Organic farming, which is deeply rooted in traditional agricultural practices, has witnessed a profound evolution over the last century. Transitioning from a grassroots initiative resisting the industrialization of agriculture to a global industry, organic farming now plays a pivotal role in addressing contemporary challenges related to environmental health, sustainability, and food safety. Despite the growing consumer demand for organic products and market access, organic farming has its challenges. This paper discusses the origin and evolution of organic farming with an emphasis on different types of organic fertilizers, benefits, and challenges. Nutrient variability and the slow-release nature of organic fertilizer often do not meet crop demands and can substantially reduce yield. Some organic fertilizers, like manure and biosolids, can provide a higher yield benefit, but there are environmental and health risks associated with them. Weed and pest management in organic farming can be labor-intensive and increase costs. Inefficient planning of organic farming and rapid transition can also create food insecurity. This paper also gives a brief account of the current certification process for organic fertilizers and their technicalities. It showcases how the holistic approach of organic farming extends beyond production, including strategies like reducing food waste and building self-sufficient farming communities. These practices contribute to a more sustainable agricultural system, reducing environmental impacts and supporting local economies. Future technological innovations, especially in precision agriculture and bio-physicochemical models, can help in formulating targeted organic fertilizers.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) production is expanding in the United States, generating sustained interest in this multipurpose crop, though the optimal agronomic conditions (e.g., row spacing, planting density, and nutrient management) for maximizing fiber yield remain unclear in many regions. Key factors like row spacing not only affect resource utilization but also play a crucial role in weed suppression, especially in regenerative organic systems. This research at the Rodale Institute, Kutztown, PA, examined the effects of row spacing (19 cm narrow vs. 38 cm wide) and fertilization treatments (control, blood meal containing 12% N at 112 kg ha⁻¹ and 224 kg ha⁻¹, and compost at 60 t ha⁻¹) on yield and chemical composition of industrial hemp seed (cultivar: Canda) over two growing seasons (2019 and 2020). The narrow row spacing increased plant and stalk density, boosting bast fiber yield, while wider spacing promoted weed biomass due to reduced crop competition. Higher temperatures in the late growing season in 2020 led to 3.5 times increase in biomass yield and improved grain protein content. Principal component analysis indicated that compost influenced nutrient availability and heavy metal uptake more strongly than row spacing or blood meal treatments. Blood meal had limited effects, likely due to insufficient application rates, but showed promise for minimizing heavy metal uptake compared to compost. Optimal crop performance depends on the interaction between climatic conditions and agronomic practices. Selecting appropriate row spacing and nutrient sources is essential for enhancing hemp production while reducing input costs and minimizing environmental impact.

Western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis, is one of the most destructive pests of vegetables, fruits and ornamental crops worldwide, causing extensive damage by direct feeding of the crop and transmitting economically important viruses. Despite the successes of biocontrol agents to control WFT, more efficient and cost-effective ways must be found to encourage grower adoption of integrated pest management. A sustainable fungal treatment was developed to preserve fungal inoculum in potting soil and reduce thrips populations. Combining cooked, oven-dried millet with BotaniGard^® (a commercial form of Beauveria bassiana strain GHA) to potting soil increased spore production and persistence of the fungus in the soil. In treated pots with millet, spore concentrations were 3–4 times greater after 30 days compared with spore yields at 10 days. The number of WFT adults was significantly lower in the marigold pots treated with GHA mix + millet than untreated controls, 12% and 10% in treated pots and 70% and 68% in untreated pots in sterile and non-sterile soil, respectively. Incorporation of millet in the potting mix enhanced the effect of the fungal treatments by providing a nutritive substrate on which the fungus could become established. This method is relatively inexpensive and easy for growers to use in greenhouses because granular formulations of B. bassiana are not commercially available.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile crop with applications in fiber, seeds, and medicine. Recent legalization has renewed interest in industrial hemp in the United States, particularly in fiber production, which has a critical role in carbon (C) sequestration and various industries, including textiles and construction. A 2‐year field experiment (2022–2023) was conducted at Rodale Institute—Pocono Organic Center, Blakeslee, PA, evaluating the performance of four hemp varieties (MS 77, Futura 75, Santhica 27, and Han NE) under regenerative organic systems. Seed rates were considered as 73 kg ha⁻¹ for Santhica 27 and Futura 75, 135 kg ha⁻¹ for MS 77, and 270 kg ha⁻¹ for Han NE, targeting a plant population of 2.47 million plant ha⁻¹ across varieties. Data on canopy cover, plant height, yields (biomass, stem, leaf, and flower), and cannabinoids were collected to assess the effects of variety and environmental conditions on growth and yield. Root samples from 2023 were also analyzed for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization. Han NE demonstrated the highest growth, yields, and canopy cover, followed by MS 77, with more favorable growing conditions in 2023. Additionally, AMF colonization was consistent across varieties, reporting a higher colonization in MS 77 (45.37%), suggesting enhanced nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. Based on the results, Han NE and MS 77 are promising hemp varieties for fiber production in this region. Further research is required to explore the impact of mycorrhizal colonization on hemp production under varying nutrient conditions for sustainable production.

Industrial hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.), displaying more than 25,000 products, has been grown in North America since the 16 ^th century. However, knowledge gaps persist in optimizing agronomic practices, including precision nitrogen (N) management, which is crucial for yield and phytochemical quality, for example, delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Addressing these gaps, a 2‐year field trial (2022 and 2023) was conducted at the Rodale Institute‐Pocono Organic Center in Blakeslee, PA, aiming to optimize CBD hemp production through precision N management. Forty experimental plots were established, with each assessing two main factors: (i) N rate: 0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg N ha ⁻¹ using an OMRI‐listed fertilizer, blood meal (12% N) and (ii) application method: banding and broadcasting. The 3‐week‐old hemp seedlings were transplanted into main plots, followed by fertilizer application and drip irrigation. Parameters including plant height, bud weight, biomass, and CBD yield were assessed, alongside CBD and THC concentrations in floral components and N concentration in leaves and flowers. There was a significant interaction of N rate and application method, impacting biomass yield, while the N rate also influenced CBD concentration. Blood meal supplied at 224 kg N ha ⁻¹ yielded the highest biomass and elevated CBD and THC concentrations; however, this did not differ significantly from 168 kg N ha ⁻¹ application. Therefore, the recommended optimal N fertilizer rate for Northeastern CBD hemp production is 168 kg N ha ⁻¹ , with an upper limit of 224 kg N ha ⁻¹ . Furthermore, the banding method of fertilizer application was more effective than broadcasting.