The Growth of Organic Cotton: Why Should I Care?

The heat is on, and it's organic cotton that is getting hot!

Over the year 2007-2008, the production of organic cotton increased by an unbelievable 152%, according to the Organic Trade Association, and continues to grow at about a rate of 50% per year, according to the venerable Wikipedia.

So, what is organic cotton? And why the sudden explosion?

The Organic Trade Association defines organic cotton as “cotton that is grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides from plants which are not genetically modified.” Pretty simple. So, why is that so great? Because chemical fertilizers and pesticides are coming increasingly into the spotlight for their horrific effects on the environment and the health of humans and other animals.

Use of inorganic fertilizers can upset the stability of mineral ions in the soil. Over time, this can cause the fertility of the top soil to degrade, and cause it to become more susceptible to erosion.

Use of chemical fertilizer also destroys the natural ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, earthworms, and other beneficial organisms that live in the soil. This eventually leads to a loss of humus, the naturally occurring plant nutrients created by the decomposition of organic matter. This deteriorates the natural fertility of top soil – simultaneously causing the need for more fertilizer, and accelerating the damage. The porosity of the soil is also affected, meaning the roots can no longer acquire sufficient oxygen and take in salts as well.

These unabsorbed nitrates are carried by rain water into rivers and lakes, where they accumulate and pose a threat to aquatic life. The degradation of soil causes it to become dry and powdery, and the wind begins to carry it away. This is the primary cause of what is known as 'desertification' – the conversion of once-arable land to desert.