Alternative Energy Sources
Name one agricultural commodity that can be converted into biofuel.
What is corn, soybeans, wheat?
Which renewable energy source depends on sunlight for its operation?
What is solar energy?
Define organic agriculture.
What is a farming system that avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides?
What is vertical farming?
What is growing crops in vertically stacked layers to save space?
Name one environmental law that impacts agriculture.
What is the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, etc.?
Describe how algae can be used as an alternative energy source.
What is algae can be cultivated and processed into biodiesel?
Compare the efficiency of solar energy to biofuels.
What is biofuels are typically more efficient in energy output compared to solar?
Name one key difference between natural-raised and conventionally raised livestock.
What is natural-raised livestock are often raised without growth hormones or antibiotics?
Name one benefit of aquaculture over traditional fishing.
What is aquaculture can provide a consistent and controlled supply of fish?
How does environmental legislation benefit agricultural production?
What is by protecting natural resources like water and soil?
Explain the benefits of using agricultural waste to produce energy.
What are reducing waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and creating renewable energy?
What type of data might you analyze to evaluate the efficiency of renewable energy sources?
What are energy output, cost, and carbon emissions data?
What is one argument in favor of conventional agricultural production for sustainability?
What is higher yields can reduce the need for additional land?
Explain how vertical farming reduces water usage.
What is using hydroponic or aeroponic systems to recycle water?
Provide an example of how environmental regulations might increase costs for farmers.
What is requiring more expensive equipment or more labor to comply with emissions standards?
Identify a challenge associated with using agricultural commodities for energy production.
What is competition between food and energy uses of crops?
Provide one example of how to measure the efficiency of a solar panel system.
What is measuring the percentage of sunlight converted into electricity?
Provide an argument against organic agriculture in terms of sustainability.
What is organic farming often requires more land and resources to produce the same yields?
What is a limitation of aquaculture in terms of environmental sustainability?
What is nutrient runoff from fish farms can harm ecosystems?
Debate the role of environmental legislation in supporting sustainable agriculture.
What is legislation encourages sustainable practices but may impose financial burdens on producers?
List two examples of agricultural by-products that can be converted into bioenergy.
What are manure and crop residues?
Discuss a scenario where biofuels might be more advantageous than wind or solar energy.
What is when energy storage or transportation fuel is required?
Debate the impact of organic farming on soil health.
What is organic farming improves soil health through natural methods like composting, crop rotation, and no-till farming?
How can technology improve the efficiency of intensive production systems?
What is automation and sensors can optimize resource use and minimize waste?
Describe a case where environmental legislation has successfully improved agricultural sustainability.
What is the Conservation Reserve Program, which pays farmers to remove environmentally sensitive land from production?