Unit 5: (5.4-5.6) Impacts of Agriculture & Pesticides

Pesticides

Substances, either natural or synthetic, that kill or control organisms that people consider pests. (Increasing crop yields)

Pesticide-resistence

Evolution of traits that allows pests to survive pesticides.

Pest-resistant GMOs

Crops such as Bt Corn that have genes for pest resistance inserted into their genome.

Pesticide treadmill

A cycle of pesticide development, followed by pest resistance, followed by new pesticide development.

Pest

Unwanted organism that directly or indirectly interferes with human activities (primarily agriculture)

Crop dusting

the spraying of powdered or liquid insecticide or fertilizer on crops, especially from the air. Can cause the wind to carry pesticides away and harm non-target species

Persistence

Chemicals (such as pesticides) that remain in the environment long after they're applied

Monocropping

Large scale production of a single type of crop. Decreases biodiversity and makes the crop more vulnerable to disease/pest

Synthetic fertilizer

Fertilizer produced commercially, with the use of fossil fuels. Primarily containing Nitrates and phosphates. Over-applied and easily leached out of soil leading to eutrophication of nearby water sources.

Organic fertilizer

fertilizer composed of organic matter from plants and animals (often manure or compost). More slowly released and better retained by soil. Also moisturizes soil and doesn't leach as easily.