agriculture

What is agriculture?

Agriculture is how humans change land to grow food and raise animals.

What are the three key factors of agriculture

water access, soil quality, and landforms

What is one of the key factors in agriculture that crops and animals need to survive and grow?

water access

Where do farmers often settle due to water access?

Farmers often settle near rivers, lakes, or areas with regular rainfall.

Give an example of a significant river for agriculture.

The Nile River in Egypt.

What influences the types of crops that can be grown?

Soil nutrients determine what can grow in an area.

What type of soil does coffee prefer to grow in?

Coffee grows best in volcanic soils.

How do landforms affect agriculture?

The shape of the land affects how easy it is to farm.

What kind of land is ideal for farming?

Flat land is ideal because it’s easier to work on.

Give an example of flat land used for farming.

U.S. prairies are perfect for growing wheat.

What is irrigation?

Irrigation brings water to dry areas for farming.

What does terrace farming involve?

Cutting steps into hillsides to create flat areas for farming.

Who used terrace farming on mountain slopes?

The Inca in Peru.

What is deforestation?

Cleaning forests for farmland.

What does draining wetlands mean?

Removing water from marshy areas.

What is desertification?

Poor practices turning land into desert.

How does physical geography impact agriculture?

Physical geography plays a crucial role in agriculture, affecting how land is adapted for farming.

How does climate influence agriculture?

Climate plays a crucial role in shaping agricultural practices worldwide.

What happens to crop selection based on temperature?

Different crops thrive in different temperature ranges.

What crop prefers cooler climates?

Wheat

What crop grows better in warmer temperatures?

Rice

How do rainfall patterns affect farming?

Rainfall patterns determine which crops can be grown without irrigation.

What kind of rainfall does coffee require?

Coffee needs steady rainfall year-round.

What is the growing season?

The time between the last and first frost affecting which crops can be grown.

What defines agricultural zones as challenging for farming?

Areas with extreme climates, such as highest latitudes, highest elevation, or extreme precipitation.

Why are high latitudes like the Arctic and Antarctic challenging areas for farming?

The climate is too cold

How does irrigation overcome climate obstacles?

Irrigation allows farming in drier regions.

What innovative irrigation method is used in Israel?

Israel’s advanced drip irrigation enables desert agriculture.

What do greenhouses do for farming?

Greenhouses extend growing seasons by controlling temperature and humidity.

Why are climate-controlled storage solutions important?

They preserve harvests in hot or humid climates, reducing post-harvest losses.

What is subsistence agriculture?

Farming primarily to produce enough food for the farmer and their family.

Where is subsistence agriculture mainly found?

In less developed regions.

What is the goal of commercial agriculture?

To sell crops or livestock for profit.

What differentiates intensive agriculture from extensive agriculture?

Intensive agriculture uses large amounts of inputs and aims to maximize crop yields.

What is an example of intensive agriculture?

Greenhouse vegetable production.

What does extensive agriculture generally involve?

Fewer inputs and typically lower yields per acre.

What is an example of extensive agriculture?

Cattle ranching in Argentina.

What marked the beginning of the first agricultural revolution?

The transition from hunting and gathering to growing food.

Where did the first agricultural hearths develop?

In areas with high biodiversity, water, fertile soil, and moderate climate.

Who started animal domestication?

Hunters in Central Asia, beginning with dogs and horses.

What were the early crops for plant domestication?

Wheat, barley, rice, and corn.

How did food surplus affect civilizations?

It allowed large populations to live together permanently, fostering civilization.

What were some roles created by specialization of labor?

Metalworkers, weavers, scribes, priests, and other specialists emerged.

What was the role of trade networks in early civilizations?

They connected civilizations and allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies.

What advancements characterized the Second Agricultural Revolution?

Period of major changes in farming beginning in the 1700s, enhancing food production.

What was the significance of the steel plow in agriculture?

Made plowing easier, especially in tough soil.

What technique helps restore nutrients to the soil?

Crop rotation.

What was the impact of enclosure acts in Britain during agricultural changes?

Allowed wealthy people to buy and fence off land for larger, more efficient farms.

What were some social impacts of the Second Agricultural Revolution?

Rural to urban migration and improved diets leading to higher life expectancy.

What was the significance of the Green Revolution?

It aimed to increase food production and meet the demands of a growing global population.

What were some positive impacts of the Green Revolution?

Increased food production and crop yields, preventing millions from starving.

What negative consequences arose from modern agricultural practices?

Environmental damage, social issues, and health concerns from increased pesticide use.