AP E.S. Agriculture Vocab

fertilizer

Added to soil to increase soil fertility. Includes N,P, K and some micronutrients as well

pesticide

A chemical intended to kill insects and other organisms that damage crops.

Windbreaks

Belts of trees along field edges to reduce wind erosion

Soil salinization

We irrigate our crops using ground water which naturally has salts in it. The water evaporates leaving salts behind

aquifer depletion

removal of groundwater more rapidly than it can be recharged by precipitation or melting snow

cone of depression

lowering of the water table around a pumping well

saltwater intrusion

an infiltration of salt water in an area where groundwater pressure has been reduced from extensive drilling of wells

Types of irrigation

furrow, flood, spray, drip

Drip irrigation

the practice of using small pipes that slowly drip water just above ground to conserve water to use for crops. most efficient form of irrigation

flood irrigation

the entire field is flooded with water. Certain crops like rice need this irrigation method

spray irrigation

can be expensive and energy-consuming but is 75-95% efficient.

Covercrop

Plants that are planted to cover the soil rather than for the purpose of being harvested. Protect against soil erosion

limestone (soil fertility)

Can be added to soil to decreases acidity

no-till agriculture

An agricultural method in which farmers do not turn the soil between seasons, used as a means of reducing erosion

Green Revolution

Rapid diffusion of new agricultural technology, especially new high-yield seeds, fertilizers and mechanization

GMO

Genetically modified organism to be resistant to drought or pests. This can increase crop yields. Examples include BT corn

Monocropping

An agricultural method that utilizes large plantings of a single species or variety

intercropping

An agricultural method in which two or more crop species are planted in the same field at the same time. Protects against soil nutrient depletion and pests

Integrated pest management

An agricultural practice that uses a variety of techniques designed to minimize pesticide inputs. Includes biocontrol, crop rotation and intercropping

Terracing (in agriculture)

make or form (sloping land) into a number of level flat areas resembling a series of steps to reduce soil erosion

Contour plowing

plowing fields along the curves of a slope to prevent soil loss

green manure

Freshly cut or still-growing green vegetation that is plowed into the soil to increase the organic matter and humus available to support crop growth.