24 Questions
What percentage of agricultural growth in the 20th century in developed countries is attributed to increased fertilization, irrigation, and pesticide use?
95%
What was the primary focus of the Green Revolution?
Breeding crops for high-yield with fertilizer and irrigation
What is the main goal of genetic engineering in agriculture?
To create crops with desired characters
What is an example of a fumigant type of pesticide?
Methylene bromide
What is a major limitation of spraying pesticides by air?
Drifting to nearby fields
What is a characteristic of organophosphates?
They are used to prevent broad-leaf weed growth
What is a consequence of the overuse of pesticides?
Increased pest resistance
What is the process of genetic engineering?
Splicing a gene from one organism into the chromosome of another
What percentage of the total energy in the US is consumed by the food system?
16%
What is the primary use of one-third of the energy consumed by the food system in the US?
Producing nitrogen fertilizers
What percentage of crops are typically spoiled by biological pests every year in some areas?
50%
What is the main reason for the doubling of worldwide crop production since 1950?
Increased use of inorganic fertilizers
What happens to excess fertilizers not captured by crops?
They run off into groundwater and contaminate drinking water
What is the consequence of consuming high levels of nitrates in drinking water?
Death of infants
What is the energy equivalent consumed by one hectare of corn produced in the US?
800 liters of oil
What is the main cause of the increase in pesticide use over the years?
Reliance on toxic chemicals to kill or drive away pests
What is a common trait of genetically modified organisms?
Superior growth and yield
What is the purpose of inserting genes from Bacillus thuringiensis into crops?
To produce insecticides
What is the primary concern regarding genetically modified foods?
Unknown health effects on human health
What is the argument made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding genetically modified foods?
They are substantially equivalent to traditionally bred varieties
What is a benefit of sustainable farming strategies?
Increased crop productivity
How can water runoff be reduced in sustainable farming?
By contour plowing
What is a key aspect of sustainable farming?
Soil conservation
What is the goal of integrated pest management in sustainable farming?
To reduce the need for pesticides
Study Notes
Genetic Engineering
- Genetic engineering involves splicing a gene from one organism into the chromosome of another, creating transgenic organisms.
- Benefits of genetic engineering include superior growth, pest resistance, drought and frost resistance, and tolerance to different soils.
Pesticides and Fertilizers
- Organophosphates are the most abundantly used pesticides to prevent the growth of broad-leaf weeds.
- Chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as DDT, are highly toxic to sensitive organisms.
- Fumigants, like methylene bromide, are highly toxic and used to kill fungi or attack the nervous systems of insect pests.
- Fertilizers supply plants with essential inorganic nutrients like N2, K, P, Ca, Mg, and S.
- Excess fertilizers can contaminate drinking water and destabilize aquatic ecosystems.
Sustainable Farming
- Sustainable farming aims to reduce or repair the damage caused by destructive practices.
- Techniques include soil conservation, crop rotation, nutrient management, and integrated pest management.
- Soil conservation is essential to reduce water runoff and increase productivity.
Modern Agriculture
- The Green Revolution involved breeding grains for high-yield with fertilizer and irrigation.
- Modern agriculture relies heavily on oil, with the US food system consuming about 16% of the total energy.
- One-third of this energy is used for producing nitrogen fertilizers from natural gas.
Pesticide Use and Resistance
- Pesticide use continues to rise, with the number of pesticide-resistant species increasing.
- Biological pests can reduce crop yields and spoil ~½ of the crops harvested every year in some areas.
- The reliance on pesticides has grown steadily over the years.
This quiz covers the basics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), including their benefits and costs. Learn about superior growth, pest resistance, and drought tolerance in GMOs.
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