Crop It Like It's Hot
Why did different crops and animals originate in different regions?
Because of the natural biodiversity in agricultural hearths.
What is the science that focuses on managing soil and boosting crop productivity?
Agronomy
What is desertification?
A destructive land process that often occurs in semiarid land due to overuse
Which modern agricultural innovation can have environmental consequences despite high productivity?
Biotechnology or GMOs.
Which countries tend to import more food overall? Think meeting demand of population
Eastern and developing countries
This technique involves switching crops each season to maintain soil fertility
crop rotation
A farming method that skips disturbing the soil, protecting it from erosion
No tillage
What is the difference between a pesticide and an herbicide?
Pesticides are used to deter insects and harmful animals. Herbicides are used to prevent weeds and unwanted plants growing in crop fields
Describe the conditions of livestock in organic farming. Why are the conditions different than farms that do not practice organic farming?
In organic farming, animals consume crops grown on the farm and are not confined to small pens. Confining livestock leads to surface water and groundwater pollution, particularly where the density of animals is high. If animals are not confined, manure can contribute to soil fertility.
What role does gender play in agriculture? What does it affect?
It affects labor roles, access to land, and decision-making in farming communities.
What is transhumance?
seasonal migration of livestock between mountains (highlands) and lowland pasture areas
What is [farm] residue? What does it help with?
Left over after last season's harvest and helps soil health (organic material for nutrients)
DAILY DOUBLE:
What are some risks of having less farmland in the U.S.?
United States losing its position as a primary exporter of farm products, lack of food supply or stability, increased food prices due to increased imports, loss of agricultural lifestyle, or cultural changes.
What kind of environmental threat is posed by aquaculture?
It risks harming wild fish populations through interbreeding and invasive behavior.
What is the food supply chain?
The path food takes from production to consumption, including transport, processing, and retail.
How do geography and climate affect agriculture?
They influence what plants and animals are cultivated, what type of farming is practiced, and what environmental challenges arise.
A system of planting on raised rows to reduce erosion and conserve moisture.
Ridge tillage
Why might semiarid regions be dominated by ranching or pastoral nomadism?
Because these climates are better suited for sourcing food to livestock than farming intensive crops.
It is the manipulation of living organisms or their components to produce useful products (typically commercial). Sectors: GMOs, vaccines/antibiotics for livestock, pest-resistant crops, herbicide-resistant crops, etc.
What Unites States agency is responsible for agricultural safeties for farmers and consumers?
USDA: US department of agriculture
DAILY DOUBLE:
What type of agricultural practice does farming cassava (manioc) entail?
Cassava is farmed in slash and burn shifting cultivation fields (labor intensive). Cassava thrives in tropical soils and grows well in low-nutrient conditions.
This grain thrives in warm, wet climates and requires flooded fields
Rice!
Which agricultural resources need to be conserved (most)?
soil/land and water.
Why are farmers markets important in cities?
They provide fresh, local food and support small-scale producers
How do global trade and economics shape agricultural decisions?
They affect what crops are profitable and where farming is viable.