Agriculture and Rural Land-Use Patterns & Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and terms related to agriculture and rural land-use patterns, essential for understanding physical geography's connection to agricultural practices.

Agriculture

The deliberate modification of earth's surface through cultivation of plants and rearing of animals for economic gain.

Mediterranean climate

A climate type characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, ideal for certain agricultural practices.

Tropical climate

A climate that is usually warm and humid year-round, conducive for growing a variety of crops.

Extensive agriculture

Agricultural practices that tend to use less labor and capital but require more land for food production.

Intensive agriculture

Farming practices that require more labor and capital and are usually located near large population centers.

Market Gardening

An intensive farming practice found in areas with longer growing seasons, producing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Plantation Agriculture

Intensive farming in periphery countries, producing cash crops such as coffee and sugar.

Mixed Crop/Livestock

An intensive agricultural system common in economically developed countries, involving crops like corn and soybeans.

Shifting Cultivation

An extensive agriculture method in tropical climates, where land is cultivated until it loses fertility.

Nomadic Herding

A form of extensive agriculture where herders move livestock to find fresh pastures.

Commercial Grain Farming

An extensive agricultural practice involving the cultivation of grain in large quantities.

Metes and bounds

A surveying method using geographic landmarks to define property boundaries.

Long Lot

A narrow parcel of land traditionally aligned to a waterway.

Township and range

A survey method that creates a grid pattern of land divisions.

Columbian Exchange

The transfer of plants, animals, and diseases between the Old World and New World.

Second Agricultural Revolution

A period that saw a profound increase in agricultural production due to advancements in farming technology.

Green Revolution

A significant increase in agricultural production during the mid-20th century through high-yield variety seeds and the use of fertilizers.

Subsidies

Government financial support for farmers to help stabilize incomes and encourage agricultural production.

Biotechnology

The use of biological systems or organisms to develop or create products, particularly in agriculture.

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism)

An organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

Urban farming

The practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas.

Food Insecurity

A lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

Food Desert

An area with limited access to affordable and nutritious food.

Conservation

The sustainable management of natural resources to prevent depletion and ensure resources for future generations.