#AP Environmental Science: Agricultural Practices - Your Last-Minute Guide 🚜

Hey there, future AP Environmental Science master! Let's get you feeling confident about agricultural practices. This is a high-impact area, so let's make sure you've got it down. We'll break down the key concepts, link them to the bigger picture, and give you some memory aids to keep it all straight. Let's dive in!

#1. Introduction to Agricultural Practices

Agricultural practices are all about how we manage land for food production. Some methods are more efficient but can cause significant environmental damage. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for the exam.

#2. Slash and Burn Agriculture

#What is it?

• Slash and burn involves cutting down vegetation and then burning it to clear land for farming.
• It's a quick way to create farmland but is not sustainable in the long term.

#Environmental Impacts

• Deforestation: Leads to habitat loss and reduced biodiversity.
• Soil Erosion: Burning removes protective vegetation, making the soil vulnerable.
• Air Pollution: Burning releases greenhouse gases and particulate matter.

#3. Tilling

#What is it?

• Tilling (or plowing) involves turning over the soil to prepare it for planting.
• It improves soil aeration and makes it easier for roots to grow.

#Environmental Impacts

• Soil Erosion: Tilled soil is easily washed away by rain or wind.
• Loss of Nutrients: Topsoil, which is rich in nutrients, is lost.
• Disrupted Soil Microbes: Tilling disrupts the beneficial organisms in the soil.

Image Courtesy of Pixabay

#4. Fertilizers

#What are they...