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Questions and Answers
What is one of the main environmental impacts of intensive animal husbandry?
What is one of the main environmental impacts of intensive animal husbandry?
What is the primary focus of aquaculture?
What is the primary focus of aquaculture?
Which term refers to the change from traditional agricultural methods to more intensive forms for mass production?
Which term refers to the change from traditional agricultural methods to more intensive forms for mass production?
What is the role of Greenport in agricultural production?
What is the role of Greenport in agricultural production?
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What does specialisation in agriculture typically entail?
What does specialisation in agriculture typically entail?
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What is a major advantage of surface irrigation compared to traditional irrigation channels?
What is a major advantage of surface irrigation compared to traditional irrigation channels?
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What is drip irrigation primarily designed to do?
What is drip irrigation primarily designed to do?
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Which is a disadvantage of drip irrigation?
Which is a disadvantage of drip irrigation?
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What was one of the main results of the Green Revolution?
What was one of the main results of the Green Revolution?
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What are pesticides primarily used for?
What are pesticides primarily used for?
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Which advantage of fertilizers is highlighted in the context provided?
Which advantage of fertilizers is highlighted in the context provided?
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Which of the following crops was notably increased in production during the Green Revolution?
Which of the following crops was notably increased in production during the Green Revolution?
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What effect did the Green Revolution have on arable land usage?
What effect did the Green Revolution have on arable land usage?
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What is a primary advantage of irrigation farming over dry farming?
What is a primary advantage of irrigation farming over dry farming?
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Which irrigation method is described as being the most common in the world?
Which irrigation method is described as being the most common in the world?
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What is a significant con of surface irrigation?
What is a significant con of surface irrigation?
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Which type of crop is most suitable for surface irrigation?
Which type of crop is most suitable for surface irrigation?
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What characterizes sprinkler irrigation?
What characterizes sprinkler irrigation?
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What is a potential consequence of vitamin deficiency in poor countries?
What is a potential consequence of vitamin deficiency in poor countries?
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What is one advantage of using GM food over traditional vaccination?
What is one advantage of using GM food over traditional vaccination?
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What is a drawback associated with the lack of obligatory labeling for GM food?
What is a drawback associated with the lack of obligatory labeling for GM food?
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How can the use of GM foods affect small farmers in third world countries?
How can the use of GM foods affect small farmers in third world countries?
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What is recommended when proceeding with the use of GM food?
What is recommended when proceeding with the use of GM food?
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Which consequence is primarily associated with plantation farming?
Which consequence is primarily associated with plantation farming?
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What is a primary characteristic of shifting cultivation?
What is a primary characteristic of shifting cultivation?
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Which of the following is NOT a benefit of agroforestry?
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of agroforestry?
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What is the main purpose of dry farming techniques?
What is the main purpose of dry farming techniques?
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Which geographic condition is described by the agronomic dry boundary?
Which geographic condition is described by the agronomic dry boundary?
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What kind of farming does NOT traditionally require significant irrigation?
What kind of farming does NOT traditionally require significant irrigation?
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What is a common ecological drawback of plantation farming?
What is a common ecological drawback of plantation farming?
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What is the focus of livestock farming?
What is the focus of livestock farming?
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Under which condition is shifting cultivation primarily practiced?
Under which condition is shifting cultivation primarily practiced?
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What significant social issue is associated with plantation farming?
What significant social issue is associated with plantation farming?
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How does ecological agriculture contribute to sustainable farming practices?
How does ecological agriculture contribute to sustainable farming practices?
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What is one of the main advantages of genetically modified (GM) food?
What is one of the main advantages of genetically modified (GM) food?
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Which of the following best describes a key disadvantage of GM foods?
Which of the following best describes a key disadvantage of GM foods?
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How does ecological agriculture maintain soil fertility?
How does ecological agriculture maintain soil fertility?
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What is a potential consequence of using GM crops, as mentioned in the content?
What is a potential consequence of using GM crops, as mentioned in the content?
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Which statement about the benefits of GM foods is accurate?
Which statement about the benefits of GM foods is accurate?
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What is one method ecological agriculture uses to protect water resources?
What is one method ecological agriculture uses to protect water resources?
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In what way can GM foods help address food scarcity?
In what way can GM foods help address food scarcity?
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What ecological benefit does organic farming provide?
What ecological benefit does organic farming provide?
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Which of the following is a criticism of genetically modified foods?
Which of the following is a criticism of genetically modified foods?
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How does ecological agriculture ensure the health of food for future generations?
How does ecological agriculture ensure the health of food for future generations?
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Which of these is a common concern regarding the use of GM foods?
Which of these is a common concern regarding the use of GM foods?
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In ecological farming, how is animal husbandry generally approached?
In ecological farming, how is animal husbandry generally approached?
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Why is biodiversity considered important in ecological farming?
Why is biodiversity considered important in ecological farming?
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Study Notes
Agriculture in the (Sub-)Tropics
- Plantation farming is a commercial farming method, cultivating cash crops solely for global markets.
- Large tracts of land are required, often leading to deforestation.
- These farms are typically located in tropical regions with high temperatures and rainfall.
- Monoculture farming practices (growing a single crop) are common, utilizing excessive fertilizers and pesticides.
- Sustainability concerns arise from deforestation, nutrient depletion, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
- Labor conditions and compensation are often poor for workers in plantations.
- Shifting cultivation (slash-and-burn agriculture) is used in tropical regions, where land is cleared and cultivated for a few years, then abandoned to regenerate.
- The cleared land's nutrients are replenished by natural decomposition and ash from the burning.
- This agricultural method requires a long fallow period before the plot can be used again.
- Agroforestry combines trees and shrubs (forestry) with food and livestock production, for shade and nutrient enrichment for crops.
- Livestock farming, raising domesticated animals (for meat, dairy products and other resources) is practiced extensively.
- Dry farming is practiced in regions receiving less precipitation or in drier climates.
- Irrigation farming utilizes irrigation to increase crop yields in arid and semi-arid zones.
- Irrigation methods vary based on expense, water availability, soil type and terrain, including channels, sprinklers, and drip systems.
- Fertilizers are substances that enhance plant growth, and pesticides/herbicides are applied to control pests and weeds.
Green Revolution
- A widespread introduction of industrial agriculture in developing countries (mid-20th century).
- Increased food grain yields (especially wheat, rice, and corn), through improved varieties and technologies
- Increased food supplies and self-sufficiency in some regions
- Negative consequences involve environmental damage and social inequalities.
- The use of chemicals (fertilizers & pesticides) had harmful effects on the soil, humans, and the environment.
- Intensive farming practices led to a decline in biodiversity.
- A widening gap between large and small farmers is a negative consequence for social inequalities.
Environmental Problems of Agriculture
- Water shortage in various regions can limit agricultural potential through intensive irrigation and usage.
- Sinking groundwater levels are caused by over-usage of water sources.
- Soil salinization, a widespread soil degradation issue, develops through irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions where water readily evaporates leaving behind salts.
- Soil erosion: natural processes or human activities contribute to soil loss.
Feedlots
- Open-air facilities to raise cattle, featuring labor-saving technological investments for feeding and waste removal.
Agribusiness
- Agricultural practices and related activities, focused on intensification and specialization.
- Intensification leads to increased yields through technology and intensive methods (e.g., high inputs).
- Specialization concentrates on specific types of crop or livestock.
- Mechanization involves greater use of machinery (e.g., tractors, harvesters), enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Aquaculture/Aquafarming
- The cultivation of aquatic organisms (fish, shellfish, and plants) in controlled environments (e.g., ponds, tanks, or cages in the ocean)
- Can address the demand for seafood, in conjunction with the threat of overfishing.
- Environmental concerns, waste products and escape of captive species posing a risk to wild populations.
Technological Advancements and Development
- Agricultural productivity has improved, with greater yields per worker and reduced time-spent on labor.
- Technological advancements like machinery and robots have enhanced the efficiency of the overall process, but also introduce reliance on energy and capital investments.
- Specialization and vertical integration (combining various stages of production within one or multi factories) are also noted.
- This consolidation results in large companies controlling numerous aspects of the agricultural production and supply chains.
Increasing Agricultural Productivity
- Greenhouse cultivation, a significant agricultural sector in the Netherlands, is intensive and specialized, yielding high productivity.
- The cluster structure (greenports) in the Netherlands, brings together diverse companies across the horticultural supply chain and promote trade and efficiency.
The Rise of Genetic Engineering
- Genetic engineering is used to enhance yield and disease/pest resistance in crops.
- Benefits include higher yields, reduced reliance on pesticides and fertilizers.
- Potential downsides include environmental damage from contamination of non-engineered plants, and potential unknown health risks.
- Alternative methods (e.g., the SRI method in rice cultivation in Vietnam) exist and emphasize higher yields and efficiency with lower input needs.
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Description
This quiz explores the practices and impacts of agriculture in tropical and subtropical regions. It covers plantation farming, monoculture, shifting cultivation, and sustainability issues, including deforestation and labor conditions. Test your knowledge on these crucial topics affecting global food systems!
