Environmental impacts of agriculture | AQA A-Level Environmental Science Revision | Primrose Kitten

Effects of agriculture on natural environments.

Habitat Impacts

Clearing land for agriculture reduces biodiversity.

Habitat Destruction

Removal of trees for agricultural land.

Deforestation

Loss of soil due to farming practices.

Soil Erosion

Decline in soil quality affecting plant growth.

Soil Degradation

Disruption of food webs due to species loss.

Trophic Cascades

Soil becomes desert-like from nutrient depletion.

Desertification

Cultivation of a single crop species.

Monocultures

Decrease in species variety in ecosystems.

Biodiversity Reduction

Non-native species harming local ecosystems.

Invasive Species

Chemicals used to kill pests in agriculture.

Pesticides

Type of pesticide affecting nervous systems.

Organophosphate

Persistent pesticides harmful to wildlife.

Organochlorines

Synthetic insecticides derived from chrysanthemum.

Pyrethroids

Insecticides affecting pollinators and beneficial insects.

Neonicotinoids

Accumulation of substances in living organisms.

Bioaccumulation

Increase in substance concentration up food chain.

Biomagnification

Nutrient overload causing algal blooms in water.

Eutrophication

Synthetic nutrients increasing soil nutrient levels.

Inorganic Fertilisers

Organisms living in water ecosystems.

Aquatic Species

Ecosystem modified for agricultural production.

Agroecosystem

Practices maintaining ecosystem health in farming.

Sustainable Management

Elimination of unwanted plants competing with crops.

Weed Removal

Conversion of ammonia into nitrates by bacteria.

Nitrification

Increases nutrient availability, promoting weed growth.

Nutrient Enrichment

Toxic compounds from fertilizers, harmful in drinking water.

Nitrates

Substances that may cause cancer in humans.

Carcinogenic

Condition caused by reduced oxygen in infants' blood.

Blue-Baby Syndrome

Gases like CO2 and methane that trap heat.

Greenhouse Gases

Energy sources like diesel that release CO2.

Fossil Fuels

Greenhouse gas emitted from livestock digestion.

Methane

Process producing methane in waterlogged soils.

Anaerobic Respiration

Gases released from excessive inorganic fertilizer use.

Nitrous Oxides

Aeration technique that can lead to soil erosion.

Ploughing

Organisms like worms that aerate and enrich soil.

Soil Biota

Soil saturated with water, reducing infiltration rates.

Waterlogged Soil

Watering crops, potentially depleting water sources.

Irrigation

Water loss from soil and plants into atmosphere.

Evapotranspiration

Chemicals used in agriculture that can leach into water.

Agrochemicals

Government programs promoting sustainable farming practices.

Agri-Environmental Schemes

Incentives for farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Environmental Stewardship Scheme (ESS)

Plantings that support biodiversity and reduce erosion.

Hedgerows

Financial support for farmers implementing sustainable methods.

Grants/Subsidies

Reduction in production due to sustainable practices.

Crop Yield Loss