All Flashcards
Why is agriculture a major driver of environmental change?
It requires land clearing, water use, and often involves the use of chemicals, all of which can significantly impact ecosystems.
What makes slash and burn agriculture unsustainable?
It leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and air pollution, depleting resources and damaging ecosystems.
Why is soil erosion a major environmental concern?
It leads to loss of fertile topsoil, sedimentation in waterways, and reduced agricultural productivity.
What is eutrophication?
Excess nutrients from fertilizers run off into water bodies, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
What are dead zones?
Areas in water bodies where oxygen levels are so low that aquatic life cannot survive, often caused by eutrophication.
What is pesticide resistance?
The ability of pests to survive exposure to pesticides, requiring stronger or more frequent applications.
What is biomagnification?
The process by which toxins become more concentrated as they move up the food chain.
Why are synthetic fertilizers concerning?
They can lead to eutrophication, water contamination, and soil degradation due to their high concentration of nutrients and potential for runoff.
Why is biodiversity important in agricultural ecosystems?
It supports ecosystem services like pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling, making the system more resilient.
What is the goal of sustainable agriculture?
To produce food in a way that minimizes environmental harm, protects natural resources, and ensures long-term productivity.
How can no-till farming help protect the environment?
Reduces soil erosion, improves soil health, increases water infiltration, and sequesters carbon in the soil.
How can crop rotation help protect the environment?
Maintains soil fertility, reduces pest problems, improves soil structure, and increases biodiversity.
How can integrated pest management (IPM) help protect the environment?
Reduces pesticide use, minimizes harm to non-target species, and promotes a more balanced ecosystem.
How can using organic fertilizers help protect the environment?
Reduces the risk of eutrophication, improves soil health, and promotes a more sustainable agricultural system.
How can cover cropping help protect the environment?
Reduces soil erosion, improves soil fertility, suppresses weeds, and enhances water infiltration.
How can contour plowing help protect the environment?
Reduces soil erosion by plowing along the contour lines of the land, slowing water runoff.
How can terracing help protect the environment?
Reduces soil erosion on steep slopes by creating level platforms, slowing water runoff and retaining soil.
How can windbreaks help protect the environment?
Reduces soil erosion from wind by planting trees or shrubs to block the wind and protect the soil.
How can reducing meat consumption promote sustainability?
Decreases demand for land and resources used in livestock production, reducing deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
How can supporting local agriculture promote sustainability?
Reduces transportation emissions, supports local economies, and promotes more sustainable farming practices.
How can no-till farming help protect the environment?
Reduces soil erosion and improves soil health.
How can crop rotation help protect the environment?
Helps maintain soil fertility and reduces pest problems.
How can integrated pest management (IPM) help protect the environment?
Uses a combination of methods to control pests while minimizing the use of pesticides.