Agriculture in the Tropics

Growing crops in dry regions by supplying water artificially, typically using channels or sprinklers. This method ensures high yields, but it requires more water and resources compared to dry farming.

A method of irrigation where water flows over the soil surface through channels or ditches, guided by gravity. It's commonly used for crops like potatoes and tomatoes, but works best on flat land.

A system that delivers water to crops using sprinklers, mimicking rain. It can be permanent or movable, and is good for various crops that grow close together.

The loss of water from the soil surface due to evaporation, often caused by high heat and sunlight.

The accumulation of salts in the soil, often a problem with excessive irrigation, where water evaporates leaving salts behind.

A type of irrigation where water is sprayed over the crops from above.

A type of irrigation where water is slowly dripped directly to the plant roots.

A substance that helps plants grow better, often made from animal waste or chemicals.

A chemical used to kill insects that harm crops.

A chemical used to kill unwanted plants, like weeds.

A period in the 20th century marked by significant increases in food production using modern technologies.

The ability to produce enough food to feed the population without needing imports.

Land suitable for farming.

A business model focused on large-scale agricultural production, encompassing various aspects like growing crops, supplying seeds, farm equipment, crop processing, marketing, and selling. Often driven by big private companies.

The practice of cultivating aquatic organisms like fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and plants in controlled water environments, either saltwater or freshwater.

A shift in agricultural practices from traditional methods to more specialized and intensive production, focusing on mass output. This involves high investments, advanced techniques, and often prioritizing a single crop or livestock type.

The increased use of machinery like tractors, harvesters, and feeding robots to speed up and improve the efficiency of agricultural processes.

The process of increasing output from land by implementing intensive measures like heavy fertilization, using machinery, and employing genetic engineering.

A type of commercial farming focused on growing cash crops for the global market, often requiring large land areas and leading to deforestation. It typically involves monocultures, intensive cultivation, and high use of fertilizers and pesticides, leading to ecological consequences.

A form of agriculture practiced in tropical regions, where land is cleared and burned to provide nutrients for crops. It involves growing mixed crops for subsistence farming and allows the land to naturally regenerate after a few years. It is sustainable in sparsely populated areas but facing challenges due to population growth.

A sustainable land use system combining trees, shrubs, crops, and livestock. It promotes ecological diversity and productivity, reducing the need for external inputs.

The raising of domesticated animals for products like meat, milk, eggs, fur, leather, and wool. It can be practiced on pastures or nomadically, with different forms like pastoralism or transhumance.

The cultivation of crops without irrigation, relying on sufficient rainfall. It's common in many climate zones but depends on seasonal rainfall patterns and warm enough temperatures.

The cultivation of crops without irrigation in semi-arid regions with limited rainfall, typically less than 500mm annually. It requires efficient water management, drought-resistant crops and specific growing practices.

The geographical boundary where dry farming is no longer possible due to insufficient rainfall. Irrigation becomes necessary beyond this point.

The geographical boundary where temperatures become too low for plant growth, resulting in a growing season of less than 100 days.

The growing of crops without irrigation, typically practiced in areas with abundant precipitation, warm temperatures, and well-drained soil.

A form of farming that uses limited water resources efficiently, often adapting to drought conditions and employing water conservation techniques to maximize crop yield.

Genetically modified (GM) food can provide cheaper and easier immunization against diseases and viruses compared to traditional vaccination.

Lack of mandatory labeling on genetically modified (GM) food can lead to people unknowingly consuming it. This can be problematic as it raises concerns about potential health risks.

Genetically modified (GM) food is often cheaper to produce, potentially lowering prices for consumers. However, this reliance on a few multinational corporations can lead to increased control over seed prices, widening the gap between the wealthy and poor.

Scientific evidence suggests that genetically modified (GM) food is necessary to feed the growing population. However, it's crucial to proceed with caution to avoid unintended negative consequences for both humans and the environment.

A potential risk associated with using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is the potential destruction of plants, animals, and even humans due to unforeseen consequences.

A type of agriculture that prioritizes ecological balance and harmonious coexistence with nature. It emphasizes natural cycles and minimizes chemical inputs.

Food produced from genetically modified crops, which have been altered for desirable traits like pest resistance or increased yield.

A potential impact of GM crops on the environment where pollen from genetically modified crops can contaminate and potentially destroy native species.

A potential risk associated with GM food, where an allergenic substance from a modified crop could trigger allergic reactions in humans.

The long-term consequences of GM food consumption are uncertain and could lead to unforeseen effects, such as the development of cancer cells or new viruses.

The ability of GM crops to withstand severe weather conditions like drought or heavy rainfall, allowing them to flourish in challenging environments.

A desirable trait of some GM crops where they resist rotting or spoilage, extending their shelf life and reducing food waste.

A trait of GM crops where they are engineered to resist attacks by insects and pests, minimizing the need for chemical pesticides.

The potential for increasing crop yields using GM crops, leading to greater food production on less land with fewer chemical inputs.