🌿 ECOSYSTEMS
Q: What is an ecosystem?
A: A community of living and non-living things interacting together.
Q: What was one major challenge the farmers faced early on?
A: Poor soil quality/drought.
Q: What animal helped control pests like snails?
A: Ducks.
Q: What does sustainability mean?
A: Meeting needs without harming future generations.
Q: What happened when the soil improved?
A: Crops grew better.
Q: What role do cover crops play on the farm?
A: They improve soil health and prevent erosion.
Q: What problem did gophers cause?
A: They destroyed crops by eating roots.
Q: What role did chickens play on the farm?
A: Fertilizing soil and controlling insects.
Q: What type of farming is shown in the film?
A: Regenerative farming. (focus on farming in a way that heals the environment)
Q: What happened when biodiversity increased?
A: The farm became more balanced and resilient.
Q: Why is biodiversity important on Apricot Lane Farms?
A: It creates balance and resilience in the ecosystem.
Q: Why were snails a problem?
A: They ate crops and damaged plants.
Q: What happened with the pigs?
A: They caused destruction but were part of the learning process.
Q: How is water managed sustainably on the farm?
A: Through ponds, soil retention, and natural cycles.
Q: What was the effect of introducing ducks?
A: Snail populations decreased.
Q: What is soil biodiversity?
A: The variety of organisms living in the soil.
Q: What natural solution helped control the snail population?
A: Ducks.
Q: How did animals contribute to soil health?
A: Through manure and natural processes.
Q: What is regenerative agriculture?
A: Farming that restores soil, biodiversity, and ecosystems.
Q: What happened when predators returned?
A: Ecosystem balance improved.
Q: How do different species support each other on the farm?
A: They form interconnected relationships (food webs, pest control, pollination).
Q: Why was transitioning to sustainable farming difficult?
A: It takes time, money, and patience to restore ecosystems.
Q: Why are predators important on the farm?
A: They help maintain balance by controlling prey populations.
Q: Why is monoculture less sustainable than biodiversity?
A: It is more vulnerable to pests, disease, and soil depletion.
Q: How did patience impact the farm’s success?
A: Long-term improvements led to sustainability and productivity.