Chapter 1-8 Notes: Introduction to Agricultural Genetics, Land Use, and Sustainability

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapters 1-8 notes on genetics, land use, fertilizers, irrigation, wetlands, pesticides, cropping practices, and soil.

What major changes occurred in agriculture during the 1980s?

Improved production technology, greater incentives to use it, and the introduction of new high-yield cultivars.

What is Roundup Ready corn and how does it work?

Corn with a gene altered so glyphosate herbicide can be sprayed without harming the plant.

What has genetic understanding enabled in crop improvement?

The use of genetics to improve crops and develop better cultivars.

In a fixed land economy, how much U.S. agricultural land is lost annually?

About 3 million acres per year.

What share of world land area is arable land, fallow, and orchard?

About 10%.

What share of world land is used for grazing and permanent vegetation?

About 19%.

What percentage of world land produces little or no food?

About 71%.

Since the 1950s, what has accounted for about 90% of yield increases worldwide?

Genetic improvements in crops.

What are two sustainability concerns related to fertilizers?

They are expensive and can cause runoff/damage if misused.

How is fertilizer requirement typically determined?

Through soil testing and a mathematical calculation.

What is the biggest issue with irrigation?

Water availability and allocation; irrigation is expensive.

What is a key concept in wetlands policy described in Chapter 5?

Mitigation: destroying wetlands requires creating equivalent wetlands, resulting in a net zero change.

Who regulates pesticides according to the notes?

The FDA.

What farming practice does genetics enable that increases cropping cycles?

Multiple cropping.

What is the role of education in the use of agricultural inputs?

To teach proper and efficient use to maximize benefits and minimize harm.

What does the speaker identify as the ongoing driver of agricultural progress?

Genetics—improving crop varieties.

Which region is identified as having water as its biggest agricultural problem in Chapter 7?

Sub-Saharan Africa.

What question about soil quality is raised in Chapter 8?

Whether the land has the proper soil for sustainable agriculture.