UNIT 5

Agriculture

The purposeful cultivation of plants and raising of animals to produce goods for survival.

Elevation

The height above a reference point, typically sea level, which affects the growing season of agricultural crops.

Soil

The biologically active coating of Earth's surface, characterized by fertility, texture, and structure.

Topography

The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area that affects soil retention and sunlight exposure.

Climate

The long-term weather pattern in a particular area, influenced by factors such as distance from the equator, wind currents, and proximity to water bodies.

Subsistence Agriculture

Farming system where farmers grow crops and raise livestock primarily for their own family's consumption.

Commercial Agriculture

Farming system focused on producing crops and livestock for profit and sale to consumers.

Intensive Agriculture

A farming system that requires high levels of labor and inputs to maximize yield from a small area of land.

Extensive Agriculture

Farming system that uses fewer inputs and less labor, typically resulting in lower outputs than intensive agriculture.

Shifting Cultivation

A method of subsistence agriculture where land is cultivated for a few years and then abandoned to regain nutrients.

Slash and Burn Farming

A form of shifting agriculture that involves cutting and burning vegetation to clear land for cultivation.

Monocropping

The cultivation of a single crop variety over a wide area, allowing for specialization and increased efficiency.

Plantation Agriculture

Large-scale commercial farming of a single crop grown for distant markets, often in tropical regions.

Mixed Crop and Livestock Systems

Farming system that integrates both crops and livestock on the same farm for profit.

Market Gardening

The small-scale production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers for sale in local markets.

Pastoral Nomadism

A form of subsistence agriculture involving the seasonal movement of livestock to find fresh pastures.

Aquifers

Water sources located underground that can be tapped for irrigation.

Food Insecurity

The disruption of a household’s food intake and eating patterns due to inadequate food availability.

Commodity Chain

The complex network connecting production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products to consumers.

Fair Trade

A movement aimed at promoting fair wages and working conditions for farmers and workers in developing countries.

Biotechnology

The science of altering living organisms to create new products for specific agricultural purposes.

Genetic Modification

A broader category that includes all types of techniques to manipulate the genetic makeup of plants and animals.

Organic Farming

Agriculture that relies on natural fertilizers and sustainable practices to maintain soil health.

Precision Agriculture

The use of advanced technologies to maximize crop yields while reducing waste and environmental impact.

Agribusiness

The overall system encompassing the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products.

Vertical Integration

When a company controls multiple stages of production in the supply chain.

Dual Agricultural Economy

A system where both subsistence and commercial agriculture coexist in the same region.

Climate Regions

Areas characterized by similar climate patterns based on latitude and geographical location.

Terracing

The process of creating flat areas on hillsides for agriculture to reduce soil erosion and runoff.

Food Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of food production and consumption across the world.

Cultural Heritage

Traditions and practices that are passed down through generations, often influencing agricultural methods.

Environmental Impact

The effect that agricultural practices have on the natural environment, including soil, water, and biodiversity.

Sustainable Practices

Agricultural methods aimed at minimizing environmental impacts while maintaining productivity.

Transhumance

Seasonal movement of livestock between fixed summer and winter pastures.

Debt-for-Nature Swaps

Financial agreements where the debt of a country is reduced in exchange for commitments to environmental conservation efforts.