Ch.12 Agriculture

deterioration of the soil characteristics needed for plant growth or other ecosystem services

planting of different crops in between other crops.

alternating crops planted in alternating years

help prevent erosion and return nitrogen to the soil

rows of trees or other tall perennial plants that act as a wind break to protect crops

turning-over of the soil before planting

transferring steep slopes into a series of steps like a staircase to plant crops

planting across a hillside perpendicular to the slope of the land to reduce erosion

when too many animals eat too much of the plant cover and it impedes regrowth of the crop

the loss of more than 10% of a soils productivity due to erosion, soil compaction, forest removal, overgrazing, drought, salt buildup, climate change, depletion of water sources, etc.

artificially providing water to crops other than natural precipitation

buildup of salts (minerals) in the upper soil horizon

a substance that kills, attacks, or competes with a pest

the use of certain organisms to eliminate or control pests

the use of chemicals to eliminate or control pests

IPM - a combination of pest control methods that, if used in the proper order and at the proper times, keep the size of a pest population low enough that it does not cause substantial economic or ecological loss

biotic agents that move pollen, from the anthers of a flower, to the stigma of another flower, to aid fertilization

land that can be used to grow crops

The ability of individuals to obtain sufficient food on a day-to-day basis

condition caused by a diet lacking one or more essential nutrients

the transfer of a gene from the DNA of one organism into another organism, in order to produce an organism with desired traits

An organism that has acquired one or more genes by artificial means; also known as a transgenic organism

factory farms that give high energy food to numerous animals kept in tightly compacted space

the raising of aquatic organisms for human consumption (fish farm)

agriculture methods that do not deplete soil faster than it forms

crops produced without the use of synthetic or industrially produced pesticides and fertilizers

Ranching

Erosion, overgrazing, drought, soil compaction, agriculture

10,000 years

Stable food supply

People and Animals

Fossil Fuels

Increased crop yields, saved millions from starvation

Pollute the soil

Organisms that have had their DNA modified

Soybean, Corn, Cotton, Canola

Reduces the use of insecticides

Creates super resistant bugs and contaminates native species

Reduces soil degradation and fertilizer use

Requires antibiotics, animal stress