Agriculture

Wheat Rice

Soybeans
Agroecosystem
Monoculture- large areas planted with a single species
Counteracted by crop rotation
2. Crops planted in neat rows, which makes life easy for
pests.
3.Farming greatly simplifies biological diversity and food
chains.
4.Genetic modification of crops
History of Agriculture
1. Resource-based agriculture and what we now call
organic agriculture were introduced about
10,000years ago.
2. A shift to mechanized, demand-based agriculture
occurred during the Industrial Revolution of the 18th
and 19th centuries.
3. A return to resource-based agriculture began in
the 20th century, using new techniques.
4. Today there is a growing interest in organic
agriculture as well as use of genetically engineered
crops.
The Green Revolution
Name attached to the post WWII programs that have
led to the development of
new strain of crops w/ higher yield
better resistance to disease
or better ability to grow under poor conditions
The term Green Revolution refers to the introduction
of high-yielding varieties of staple food crops,
particularly wheat and rice, into Third World
countries, starting in the 1960s. Initially Mexico, India
and the Philippines were targeted. The stated aim was
to increase food production to end hunger and prevent
uprisings.
Eating Lower on the Food Chain
Some people believe it is ecologically unsound to use
domestic animals for food.
Eating each step up the food chain leaves much less food
to eat per acre
On the best ag land this hold true but on rangelands
area better suited to livestock
Climate Change and Agriculture
Climate change can increase or decrease yield
Likely to decrease as areas with good soils also have
suitable climate for agriculture
Climate change may increase evapotranspiration.
Irrigation and water supply becoming a bigger problem
How Agriculture Changes the Environment
Agriculture one of our greatest triumphs and
sources of environmental damage.
Major environmental problems
Soil erosion
Sediment transport and deposition downstream
On-site pollution from overuse and secondary effects of
fertilizers and pesticides
Off-site pollution of other ecosystems, of soil, water and
air
How Agriculture Changes the Environment
Major environmental problems cont.
Deforestation
Desertification
Degradation of aquifers
Salinization
Accumulation of toxic organic compounds
Loss of biodiversity