Define sustainable agriculture.
Using resources wisely to meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.
What is contour plowing?
Plowing with the land's natural curves to minimize soil disturbance and erosion.
Define no-till agriculture.
An agricultural technique that minimizes soil preparation and disturbance.
What are windbreaks/shelterbelts?
Rows of trees or bushes planted to block the wind and protect soil from erosion.
Define terracing.
Creating flat steps on hillsides to reduce soil loss on slopes.
What is strip farming?
Alternating rows of crops with unplanted areas to prevent erosion and improve soil health.
Define crop rotation.
Planting different crops in a sequence to improve soil health and fertility.
What is green manure?
Letting leftover crop parts decompose in the soil to add nutrients.
Define pasture rotation.
Rotating grazing areas for livestock to prevent overgrazing and maintain pasture health.
What are hedgerows?
Windbreaks planted at the edges of fields for extra protection against wind erosion.
What are the effects of soil erosion?
Loss of fertile topsoil, reduced crop yields, water pollution, and increased sedimentation in waterways.
What is the impact of overgrazing on pastures?
Leads to soil compaction, loss of vegetation cover, increased erosion, and reduced biodiversity.
How does tilling affect soil health?
Excessive tilling can disrupt soil structure, increase erosion, and reduce organic matter content.
What are the consequences of nutrient depletion in soil?
Reduced crop yields, decreased plant health, and the need for synthetic fertilizers.
How does deforestation impact soil erosion?
Removal of trees and vegetation cover exposes the soil to wind and water, leading to increased erosion rates.
What is the effect of adding limestone to soil?
Increases soil pH and adds calcium, making it more suitable for plant growth.
How does monoculture farming affect soil health?
Depletes specific nutrients, increases pest and disease vulnerability, and reduces soil biodiversity.
What happens when soil becomes compacted?
Reduces water infiltration, limits root growth, and decreases oxygen availability for soil organisms.
How does pesticide use impact soil health?
Can harm beneficial soil organisms, disrupt nutrient cycling, and lead to pesticide runoff into waterways.
What are the long-term effects of unsustainable agricultural practices?
Soil degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, environmental pollution, and threats to food security.
How does contour plowing promote sustainability?
It reduces soil erosion by following the land's natural curves, conserving topsoil.
How does no-till agriculture promote sustainability?
It minimizes soil disturbance, reducing erosion and preserving soil structure.
How do windbreaks promote sustainability?
They protect soil from wind erosion, preventing soil loss and maintaining fertility.
How does terracing promote sustainability?
It reduces soil loss on slopes, making agriculture possible on hilly terrain.
How does strip farming promote sustainability?
It helps prevent erosion and improves soil health through crop diversity.
How does crop rotation promote sustainability?
It improves soil health and fertility by varying the nutrient demands on the soil.
How does green manure promote sustainability?
It adds nutrients back to the soil naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
How does pasture rotation promote sustainability?
It prevents overgrazing, maintaining healthy pastures and preventing soil degradation.
How does reduced pesticide use promote sustainability?
It protects non-target organisms and reduces water contamination, promoting biodiversity.
How does water conservation promote sustainability?
It ensures long-term water availability for agriculture and reduces environmental impacts.
