Introduction to Agriculture
What is the term for farming that is heavily focused on producing crops for sale?
Commercial agriculture.
What is shifting cultivation?
A method of farming where land is cleared, cultivated for a few years, and then left fallow to regain fertility.
What type of climate is commonly associated with agriculture in Mediterranean regions?
Mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Where is rice primarily grown?
In Asia, particularly in countries like China, India, and Indonesia.
Name a climate that typically supports intensive farming practices.
Mediterranean climate.
Name an extensive farming practice.
Ranching.
How do tropical climates influence farming?
They support year-round growing seasons and often involve practices like plantation agriculture due to abundant rainfall.
What region is known for dairy farming?
The Midwest region of the United States, particularly Wisconsin.
What is market gardening?
A type of intensive farming focusing on the production of vegetables and fruits for local markets.
Describe nomadic herding.
The practice of moving herds of animals from one grazing area to another in search of pasture and water.
What is an example of intensive farming?
Market gardening or dairy farming.
Name a country famous for its plantation agriculture
Brazil, known for coffee and sugarcane plantations.
Describe a characteristic of plantation agriculture.
It usually involves the cultivation of cash crops such as coffee, cocoa, or rubber on large estates.
What is ranching?
A form of extensive agriculture focused on raising livestock on large areas of land.
What are the benefits of mixed crop/livestock systems?
They increase farm productivity, improve soil health, and provide a more stable income.
Where does shifting cultivation predominantly occur?
In tropical rainforest regions, such as parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Amazon basin.
What is mixed crop/livestock systems?
A farming practice that combines growing crops and raising animals on the same farm.
How does climate affect agricultural practices?
Climate determines the types of crops that can be grown and the methods of farming employed, influencing soil fertility and water availability.
Explain the difference between intensive and extensive farming.
Intensive farming uses a small area of land to produce a large amount of food, while extensive farming uses larger areas with lower yields.
Identify a region where nomadic herding is practiced.
Central Asia, including countries like Mongolia and Kazakhstan, Northern Africa, Southwest Asia,East Asia