14_AgHistoryF24

Agricultural History

• Focus on the Green Revolution

• Instructor: Professor Maier, Fall 2024

Green Revolution Overview

• Motivation behind research: Plant genetics and technological changes

• Key figures: Individuals promoting technology in agriculture and those warning of its risks

• Impact measurement: Assessing positive and negative consequences

Research Motivations

• Advances in plant genetics and technology

• Specific focus on yields, hardiness, disease resistance, fertilizer compatibility

Infrastructure and Practices

• Increased land cultivation even on poorer soils

• Doubling of annual crop outputs

• Improvements in: sowing and harvesting equipment, distribution networks

• Heavy usage of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides

Key Personalities

Norman Borlaug

• Led 20 years of experimental work in Mexico

• Developed high-yield, drought-tolerant semi-dwarf wheat varieties

William Vogt

• Ornithologist and ecologist

• Advocated for conservation in the face of overpopulation

• Recommended awareness of biological resource limitations

Fertilizer Development

• Haber-Bosch process: synthesis of ammonia (NH3)

• Utilizes atmospheric nitrogen and hydrogen from natural gas, using iron as a catalyst under high temperature and pressure

Impacts of the Green Revolution

Productivity Gains

• Significant yield increases between 1960 and 2000:

  • Wheat: 208%

  • Rice: 109%

  • Maize: 157%

  • Potatoes: 78%

  • Cassava: 36%

Future Sustainability Challenges

Ecological Issues

• Issues from soluble nitrogen fertilizer and pesticide applications:

  • Emissions of nitrous oxide (greenhouse gas)

  • Groundwater contamination and surface water eutrophication

Socio-economic Challenges

• Erosion of traditional sustainable farming systems

• Loss of indigenous seed banks

• Intensive agriculture favors wealthy, marginalizes the poor

• Current global food system issues: food scarcity alongside excess and waste

Summary of the Green Revolution

• Drastic increase in global food crop production due to:

  • Development of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds

  • Increased use of inorganic pesticides and fertilizers

• Short-term success averted famine and self-sufficiency in many developing countries

• Long-term consequences include potential damage to soil and water systems

• Nutritional outcomes showed uneven improvements, with diet diversity often declining and micronutrient malnutrition persisting.