ESS - Topic 5.2 - Terrestrial Food Production Systems

subsitence farming

an agricultural practice that produces just enough food for a farmer's family

cash cropping

growing crops for the market

nomadic shifting

This involves moving with animals such as cattle and goats, in search of suitable grazing areas.

Commercial farming

the raising of crops and livestock for sale in markets

negative environmental impacts of intensive commercial farming

Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemicals and monoculture practices lead to soil erosion and loss of fertility.

Water Pollution: Runoff from fertilizers and pesticides contaminates water bodies, harming aquatic ecosystems.

Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction and pesticide use threaten wildlife and reduce biodiversity.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Intensive farming contributes significantly to methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

Overuse of Water Resources: High water consumption can deplete local water supplies and affect surrounding ecosystems.

positive environmental impacts of intensive commercial farming

Increased Efficiency: Higher yields per acre reduce the need for land conversion, preserving natural habitats.

Resource Optimization: Advanced technologies improve water and nutrient use efficiency, minimizing waste.

Carbon Sequestration: Some practices, like cover cropping, can enhance soil health and increase carbon storage.

Biodiversity Support: Well-managed intensive farms can create habitats for certain species through diverse cropping systems.

Reduced Food Miles: Localized intensive farming can decrease transportation emissions by supplying nearby markets.

different subsistence farming systems

Shifting Cultivation: Farmers move to new plots of land after exhausting soil fertility.

Intensive Subsistence Farming: High labor input on small plots, often with multiple crops.

Pastoralism: Relying on the herding of livestock for food and resources.

Wet Rice Farming: Cultivating rice in flooded fields, common in Asia.

Dryland Farming: Farming in arid regions with limited rainfall, focusing on drought-resistant crops.

Reasons for Differences in Food Production Around the World

1. Climate: Varies from tropical to arid, affecting crop types and yields.

2. Soil Quality: Fertile soils support higher productivity; poor soils limit growth.

3. Technology: Advanced farming techniques and machinery enhance production.

4. Economic Factors: Investment in agriculture varies, influencing output.

5. Cultural Practices: Traditional farming methods impact efficiency and crop selection.

6. Government Policies: Subsidies and regulations can promote or hinder production.

7. Infrastructure: Access to markets, transportation, and storage affects food distribution.

explain reasons for differences in food production around the world

Reasons for differences in food production around the world

Climate: Varies from tropical to arid, affecting crop types and yields.

Soil Quality: Fertile soils support higher productivity; poor soils limit growth.

Technology: Advanced farming techniques and machinery enhance production.

Economic Factors: Investment in agriculture varies, influencing output.

Cultural Practices: Traditional farming methods impact efficiency and crop selection.

Government Policies: Subsidies and regulations can promote or hinder production.

Infrastructure: Access to markets, transportation, and storage affects food distribution.