Last updated: 14 Dec 2025
Organic Apple Farming Methods: A 10-Year Field Experience Guide
Ten years ago, my orchard was addicted to chemicals. I was spraying fungicides 12 times a season...
Switching to organic apple farming was not just a trend for me; it was a necessity...
However, organic farming is not simply "stopping chemicals." It is a complete change...
Table of Contents
Fig 1: A healthy organic orchard floor.
1. Soil Preparation: The "Living Soil" Concept
In chemical farming, we feed the tree. In organic farming, we feed the soil...
- The 6-Month Rule: Add organic matter early.
- Drainage: Avoid wet feet to reduce fungal attacks.
2. Organic Nutrition Plan
| Input Name | Quantity | Best Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| FYM | 40 – 60 kg | December | Soil structure |
| Vermicompost | 5 – 10 kg | March | Microbial boost |
3. Liquid Gold: Jeevamrut
My standard Jeevamrut recipe:
- 10 kg Cow Dung
- 10 L Cow Urine
- 2 kg Jaggery
- 2 kg Besan
4. Organic Pest Management
We don't kill all insects—we manage them.
Sucking Pests
Neem Oil 3–5 ml/liter + Reetha water.
Flying Pests
Yellow sticky traps (20 per acre).
5. Controlling Scab Without Chemicals
- Clean all fallen leaves.
- Sour buttermilk spray (1:10 dilution).
- Winter copper spray only.
6. The Transition Phase
⚠️ 3-Year Transition Truth:
- Year 1: Yield drops 20–30%
- Year 2: Stabilizes
- Year 3: Quality improves
7. Conclusion
Organic farming requires patience, observation, and soil-first management...
Also Read: Apple Pruning Techniques (Step-by-Step)
References & Sources
- NPOP Organic Standards
- APEDA Organic Farming Guidelines
- ICAR Research on Jeevamrut
