Agricultural prelim

What is an agricultural system?

An agricultural system is the way agricultural activities are organised to produce food, fibre, and other products.

What are the main inputs in an agricultural system?

Inputs include natural resources, animals, labour, capital, and management.

What is meant by mixed farming?

Mixed farming is a combination of crop production and livestock production on the same farm.

What is intensive agriculture?

Intensive agriculture involves production concentrated on a small area with high levels of inputs.

What are physical factors affecting agricultural systems?

Physical factors include climate, rainfall, temperature, soil type, and water availability.

What is the purpose of farm management?

Farm management involves making decisions about how farm resources should be used to achieve production goals.

What does the agricultural workplace include?

The agricultural workplace includes the people, conditions, responsibilities, and skills involved in farming.

What is agricultural history?

Agricultural history reflects how agriculture has evolved over time due to technology, population growth, and scientific discoveries.

What were hunter-gatherer societies?

Hunter-gatherer societies relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering plants, and were generally nomadic.

What is the Green Revolution?

The Green Revolution refers to major increases in agricultural production through improved crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest control.

What is animal production?

Animal production is the management of animals to produce commercial products such as meat, milk, and wool.

What are the inputs in animal production?

Inputs include animals, land, water, feed, labour, capital, technology, and knowledge.

What is the primary product of dairy cows?

The primary product of dairy cows is milk.

What do lucerne plants contribute to agriculture?

Lucerne is a legume that contributes to nitrogen fixation and is mainly grown as animal feed.

What role do weeds play in plant production?

Weeds compete with crops for water, light, nutrients, and space.

What is integrated pest management (IPM)?

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a pest control strategy that uses a combination of methods to manage pests.

What are macronutrients necessary for plant growth?

Macronutrients necessary for plant growth include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

What is the significance of animal welfare in agriculture?

Animal welfare pertains to the health, wellbeing, and appropriate treatment of farm animals.

What is genetic selection in animal production?

Genetic selection is the process of choosing animals with desirable traits to parent the next generation.

What is the function of phosphorus in fertilizers?

Phosphorus is crucial for root development, flowering, and seed formation in plants.

What are the main benefits of using technology in agriculture?

The main benefits of technology in agriculture include improved productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

What characterizes monocotyledonous plants?

Monocotyledonous plants typically have one seed leaf, parallel veins, and flower parts in groups of three.

What role does soil play in plant production?

Soil provides physical support, water, nutrients, and a root environment for plants.

What is the importance of climate to agriculture?

Climate affects plant growth, water availability, pest populations, and overall agricultural productivity.

What does animal health management include?

Animal health management includes monitoring health, nutrition, breeding, and disease prevention.

What are the signs of nitrogen deficiency in plants?

Signs include yellowing of older leaves, slow growth, and reduced yield.

What is sustainable farming?

Sustainable farming refers to practices that ensure the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of agricultural systems.

What is the function of potassium in fertilizers?

Potassium helps with water regulation, disease resistance, and overall plant strength.

What do cover crops help reduce?

Cover crops help reduce soil erosion and improve soil fertility.

What type of farming focuses on high capital investment for high-output per area?

Intensive agriculture focuses on high capital investment and high-output per area.

What is the purpose of regulations in agricultural systems?

Regulations aim to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable farming practices.

What influence do consumer preferences have on agriculture?

Consumer preferences can shape production methods and marketing strategies used by farmers.

What is the main concern of animal production systems?

The main concern is producing healthy, productive, and efficient livestock in a profitable manner.

How does climate change affect agricultural systems?

Climate change can impact water availability, pest and disease dynamics, and crop yield variability.

What is precision agriculture?

Precision agriculture uses technology and data to manage farming inputs efficiently,

What are secondary products from dairy production besides milk?

Secondary products include calves and cull cows.

How does urbanization impact agriculture?

Urbanization can lead to loss of agricultural land and increased competition for resources.

What role does biotechnology play in agriculture?

Biotechnology is used to improve crop resistance, increase yields, and promote sustainability.

What is the primary purpose of fertilisers?

Fertilisers provide essential nutrients needed for plant growth.

How can farmers improve their agricultural marketing?

Farmers can improve agricultural marketing by promoting quality, sustainability, and local production.

What is the result of extensive farming?

Extensive farming results in lower inputs per hectare and utilizes large areas of land for production.

Name one technology used in modern dairy farming.

Robotic milking systems are used in modern dairy farming to automate the milking process.

What is the main goal of sustainable agriculture?

The main goal is to produce food while maintaining soil health and reducing environmental impact.

How does animal grazing impact soil health?

Proper grazing can improve soil health while overgrazing can lead to soil degradation.

Define the term 'agricultural workplace'.

The agricultural workplace refers to the environment in which agricultural production occurs, including its workforce.

What are the effects of soil acidity on agriculture?

Soil acidity can limit nutrient availability and affect plant growth negatively.

What are the three primary macronutrients in fertilizers?

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) are the three primary macronutrients.

What is considered a beneficial microbe to plants?

Rhizobium bacteria aid in nitrogen fixation for leguminous plants.

How does urbanization affect food security?

Urbanization can increase food demand while reducing the availability of land for food production.

What is the primary nutrient that lucerne provides in agriculture?

Lucerne provides high-protein forage for livestock.

Define the term 'farming system'.

A farming system encompasses all practices and processes in producing agricultural products on a farm.

What is the role of organic fertilizers?

Organic fertilizers come from plant or animal sources and improve soil fertility and structure.

What are traditional farming techniques?

Traditional farming techniques refer to methods passed down through generations, often relying on manual labor, local resources, and cultural practices.

What are modern farming techniques?

Modern farming techniques utilize advanced technology, machinery, and scientific research to increase efficiency and yield in agricultural production.

What is the role of technology in modern agriculture?

Technology enhances precision farming, pest control, irrigation, and data management to optimize productivity and resource use.

How do traditional farming techniques impact biodiversity?

Traditional techniques often promote higher biodiversity through diverse crop rotations and mixed farming practices.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture practices aim to balance maximizing yields with maintaining environmental health and resource conservation.

What are hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a modern farming method that grows plants in nutrient-rich water solutions instead of soil.

What are the benefits of traditional farming methods?

Benefits include lower input costs, preservation of local biodiversity, and resilience to environmental changes.

How do modern farming techniques support food security?

By increasing productivity, reducing waste, and improving supply chains, modern techniques can help feed a growing global population.

What is organic farming?

Organic farming is a modern approach that avoids synthetic chemicals and focuses on ecological balance through natural practices.

What is agroecology?

Agroecology integrates ecological principles into agricultural practices, promoting environmental sustainability and social equity.