Chapter 12

No-Till Farming

An agricultural practice that involves planting seeds without plowing, leaving crop residues in place to reduce soil erosion and retain moisture.

Food Security

The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Food Insecurity

A condition where individuals or families do not have enough food for an active, healthy life; often characterized by chronic hunger and poor nutrition.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts for growth and health, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Micronutrients

Vitamins and minerals required in smaller amounts that are crucial for disease prevention, health, and growth.

Chronic Undernutrition

A long-term condition where individuals regularly consume insufficient calories to meet basic energy needs.

Industrialized Agriculture

A modern farming method that uses heavy machinery, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides to produce large quantities of food.

Polyculture

The practice of growing multiple different crops in the same space at the same time, promoting biodiversity.

Organic Agriculture

Farming that avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, instead focusing on natural substances and processes.

Aquaculture

The cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, and plants for food.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

An environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that uses a combination of biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to minimize pest damage.

Soil Salinization

The accumulation of soluble salts in soil to a level that negatively affects plant growth.

Desertification

The process by which fertile land becomes increasingly arid, leading to a loss of its ability to support agriculture due to various factors, including drought and poor land management.

Green Revolutions

Agricultural reforms that use high-yield crop varieties, fertilizers, and irrigation to increase food productivity.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem; crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering.

Food Deserts

Urban areas where it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food.

Overnutrition

A condition resulting from excessive intake of calories and nutrients, leading to obesity and health problems.

Topsoil Erosion

The displacement of the upper layer of soil, which can lead to reduced agricultural productivity and increased pollution.

Aquaculture Stewardship Council

An organization that provides certification and standards for responsible aquaculture practices.

Chronic Hunger

A prolonged condition of food deprivation that influences health and nutritional status adversely.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

A type of food production and distribution system that connects local farms directly with consumers.

Hidden Costs of Food Production

The environmental and social costs not reflected in the market price of food, such as pollution and health impacts.

Sustainable Agriculture

Farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising future generations' ability to produce food.

Crop Rotation

The practice of growing different crops in the same area across a sequence of seasons to improve soil health and reduce pests.

Permaculture

An agricultural philosophy that simulates natural ecosystems to create sustainable and self-sufficient farming systems.

Food Sovereignty

The right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods.

Soil Erosion

The removal of the top layer of soil, often caused by water, wind, and human activity, which can lead to reduced agricultural productivity.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter, essential for maintaining ecosystem health.

Ethical Eating

Making food choices that are considerate of social, environmental, and animal welfare issues.

Climate-Smart Agriculture

Agriculture that aims to increase productivity sustainably while also enhancing resilience to climate impacts and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Gardens

Shared plots of land where community members can grow vegetables, fruits, and other plants, often fostering community engagement.

Urban Agriculture

Growing food within and around cities, often focusing on small-scale farms or community gardens.

Sustainable Food Systems

Food systems that prioritize environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity in food production and consumption.

Food Waste

The discarding or uneaten food that is intended for human consumption, contributing to environmental and economic issues.

Resource-Intensive Agriculture

Farming practices that rely heavily on inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides, often leading to environmental degradation.

Urban Farming

The practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas, promoting local food access.

Natural Pesticides

Pesticides derived from natural sources that aim to control pests while reducing the reliance on synthetic chemicals.

Crop Biodiversity

The variety of crops grown in a particular area, which can enhance resilience and sustainability of food systems.

Food Safety Standards

Guidelines and regulations aimed at ensuring the production, handling, and consumption of food is safe and healthy.

Agroecology

An ecological approach to farming that integrates principles of ecology into agricultural production.

Local Food Movements

Efforts to promote the consumption of locally produced food to reduce environmental impact and support local economies.

Drought-Resistant Crops

Crop varieties developed to withstand periods of low water availability, helping secure food sources in dry climates.

No-Till Organic Farming

A method of organic farming that avoids tillage to maintain soil structure, improve biodiversity, and reduce erosion.

Regenerative Agriculture

Farming practices that restore and enhance the health of farm ecosystems, including soil health, water cycles, and biodiversity.

Food Justice

The movement to ensure equal access to healthy food and to challenge food systems that create inequality.

Vertical Farming

A method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often integrated into skyscrapers or repurposed warehouses.

Food Policy Council

A group of stakeholders that work collaboratively to improve the food system and address local food-related issues.

Agroforestry

An integrated approach where trees and shrubs are grown around or among crops and pastureland to create ecological benefits.

Crop Insurance

A risk management tool that protects farmers against loss of crops due to natural disasters or price fluctuations.

Soil Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in the soil, which aids in climate change mitigation.

Permaculture Design

A design system for creating sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems that mimic natural ecosystems.

Food Localization

The process of producing and consuming food locally to minimize transport and enhance local economies.

Value-Added Agriculture

The process of increasing the economic value of agricultural products through processing, packaging, and marketing.

Food Chain

The sequence of processes by which food is grown, processed, distributed, and consumed.

Biochar

A form of charcoal produced from organic matter that can improve soil fertility and sequester carbon.

Urban Foraging

The practice of gathering wild food resources in urban areas, including fruits, nuts, and edible plants.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugars into acids or alcohol, often used in food preservation and flavor enhancement.

Heirloom Seeds

Seeds from plant varieties that have been passed down through generations, typically known for their unique flavors and resilience.

Agri-Tourism

A form of tourism focused on agricultural activities, such as farm visits, workshops, and farm-to-table dining experiences.

Microgreens

Young plants, typically harvested just after the first true leaves have developed, known for their flavor and nutritional benefits.

Food Physiology

The study of how food affects the physical and biological functions of living organisms.

Community Supported Fisheries (CSF)

A program similar to CSA, but focused on seafood, where consumers buy shares of a fishery's catch.

Climate-Resilient Crops

Crops bred or selected for their ability to survive and thrive in changing climate conditions, helping to ensure food security.

Food Miles

The distance food travels from production to consumer, often used as a measure of environmental impact.

Soil Fertility

The ability of soil to provide essential nutrients to plants, crucial for sustainable agricultural productivity.

Biodynamic Farming

An approach to agriculture that emphasizes ecological restoration, biodiversity, and sustainable practices based on holistic principles.

Food Co-ops

Consumer-owned grocery stores that aim to provide healthy, local food at reasonable prices while supporting local farmers.

Sustainable Seafood

Seafood sourced from fisheries or farms that are managed to maintain healthy populations and habitats.

Integrated Farming Systems

An approach that combines crop and livestock production to improve sustainability and resource efficiency.

Food Webs

Ecological models depicting the feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, highlighting energy transfer.

No-Waste Agriculture

Farming practices aimed at eliminating waste by reusing all materials and ensuring sustainable resource utilization.

Resilience in Farming

The capacity of agricultural systems to recover from disruptions while maintaining productivity.

Regenerative Livestock Grazing

A management practice where livestock grazing is used to enhance soil health and restore ecosystems.

Soil Amendment

Substances added to soil to improve its physical properties, nutrient content, and biological activity.

Nutrient Density

A measure of the nutrients a food provides relative to its energy content, emphasizing health benefits.

Agrochemical

Any chemical used in agricultural practices, including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Soil Health

The condition of soil based on its ability to function as a living ecosystem, supporting plant growth.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Ecologically rich regions that are significant for conservation and support a high level of endemic species.

Food Systems Thinking

An approach that considers all aspects of the food system, including production, processing, distribution, and consumption.

Urban Resilience

The ability of urban areas to withstand and recover from environmental, social, and economic stresses.

Nutritional Epidemiology

The study of the relationship between diet and health outcomes in populations.

Food Sovereignty

The right for peoples to define their own food systems, prioritizing local food production and cultural food traditions.

Culinary Tourism

The exploration of food as a central theme in travel, fostering cultural exchange and local food experiences.

Localization of Food Systems

The reduction of food miles by producing food closer to where it is consumed, enhancing local economies.

Climate Change Mitigation in Agriculture

Strategies implemented in farming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Urban Agriculture Policies

Regulations and frameworks that support the growth of food production within urban areas.

Soil Rehabilitation

Techniques used to restore degraded soils to improve its health and productivity for farming.

Sustainable Packaging

Materials and methods used to package food that minimize environmental impact and waste.

Ethical Supply Chains

Supply chains that ensure fairness, sustainability, and transparency from food production to consumption.

Nutritional Biochemistry

The study of how food components affect biological functions and metabolism.

Agroecological Practices

Farming practices that apply ecological principles to agricultural production, enhancing sustainability.

Crop Diversity

The variety of different crops grown in an agricultural system, which can improve resilience to pests and diseases.

Natural Farming

An approach to farming that emphasizes minimal intervention in natural processes, relying on natural fertility and pest control.

Compost

Decomposed organic material used to enrich soil, improving its fertility and structure.

Sustainable Forestry

Forest management practices that maintain the ecological health of forests while providing wood and non-wood products.

Food Ethics

The principles guiding the production, distribution, and consumption of food in ways that consider ethical implications.

Farm-to-Table

A food movement that promotes serving local food at restaurants and cafeterias, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Carbon Farming

Agricultural practices aimed at sequestering carbon in soil and vegetation to help mitigate climate change.

Food Waste Management

Strategies and practices aimed at reducing, recycling, and composting food waste to minimize environmental impact.