Food Production and Environmental Impact Study Guide

Study flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to food production, agriculture, environmental impacts, and sustainability.

Soil

The upper layer of earth in which plants grow, composed of rock and mineral particles along with organic matter.

Soil Horizons

Layers of soil that differ in texture, composition, and color (O, A, B, & C layers).

Soil Erosion

The wearing away of the surface soil layer, often due to water or wind.

Desertification

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Crop Rotation

The practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons to improve soil health and reduce pest buildup.

Irrigation

The artificial application of water to soil or land to assist in the growing of crops.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of an ecosystem with nutrients, often leading to excessive growth of plants and algae and depletion of oxygen.

Locavore Movement

A trend of consuming food that is produced locally in order to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

Food Miles

The distance food travels from production to consumption, which can impact its carbon footprint.

Organic Food Certification

A guarantee that food has been produced without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms.

Bottom-Trawling

A fishing method where equipment drags along the sea floor, potentially causing significant ecological damage.

Trophic Cascade

An ecological phenomenon triggered by the addition or removal of top predators, which causes dramatic changes in ecosystem structure and nutrient cycling.

Haber-Bosch Process

An industrial process for producing ammonia from nitrogen gas and hydrogen, vital for fertilizer production.

the O horizon

The top layer of soil that consists mainly of organic material, such as decomposed leaves and plants.

the A horizon

Also known as topsoil, is the layer that contains a mix of organic material and minerals, making it fertile and crucial for plant growth.

the B horizon

Also known as subsoil, is the layer that accumulates minerals and nutrients leached down from the upper layers, often denser and less fertile.

The C horizon

The layer of weathered parent material from which soil forms, consisting of unconsolidated rock and minerals.

Limiting factors in productivity

environmental variables that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of organisms in an ecosystem, including light, nutrients, water, and temperature.

Pesticides

Chemical substances used to kill or control pests, including insects, weeds, and fungi, in agriculture.

The Green Revolution?

A period of agricultural transformation in the mid-20th century, characterized by the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Norman Borlaug

An American agronomist known as the 'Father of the Green Revolution' for his role in developing high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties.

What is the difference between local food and foods from far away?

Local food typically has a smaller carbon footprint due to reduced transportation emissions, while foods from far away may involve significant shipping and distribution, contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions.

CO₂e

Carbon dioxide equivalent, a unit of measurement used to compare the emissions of different greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential.

Life cycle assessment

A systematic analysis of the environmental impacts of a product from its creation to disposal, considering all stages of its life cycle.

Organic food

produced without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and is often certified by regulatory bodies.

common food labels like 'natural' and 'no hormone'?

Labels that indicate certain production practices, but they can be ambiguous and are not always regulated like organic certification.

Trends in organic food purchasing

A growing consumer interest in organic products, driven by health, environmental concerns, and demand for sustainable agriculture.

What is the difference between organic and conventional foods?

Organic foods are grown without synthetic chemicals and GMOs, while conventional foods may use these substances during production.

Genetically modified (GM) organism

An organism that has been altered through genetic engineering for specific traits, such as pest resistance or herbicide tolerance.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) transgene

A genetic modification that enables plants to produce a toxin that is harmful to certain insect pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Roundup Ready (glyphosate-tolerant) transgene

Allows crops to survive applications of glyphosate, a common herbicide, enabling farmers to control weeds more effectively.

What are some uses for genetically engineered (GE) plants/crops?

Genetically engineered plants can be used for improved pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, enhanced nutritional content, and increased shelf life.

Concerns about genetically engineered organisms?

potential environmental impacts, effects on non-target species, and long-term health effects, alongside issues of biodiversity and corporate control of the food supply.

Food waste

Refers to edible food that is discarded or not consumed, with significant amounts coming from production, processing, retail, and households, contributing to resource loss and environmental impacts.