Sustainable Agriculture Management

A series of flashcards covering key concepts related to sustainable agriculture management, ecological restoration, and the characteristics of modern agro-ecosystems.

What are some key characteristics of modern agro-ecosystems compared to natural ecosystems?

Modern agro-ecosystems require tremendous energy input, feature monocultures with low biodiversity, and have intensive tillage that reduces soil community function.

What is ecological restoration?

Ecological restoration attempts to restore ecological services historically provided by the environment, often using local or traditional knowledge.

Name three strategies involved in ecological restoration.

Erosion control, reintroduction of native species, and removal of invasive species.

What are the main goals of sustainable agriculture?

To increase biodiversity, maximize natural processes, and minimize pesticide inputs.

How can soil health be enhanced in sustainable agriculture?

Through crop rotation, multiple cropping, conservation tillage, and adding organic matter.

What did Aldo Leopold mean by "the oldest task in human history is to live on a piece of land without spoiling it"?

It highlights the dilemma of balancing human agricultural needs with environmental sustainability.

What role does local or traditional knowledge play in ecological restoration?

It informs practices that have been effective in maintaining ecological services over thousands of years.

How does sustainable agriculture approach the use of fertilizers?

Sustainable agriculture seeks to minimize the use of commercial inorganic fertilizers by enhancing soil fertility through organic methods.

What are some key characteristics of modern agro-ecosystems compared to natural ecosystems?

Modern agro-ecosystems require tremendous energy input, feature monocultures with low biodiversity, and have intensive tillage that reduces soil community function.

What is ecological restoration?

Ecological restoration attempts to restore ecological services historically provided by the environment, often using local or traditional knowledge.

Name three strategies involved in ecological restoration.

Erosion control, reintroduction of native species, and removal of invasive species.

What are the main goals of sustainable agriculture?

To increase biodiversity, maximize natural processes, and minimize pesticide inputs.

How can soil health be enhanced in sustainable agriculture?

Through crop rotation, multiple cropping, conservation tillage, and adding organic matter.

What did Aldo Leopold mean by "the oldest task in human history is to live on a piece of land without spoiling it"?

It highlights the dilemma of balancing human agricultural needs with environmental sustainability.

What role does local or traditional knowledge play in ecological restoration?

It informs practices that have been effective in maintaining ecological services over thousands of years.

How does sustainable agriculture approach the use of fertilizers?

Sustainable agriculture seeks to minimize the use of commercial inorganic fertilizers by enhancing soil fertility through organic methods.

What is a consequence of the intensive tillage found in modern agro-ecosystems?

Intensive tillage reduces soil community function, which can lead to decreased soil health and nutrient cycling.

What are some examples of 'ecological services' that restoration attempts to reinstate?

Ecological services include water purification, pollination, nutrient cycling, and regulation of climate and floods.

How does sustainable agriculture minimize pesticide inputs?

It employs natural pest control mechanisms, such as encouraging beneficial insects, companion planting, and crop rotation, often as part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

What is conservation tillage?

Conservation tillage is a method of soil preparation that leaves at least 30\% of plant residues on the soil surface, reducing erosion and improving soil structure and organic matter.

Why do monocultures inherently have low biodiversity?

Monocultures involve growing a single crop species over a large area, which limits the variety of habitats and food sources available for other plant and animal species, thus reducing overall biodiversity.