What is a key difference between organic and conventional farming?

The distinction highlighted in the first choice is crucial to understanding the foundational principles that differentiate organic farming from conventional farming. Organic farming emphasizes sustainability and environmental health by avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, it relies on natural methods of pest control, crop rotation, and organic fertilizers, which enhance soil health and biodiversity.

Conventional farming, on the other hand, may utilize synthetic chemicals to boost crop yields and manage pests more aggressively. These practices can lead to higher immediate productivity but may have long-term environmental consequences, such as soil degradation and water pollution.

The other choices do not accurately capture the fundamental differences between the two farming systems. The claim that organic farming is always more profitable is overly simplistic and can vary significantly based on market conditions and practices. The notion that conventional farming uses only natural fertilizers is misleading, as conventional methods often include synthetic options. Lastly, suggesting that organic farming always requires more land is also inaccurate; efficient organic practices can sometimes yield comparable results on smaller plots than their conventional counterparts. Thus, the first statement is the most accurate representation of how these two farming methods diverge in practice.