The Use of Technology for Intensive Agriculture - PDF

THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE (INCLUDING P R E S E NMONOCULTURE) T E D B Y A T H E N A M O O R G H E N INTRODUCTI ON Definition: Intensive agriculture is a farming method that uses advanced technology and inputs to maximize crop and livestock production...

THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY FOR INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE (INCLUDING P R E S E NMONOCULTURE) T E D B Y A T H E N A M O O R G H E N INTRODUCTI ON Definition: Intensive agriculture is a farming method that uses advanced technology and inputs to maximize crop and livestock production. Main methods: Includes mechanization, synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, advanced irrigation, and monoculture farming. Purpose: The main goal is to increase food supply to meet the demands of a growing global population. WHAT IS MONOCULTURE Definition: Monoculture is the agricultural practice of growing a ? single crop species over a large area for multiple growing seasons. Example: Large-scale farms cultivating corn, wheat, soybeans, or rice. Advantages: ⚬ Increases efficiency and simplifies harvesting. ⚬ Reduces labor costs due to specialized machinery. Disadvantages: ⚬ Depletes soil nutrients over time, requiring heavy fertilizer use. ⚬ Increases vulnerability to pests and diseases, leading to higher pesticide use.  Advantages: MECHANIZATION IN Increases productivity and reduces the need for manual labor. AGRICULTURE Allows for large-scale farming operations Definition: Mechanization involves using machines like tractors, harvesters, and drones to perform farming tasks. Disadvantage s: High cost of purchasing and maintaining machinery. Can lead to soil compaction, reducing soil fertility. Heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes to carbon emissions. FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES Fertilizers: Provide essential nutrients such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) to enhance plant growth. ⚬ Issue: Overuse leads to soil degradation, water pollution, and eutrophication. Pesticides: Chemicals used to kill pests that damage crops. ⚬ Issue: Can harm beneficial insects like bees, disrupt ecosystems, and pose health risks to humans. ⚬ Solution: Use biological pest control or integrated pest management (IPM). IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Definition: Irrigation is the artificial application of water to crops to supplement rainfall. Methods: ⚬ Sprinkler irrigation: Sprays water over crops like rain. ⚬ Drip irrigation: Delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing waste. Advantages: ⚬ Increases crop yields in arid regions. ⚬ Ensures food security in areas with unpredictable rainfall. Disadvantages: ⚬ Overuse leads to water depletion and soil salinization. ⚬ Poorly managed irrigation can result in waterlogging and reduced soil aeration.  ENVIRONMENTAL Soil degradation IMPACT Loss of biodiversity Water pollution Greenhouse gas emissions Intensive Use of machinery and farming Monoculture reduces genetic Fertilizer runoff causes synthetic fertilizers exhausts soil nutrients diversity and disrupts eutrophication, leading to dead releases CO2 and nitrous and increases erosion. natural ecosystems. zones in water bodies. oxide, contributing to climate change.  Statistical Chart GLOBAL USE OF FERTILIZERS OVER TIME Global fertilizer consumption has risen by over 500% since the 1960s due to population growth and higher food demand. Agricultural water consumption has increased by nearly 250%, leading to concerns about water scarcity. Pesticide use has tripled, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.  POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS Biological pest control: Using Efficient irrigation: Using Crop rotation: Alternating Organic farming: Reducing natural predators, such as advanced irrigation different crops to maintain chemical use and promoting ladybugs for aphid control, techniques like drip soil nutrients and prevent natural fertilizers like instead of chemical pesticides. irrigation to conserve pest buildup. compost. water. Conclusio n Intensive agriculture has significantly boosted global food production. However, it has also led to serious environmental consequences such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Sustainable farming practices can help mitigate these negative effects while maintaining food security. We must find a balance between productivity and environmental protection. THANK YOU