Agriculture

What is agriculture?

The practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products.

What are the main types of agriculture?

Subsistence farming, commercial farming, and industrial agriculture.

What is subsistence farming?

A type of farming where farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and their families with little surplus for trade.

What is commercial farming?

Farming aimed at producing crops and livestock for sale in commercial markets.

What is industrial agriculture?

A form of modern farming that focuses on large-scale production, often using technology and monoculture.

What is crop rotation?

The practice of alternating the types of crops grown on a particular piece of land to maintain soil fertility.

What is a monoculture?

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop or plant species in a field at a time.

What is organic farming?

An agricultural method that avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on natural processes.

What are GMOs?

Genetically modified organisms that have been altered through genetic engineering to enhance desirable traits.

What is agroforestry?

A land-use management system that combines agriculture and forestry practices for sustainability.

What is aquaculture?

The farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, and plants.

What is permaculture?

An ecological design system that seeks to create sustainable agricultural ecosystems.

What are the advantages of irrigation?

Increased crop yields, improved plant growth, and the ability to cultivate crops in arid regions.

What is soil fertility?

The ability of soil to supply essential nutrients to plants.

What are cover crops?

Crops grown primarily to manage soil erosion, improve soil health, and promote biodiversity.

What is livestock husbandry?

The management and care of farm animals for the production of meat, milk, and other products.

What is agroecology?

The study of ecological processes applied to agricultural production systems.

What are pesticides?

Substances used for killing pests, including insects, weeds, and fungi.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Farming that maintains the health of the land and its ecosystems for future generations.

What is precision agriculture?

Using technology to monitor and manage field variability to optimize returns on inputs.

What is agri-tourism?

A form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production with tourism.

What are native crops?

Crops that are naturally grown in a specific area and adapted to the local climate and soil.

What is food security?

The state where all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

What is the importance of bees in agriculture?

Bees are crucial for pollinating many crops, improving yields and quality of fruits and vegetables.

What is hydroponics?

A method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead.

What is vertical farming?

The practice of growing food in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled indoor environments.

What is a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)?

A farming model where consumers purchase shares of a farm's harvest in advance.

What is biodiversity in agriculture?

The variety of different species of plants and animals in agriculture, promoting ecosystem balance.

What is agrochemicals?

Chemical products used in agricultural practices, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

What is the role of government in agriculture?

To regulate practices, provide subsidies, ensure food safety, and promote agricultural research.

What are the main agricultural products?

Crops like grains, fruits, vegetables, and livestock products such as meat, dairy, and eggs.

What is sustainable fish farming?

Farming fish in an environmentally responsible way that minimizes negative impacts on ecosystems.

What is charcuterie?

The art of preparing and assembling cured meats and related products, often part of local agriculture.