals.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: The main nutritional deficiencies that organic horticultural crops can present, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or calcium deficiencies, will be explained, along with strategies for correcting them using organic fertilizers or natural amendments, without compromising the ecological integrity of the system.
• Techniques, Work, Influences and Preparations for the Garden:
  • Basic Methods and Techniques: Fundamental agricultural techniques used in organic gardening will be covered, such as manual tillage, the use of non-mechanized tools, and the design of growing beds that promote soil aeration and root health.
  • Tillage and Tools: The types of tools used in organic horticulture will be analyzed, emphasizing those that minimize soil impact and promote sustainability. Different types of tillage will be discussed depending on the type of crop, from dry tillage to tillage in wet or flooded gardens.
  • Garden Work Schedule: A detailed schedule will be provided, covering the tasks to be performed throughout the year, with special attention to the planting, pruning, transplanting, and harvesting cycles. This schedule will include recommendations on the best times to perform each task based on weather conditions and the phases of the crop cycle.
  • Lunar Influences on Crops: This section will address the theories and practices of biodynamic agriculture, which maintain that lunar cycles can influence plant growth and productivity. The principles of sowing, pruning, and harvesting according to lunar phases and their potential impact on crop health and yield will be examined.
  • Natural Preparations: The preparation and use of natural remedies in organic horticulture will be discussed, such as infusions, extracts, and plant macerations (e.g., nettle or comfrey slurry), which are used to promote plant growth, protect them from pests, or improve soil fertility. Composting, biodigestion, and fermentation of organic waste will also be discussed as key preparations in organic farming.
  • Tables and Annexes: This section will include tables and technical annexes that provide additional information, such as crop rotation tables, pest and disease identification guides, and preparation methods for various natural preparations.

Goals

• The main objective of this program is to provide advanced technical training in organic horticultural crop production, allowing participants to acquire a deep understanding of the principles and practices that define organic horticulture. Through this process, students are empowered to understand and apply key concepts such as sustainability, resource efficiency, and the regulations governing organic agriculture, always with a practical and up-to-date approach.
• One of the fundamental objectives is for participants to be able to assess and evaluate the various agronomic factors that influence the yield and quality of horticultural crops within an ecological system. This includes understanding and analyzing soil properties, irrigation management, appropriate crop selection based on soil and climatic conditions, and implementing practices that promote soil health, such as crop rotation and the use of cover crops.
• Additionally, the program seeks to teach the techniques necessary for efficient agroecological management, prioritizing practices that promote biodiversity, soil health, and reduce environmental impact. This approach involves the use of biological pest and disease control methods, as well as the application of organic fertilizers through composting and other biofertilizers, with the goal of minimizing dependence on external inputs.
• Another objective is to train students in the comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of organic farming systems. This involves measuring the efficiency of natural resource use such as water and energy, as well as implementing strategies for biodiversity conservation and improving soil quality. Efficient water management, the appropriate use of organic amendments, and assessing the ecological footprint of farming systems will be key aspects to be addressed.
• Participants will also learn to identify and diagnose common problems that can arise in organic horticultural production, such as nutritional deficiencies, pests, and diseases, and how to apply solutions based on ecological principles. Emphasis will be placed on the use of integrated pest management (IPM) methods, the prevention of phytosanitary problems through cultural practices, and the resolution of difficulties related to irrigation and soil nutrition.
• Finally, the program aims to train students in the development of agroecological projects aimed at sustainable horticultural crop production. This will include production system design, agricultural activity planning, economic feasibility analysis, and environmental impact assessment, with the goal of generating innovative and efficient solutions that promote sustainability and profitability in organic horticulture.