Ch.12 Agriculture

soil degradation

deterioration of the soil characteristics needed for plant growth or other ecosystem services

intercropping

planting of different crops in between other crops.

crop rotation

alternating crops planted in alternating years

cover crops

help prevent erosion and return nitrogen to the soil

shelterbelts

rows of trees or other tall perennial plants that act as a wind break to protect crops

tilling

turning-over of the soil before planting

terracing

transferring steep slopes into a series of steps like a staircase to plant crops

contour farming

planting across a hillside perpendicular to the slope of the land to reduce erosion

overgrazing

when too many animals eat too much of the plant cover and it impedes regrowth of the crop

desertification

the loss of more than 10% of a soils productivity due to erosion, soil compaction, forest removal, overgrazing, drought, salt buildup, climate change, depletion of water sources, etc.

irrigation

artificially providing water to crops other than natural precipitation

salinization

buildup of salts (minerals) in the upper soil horizon

pesticide

a substance that kills, attacks, or competes with a pest

biological pest control

the use of certain organisms to eliminate or control pests

chemical pest control

the use of chemicals to eliminate or control pests

Integrated pest management

IPM - a combination of pest control methods that, if used in the proper order and at the proper times, keep the size of a pest population low enough that it does not cause substantial economic or ecological loss

pollinators

biotic agents that move pollen, from the anthers of a flower, to the stigma of another flower, to aid fertilization

arable land

land that can be used to grow crops

food security

The ability of individuals to obtain sufficient food on a day-to-day basis

malnutrition

condition caused by a diet lacking one or more essential nutrients

genetic engineering

the transfer of a gene from the DNA of one organism into another organism, in order to produce an organism with desired traits

genetically modified organisms

An organism that has acquired one or more genes by artificial means; also known as a transgenic organism

feedlots

factory farms that give high energy food to numerous animals kept in tightly compacted space

aquaculture

the raising of aquatic organisms for human consumption (fish farm)

sustainable agriculture

agriculture methods that do not deplete soil faster than it forms

organic agriculture

crops produced without the use of synthetic or industrially produced pesticides and fertilizers

The raising and grazing of livestock

Ranching

Causes of desertification

Erosion, overgrazing, drought, soil compaction, agriculture

How many years ago did modern agriculture develop?

10,000 years

What is the most important factor for developing a modern civilization

Stable food supply

Before the industrial age, agriculture was powered by

People and Animals

What does modern agriculture require today, but wasnt required in the past.

Fossil Fuels

What was the benefit to the green revolution

Increased crop yields, saved millions from starvation

What is a major concern when using chemical pesticides

Pollute the soil

Define GMO

Organisms that have had their DNA modified

What are some GMO foods

Soybean, Corn, Cotton, Canola

What are the benefits of GMO foods

Reduces the use of insecticides

What are the costs of GMO foods

Creates super resistant bugs and contaminates native species

What are the benefits for industrial feedlots

Reduces soil degradation and fertilizer use

What are the costs of Industrial feedlots

Requires antibiotics, animal stress