10 Questions
What is the primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in sustainable agriculture?
To integrate sustainable practices for economic control of pests, reducing the risk to humans and the environment.
How does crop rotation contribute to soil health in sustainable agriculture?
By providing various nutrients to the soil, mitigating the buildup of pathogens and pests, and improving soil structure and fertility.
What is the significance of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture?
It provides new tools for solving specific problems in sustainable agriculture, such as developing new products and improving crop yields.
What is the main advantage of using organic fertilizers in sustainable agriculture?
They are derived from animal or vegetable matter, reducing the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers.
What is the primary purpose of conservation tillage and cover cropping in sustainable agriculture?
To reduce soil erosion, improve soil structure, and add nutrients through natural decomposition.
What is the primary objective of sustainable agriculture, according to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)?
To satisfy the changing human needs while maintaining or enhancing the quality of the environment and conserving natural resources.
What is one of the key benefits of sustainable agriculture in terms of public health?
Safer fruits and vegetables for consumers, workers, and surrounding communities due to the avoidance of hazardous pesticides.
What is a critical component of sustainable agriculture in terms of community development?
Remaining economically viable to provide farmers, farm workers, and others with a livable wage and safe, fair working conditions.
What is the primary concern of sustainable agriculture regarding the environment?
Minimizing adverse impacts on the immediate and off-farm environments.
What is one of the key principles of sustainable agriculture in terms of resource management?
Making the most efficient use of non-renewable and on-farm resources, and integrating them where appropriate.
Study Notes
Sustainable Agriculture
- Sustainable agriculture refers to the ability of a farm to produce and maintain livestock over the long term with minimal negative effects on the environment.
Objectives of Sustainable Agriculture
- Minimize adverse impacts on the environment while maintaining a sustained level of production and profit.
- Make the most efficient use of non-renewable and on-farm resources.
- Enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
- Sustain the economic viability of farm operations.
Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture
- Environmental preservation: no use of toxic chemicals, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or practices that degrade soil, water, or natural resources.
- Protection of public health: safer fruits and vegetables for consumers, workers, and surrounding communities.
- Sustaining vibrant communities: economically viable, providing farmers and farm workers with a livable wage and safe working conditions.
- Upholding animal welfare: treating animals with care and respect, implementing humane livestock husbandry practices.
Characteristics of Sustainable Agriculture
- Economics: subsidies, income, and access.
- Environment: conservation, preservation, and animal welfare.
- Community: social justice and cooperative relationships.
Practices of Sustainable Agriculture
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): a broad-based approach integrating sustainable practices for economic pest control.
- Crop rotation: growing series of different crops in the same area to provide nutrients to the soil and mitigate pests and pathogens.
- Biotechnology: using living systems or organisms to develop or make useful products.
- Use of organic fertilizers: using waste derived from animal or vegetable matter.
- Conservation tillage: leaving previous years' crop residue on fields before and after planting the next crop.
- Cover cropping: planting specific crops during fallow periods to protect soil from erosion, improve soil structure, and add nutrients.
Test your knowledge on sustainable agriculture, a method of farming that aims to produce food and livestock over the long term with minimal negative environmental effects.
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