Name a benefit of organic farming.

Organic farming is recognized for its focus on sustainable agricultural practices that enhance the health of the ecosystem. One significant benefit of organic farming is improved soil quality and reduced chemical runoff. This is achieved through practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of organic fertilizers, which enrich the soil and increase its ability to hold nutrients and water. Healthier soil promotes better microbial activity, which is vital for nutrient cycling and plant growth.

In addition, organic farming typically avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizer, which are often associated with environmental pollution and chemical runoff into waterways. By minimizing chemical inputs, organic farming promotes cleaner ecosystems and helps to protect water quality, which is crucial for both agriculture and biodiversity. This focus on enhancing soil health and reducing negative environmental impacts illustrates the long-term sustainability and ecological balance that organic farming practices aim to achieve.

The other options do not accurately reflect the central tenets or outcomes associated with organic farming. For example, while organic farms may sometimes achieve comparable yields to conventional ones, they do not universally produce higher yields. Likewise, organic farming generally involves more labor-intensive practices, which do not lead to lower costs. Lastly, crops in organic systems may not necessarily have faster growth rates due to the absence of high-nutrient synthetic fertilizers