agriculture

Monoculture

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop or plant species in a given area.

Polyculture

The agricultural practice of growing multiple crop species in the same space, allowing for greater biodiversity.

Fertilizers

Substances added to soil or plants to provide nutrients; examples include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic compost.

Pesticides

Chemical substances used to kill or control pests; examples include insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

Green Revolution

A period of agricultural transformation in the mid-20th century characterized by the introduction of high-yield crops, synthetic fertilizers, and advanced farming techniques that increased food production.

Dust Bowl Causes

Causes of the dust bowl included poor agricultural practices, drought, and high winds.

Water Use and Dust Bowl

Excessive water use in agriculture can deplete soil moisture, leading to dry conditions that increase the likelihood of dust storms.

Dust Bowl Solutions

Solutions to prevent a dust bowl include practicing crop rotation and implementing soil conservation techniques.

CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation)

A large-scale industrial agricultural facility that raises a substantial number of animals in confined spaces.

Regenerative Ranching

A farming approach that focuses on restoring and enhancing ecosystem health through practices like rotational grazing.

Aquaculture vs. Wild-Caught Fishing

Pros of aquaculture include higher control over production; cons include potential pollution. Pros of wild-caught fishing include natural ecosystems; cons include overfishing and habitat destruction.