Agriculture in the 20th Century Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is one major negative issue associated with factory farming of animals?

Enhanced animal welfare

Higher diseases pressure (correct)

Reduced reliance on seed companies

Increased biodiversity

Which practice is a principle of sustainable agriculture?

Extensive irrigation without technology

Perennial polyculture (correct)

Heavy use of chemical fertilizers

Maximal tillage and monoculture

What is a potential consequence of genetic manipulation of crops?

Enhanced biodiversity

Reduction of pest populations

Improved nutrient uptake in all cases

Increased reliance on seed companies (correct)

What does Integrated Pest Management (IPM) primarily emphasize?

Understanding pest life cycles Signup and view all the answers

Which crop accounts for a significant proportion of the world's cropland?

Wheat Signup and view all the answers

Why can genetic modification in organisms be problematic?

They can have reduced performance in certain conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of localized food systems?

Utilization of local place-based knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What negative issue is associated with the widespread use of chemical inputs in agriculture?

Broad ecological damage Signup and view all the answers

What was one primary goal of conventional agriculture that emerged in the 20th century?

Maximization of production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is associated with intensive tillage?

Deeply cultivating the soil for better drainage Signup and view all the answers

What is a negative issue associated with monoculture?

Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases Signup and view all the answers

Which negative consequence is commonly linked to the use of inorganic fertilizers?

Water pollution leading to eutrophication Signup and view all the answers

What does irrigation primarily aim to achieve in agricultural practices?

Expand farming into arid areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of chemical pest control?

Utilizes synthetic chemicals to manage pests Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential impact of intensive tillage on the soil?

Increased erosion and nutrient leaching Signup and view all the answers

Which principle of conventional agriculture involves cultivating a single type of crop?

Monoculture Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Agriculture's Success in the 20th Century

Yields per acre increased dramatically, food prices declined, and food production growth outpaced population growth, leading to a decrease in chronic hunger.
This success was driven by advancements:
- New plant varieties
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Technological advancements
- Irrigation expansion

Conventional Agriculture: Principles and Negative Impacts

Conventional Agriculture emerged in the 20th century focusing on maximizing production and profits.
It relies on seven key principles:
- Intensive Tillage:
  - Deep and consistent soil cultivation, impacting soil structure and contributing to erosion, nutrient leaching, and compaction.
- Monoculture:
  - Growing one or two crops on a large scale, making the ecosystem vulnerable to pests, disease, and financial stability.
- Irrigation:
  - Water application for expanded farming, altering regional hydrology, requiring large infrastructure, and potentially leading to groundwater mining and leaching.
- Inorganic Fertilizer:
  - Synthetic fertilizers developed during WW1, relying on fossil fuels and mining processes, impacting soil ecology, and contributing to water pollution.
- Chemical Pest Control:
  - Pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides developed during WW2, causing ecological damage, disrupting beneficial insect populations, and posing risks to human health.
- Genetic Manipulation:
  - Selective breeding and hybridization for desired traits, resulting in organisms with strengths and weaknesses, dependence on seed companies, reduced biodiversity, and potential genetic migration.
- Factory Farming (CAFOs):
  - High animal density in confined spaces, raising concerns for animal welfare, disease outbreaks, genetic modification, and serious environmental impacts from waste management.

Sustainable Agriculture: Principles and Practices

Sustainable agriculture prioritizes equitable production and distribution of high-quality, affordable food while protecting and enhancing agricultural systems.
It emphasizes environmentally friendly practices:
- Minimal Tillage and Mulching:
  - Reduces soil disturbance, promotes soil health, and conserves soil moisture.
- Perennial Polyculture:
  - Growing multiple crops in the same space, increasing biodiversity, and reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
- Minimal Irrigation:
  - Employing efficient irrigation technologies to optimize water usage.
- Localized Organic Fertility Systems:
  - Improving soil health through organic matter and natural fertilization methods, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
  - A comprehensive approach that combines various techniques to manage pests effectively with minimal environmental impact.
- Selection of Locally Adapted Plants and Animals:
  - Utilizing species best suited to specific environments, promoting local biodiversity, and reducing vulnerability to pests and diseases.
- Localized Food Systems:
  - Shortening the distance between production and consumption to reduce transport costs and environmental impact.
- Closed Nutrient Systems:
  - Minimizing waste and maximizing nutrient cycling within the agricultural system.
- Local Place-Based Knowledge:
  - Utilizing traditional knowledge and practices for sustainable agricultural practices.
- Eat Lower on the Food/Energy Pyramid:
  - Shifting dietary preferences towards less resource-intensive food options.
- New Food Sources:
  - Exploring alternative protein sources such as algae, fungi, yeast, and insects.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the advancements and principles of agriculture in the 20th century. This quiz covers the increase in food production, the emergence of conventional agriculture, and its environmental impacts. Explore key concepts like crop yields, irrigation, and sustainable practices.