Comprehensive Agriculture and Food Production Concepts for Students

What is industrialized agriculture?

A form of agriculture that involves the use of machinery, chemicals, and technology to increase production and efficiency.

What is subsistence agriculture?

A type of farming where crops are grown primarily for the farmer's own consumption rather than for sale.

What is slash-and-burn agriculture?

A method of farming that involves cutting and burning forests or woodlands to create fields for cultivation.

What is the difference between polyculture and monoculture?

Polyculture involves growing multiple crops in the same space, promoting biodiversity and sustainability, while monoculture focuses on a single crop, which can lead to soil depletion and increased vulnerability to pests.

What is the Green Revolution?

A period of agricultural transformation that involved the development of high-yielding crop varieties and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase food production.

What is artificial selection?

The process by which humans breed plants and animals for specific traits.

What is genetic engineering?

The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.

Why has meat production and consumption increased since 1960?

Increased demand for protein, advancements in farming technology, and the rise of industrialized agriculture have contributed to higher meat production and consumption.

What is desertification?

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

What is salinization?

The accumulation of salts in soil, often due to improper irrigation practices, which can hinder plant growth.

What is waterlogging?

A condition where soil becomes saturated with water, leading to reduced oxygen availability for plant roots.

How do industrial agriculture and traditional farming compare in energy use?

Industrial agriculture requires significantly more energy to produce one unit of food energy compared to traditional farming due to reliance on fossil fuels and synthetic inputs.

What are the advantages of genetically modified food?

Increased yield, resistance to pests and diseases, and improved nutritional content.

What are the disadvantages of genetically modified food?

Potential health risks, environmental concerns, and ethical issues regarding biodiversity and corporate control of seeds.

How does industrialized agriculture threaten biodiversity?

It promotes monoculture and habitat destruction, leading to a decline in plant and animal species.

What are the different types of pesticides?

Insecticides target insects, herbicides target weeds, and rodenticides target rodents.

Who was Rachel Carson and what was her contribution to environmental science?

Rachel Carson was a marine biologist and conservationist whose book 'Silent Spring' raised awareness about the dangers of pesticides and led to the modern environmental movement.

What are the advantages of modern pesticides?

They effectively control pests and increase crop yields.

What are the disadvantages of modern pesticides?

They can harm non-target species, lead to pesticide resistance, and contaminate soil and water.

How does genetic resistance to pesticides work?

Pests evolve over time to survive exposure to pesticides, leading to the need for stronger chemicals and creating a cycle of resistance.

What are some main ways to promote soil conservation in agriculture?

Terracing, strip cropping, contour planting, alley cropping, windbreaks, and no-till farming.

What are perennial plants and how can they be beneficial in agriculture?

Perennial plants live for multiple years and can improve soil health, reduce erosion, and require less maintenance than annual crops.

What are the environmental problems associated with chemical fertilizers?

They can lead to water pollution, soil degradation, and disrupt local ecosystems.

How can nutrients be maintained in soil without chemical fertilizers?

Through practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

A holistic approach to pest control that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to minimize economic, health, and environmental risks.

Why is eating lower on the food chain more sustainable?

It requires less energy and resources to produce plant-based foods compared to animal-based foods, reducing environmental impact.

What is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

A system where consumers buy shares of a farm's harvest in advance, promoting local food production and seasonal eating.