Agricultural Systems: Conventional vs. Non-Conventional

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on conventional and non-conventional agriculture.

Conventional Agriculture

The dominant agricultural system relying on monoculture, synthetic inputs, mechanization, and specialization.

Non-Conventional Agriculture

A range of alternative farming practices that prioritize ecological sustainability and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs.

Monoculture

Growing a single crop over a large area, often associated with conventional agriculture.

Synthetic Inputs

Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) used in agriculture.

Environmental Degradation

Negative impacts on the environment due to farming practices, such as soil erosion and water pollution.

Organic Farming

A system of agriculture that avoids synthetic inputs, emphasizing ecological processes and biodiversity.

Hydroponics

A method of growing plants in nutrient-rich water solutions without soil.

Aquaponics

A system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in a symbiotic environment.

Permaculture

Designing sustainable human settlements and agricultural systems modeled on natural ecosystems.

Agroforestry

Integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems for enhancing ecosystems.

Conservation Agriculture

Farming practice focused on minimizing soil disturbance and maintaining permanent soil cover.

Vertical Farming

Growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often in controlled environments.

Organic Certification

A process by which a certifying body verifies a farm's compliance with organic standards.

Transition Period

A designated period (typically 2-3 years) during which land is managed according to organic standards before certification.

Pest and Weed Management in Organic Farming

Reliance on biological, cultural, and physical methods for controlling pests and weeds without synthetic chemicals.

Buffer Zones

Areas established to prevent contamination of organic farms from neighboring conventional farms.

Annual Review and Renewal

The process of re-evaluating organic certification every year to ensure ongoing compliance with standards.

Soil Health Management

Practices aimed at building and maintaining soil health, such as crop rotation and composting.

Higher Labor Requirements (Non-Conventional Agriculture)

Some non-conventional farming methods often require more manual labor.