Farming Footprint
How does agriculture impact the land?
It can cause soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and habitat loss from land clearing.
What happens to soil when crops are planted repeatedly in the same area?
It loses nutrients, structure, and fertility over time.
What is sustainable agriculture?
Farming that meets current needs without harming future generations or the environment.
What is a monoculture?
Growing a single crop over a large area year after year.
How does global food production affect ecosystems?
It drives deforestation, water depletion, and pollution from transportation and fertilizers.
How does agriculture affect biodiversity?
Monocultures reduce genetic diversity and habitat variety, leading to species decline.
How do fertilizers and pesticides affect water systems?
They cause runoff that leads to eutrophication and water pollution.
Name one example of a sustainable farming technique.
Crop rotation, organic farming, agroforestry, or integrated pest management (IPM).
Why is monoculture farming risky?
It increases vulnerability to pests, diseases, and soil depletion.
What are “food miles”?
The distance food travels from farm to consumer — longer distances increase carbon footprint.
Explain one way agriculture contributes to climate change.
Deforestation, fertilizer use, and livestock methane emissions all release greenhouse gases.
What farming practice helps prevent erosion?
Contour plowing, terracing, or planting cover crops.
How does crop rotation improve soil health?
It replenishes nutrients and breaks pest and disease cycles.
What are GMOs, and why are they used?
Genetically modified organisms — used for pest resistance, drought tolerance, or higher yields.
How can reducing meat consumption benefit the environment?
It lowers deforestation, methane emissions, and water use.
How does irrigation affect the environment?
Overuse leads to water scarcity, salinization, and disruption of aquatic ecosystems.
Explain how over-irrigation can damage soil.
It can lead to salinization, where salt builds up and prevents plant growth.
What is agroforestry?
Integrating trees with crops or livestock to improve biodiversity and reduce erosion.
List one environmental consequence of industrialized agriculture.
Water pollution, habitat loss, greenhouse gas emissions, or soil degradation.
Why do some countries face food insecurity despite global overproduction?
Unequal distribution, poverty, and food waste.
Describe how agriculture connects to the carbon cycle.
Plant growth removes CO₂, but soil disturbance and machinery emissions release it back into the atmosphere.
Describe how agriculture can be modified to protect water resources.
Use drip irrigation, buffer zones, and reduced chemical inputs.
How does local or organic farming reduce environmental impact?
It minimizes transportation emissions, chemical use, and supports soil health.
How do pesticides affect non-target species?
They can harm pollinators, aquatic life, and beneficial insects.
How can technology improve agricultural sustainability worldwide?
Through precision farming, efficient irrigation, and renewable energy use.