All Flashcards
Why is agriculture a major driver of environmental change?
It involves large-scale land use, resource consumption, and pollution.
Why is slash and burn agriculture not sustainable?
It leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and air pollution.
What is the purpose of tilling?
To improve soil aeration and make it easier for roots to grow.
Why is soil erosion a major environmental concern?
It leads to loss of fertile topsoil, sedimentation in waterways, and land degradation.
Explain the difference between synthetic and organic fertilizers.
Synthetic fertilizers are made industrially, while organic fertilizers are derived from natural sources.
What is pesticide resistance?
Pests evolve to withstand pesticides, requiring stronger applications.
Why are dead zones a concern?
They lead to the death of aquatic life due to oxygen depletion.
What is integrated pest management (IPM)?
A combination of methods to control pests while minimizing pesticide use.
Why is crop rotation beneficial?
Helps maintain soil fertility and reduces pest problems.
What is the importance of sustainable agriculture?
To minimize environmental harm while ensuring food production.
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.
What is slash and burn agriculture?
Cutting down vegetation and burning it to clear land for farming.
What is tilling?
Turning over the soil to prepare it for planting.
What are fertilizers?
Substances used to add nutrients to the soil, promoting plant growth.
What are pesticides?
Substances used to kill pests, including insects, weeds, and rodents.
What are herbicides?
Pesticides that kill plants (weeds).
What are insecticides?
Pesticides that kill insects.
What are rodenticides?
Pesticides that kill rodents.
What is no-till farming?
An agricultural technique that reduces soil erosion and improves soil health by not plowing the land.
What is crop rotation?
The practice of planting different crops sequentially on the same plot of land to improve soil health and reduce pest problems.
What is integrated pest management (IPM)?
A combination of methods to control pests while minimizing the use of pesticides.