Impacts of Agricultural Practices - AP Environmental Science
- What is the role of cover crops in agriculture?
- Cover crops prevent erosion and improve soil health. These plants protect bare soil between growing seasons.
- What is the significance of soil organic matter?
- Soil organic matter improves fertility and water retention. Decomposed plant and animal material enhances soil quality.
- Identify a method to sequester carbon in agriculture.
- Agroforestry sequesters carbon. Trees capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide.
- What is the purpose of contour plowing?
- Contour plowing reduces water runoff and soil erosion. Following natural land contours slows water flow downhill.
- What is the impact of heavy machinery on soil?
- Heavy machinery can compact soil, reducing aeration. Weight compresses soil particles, reducing pore space.
- What is a benefit of organic farming?
- Organic farming reduces chemical runoff. Avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that pollute water.
- Name a crop that is commonly genetically modified.
- Soybeans are commonly genetically modified. Often modified for herbicide resistance and pest tolerance.
- Name a technique to improve soil fertility.
- Composting improves soil fertility. Organic matter adds nutrients and improves soil structure.
- What is the primary benefit of crop rotation?
- Crop rotation reduces soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Different crops restore nutrients and break pest cycles.
- What is monoculture in agriculture?
- Monoculture is the cultivation of a single crop in a given area. This practice simplifies farming but reduces genetic diversity.
- Identify an alternative to chemical pesticides.
- Biological control is an alternative to chemical pesticides. Uses natural predators and parasites to control pests.
- Which agricultural practice increases biodiversity?
- Intercropping increases biodiversity. Growing multiple crops together creates diverse habitats.
- What is the environmental impact of fertilizer overuse?
- Fertilizer overuse can lead to nutrient pollution. Excess nutrients cause algal blooms and water quality issues.
- What is the main goal of precision agriculture?
- Precision agriculture aims to optimize resource use and crop yields. Uses technology to apply inputs only where and when needed.
- Identify a benefit of no-till farming.
- No-till farming reduces soil erosion. Leaves crop residue on surface to protect soil.
- What is the purpose of terracing in agriculture?
- Terracing prevents soil erosion on slopes. Creates flat platforms on hillsides to reduce water flow.
- How can crop diversity benefit agriculture?
- Crop diversity reduces pest and disease risks. Multiple varieties prevent widespread crop failure.
- What is the role of windbreaks in agriculture?
- Windbreaks reduce wind erosion and protect crops. Tree or shrub rows create barriers against wind damage.
- Which practice helps conserve water in agriculture?
- Drip irrigation helps conserve water. Delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste.
- What is the effect of livestock methane emissions?
- Methane emissions contribute to global warming. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas from livestock digestion.
- How does agriculture affect the hydrological cycle?
- Irrigation alters natural water flow patterns. Diverts water from natural streams and groundwater.
- What does the term 'food desert' mean?
- A food desert is an area with limited access to affordable, healthy food. These areas lack grocery stores with fresh produce.
- Which gas is primarily released from rice paddies?
- Methane is primarily released from rice paddies. Anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields produces methane.
- How does agriculture contribute to biodiversity loss?
- Habitat conversion for agriculture reduces biodiversity. Converting natural habitats destroys wildlife populations.
- How does agriculture contribute to eutrophication?
- Nutrient runoff from fertilizers leads to eutrophication. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus fuel algae overgrowth.
- How does deforestation affect climate change?
- Deforestation increases CO₂ levels, contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO₂, so removing them increases atmospheric carbon.
- Define sustainable agriculture.
- Sustainable agriculture meets current needs without compromising future generations. Balances current food production with long-term environmental health.
- Identify one environmental impact of monoculture.
- Monoculture can lead to soil degradation. Lack of crop diversity depletes specific nutrients repeatedly.
- Name a benefit of using organic fertilizers.
- Organic fertilizers enhance soil structure. Natural materials improve soil texture and water holding.
- What is integrated pest management (IPM)?
- IPM is an eco-friendly approach to pest control. Combines biological, cultural, and chemical controls strategically.
- Which practice can help reduce soil salinization?
- Improved irrigation management can reduce soil salinization. Better drainage and water quality prevent salt buildup.
- Name one negative impact of pesticide use.
- Pesticides can lead to water contamination. Chemicals can runoff into groundwater and surface water.
- How does urbanization affect agricultural land?
- Urbanization reduces available agricultural land. Cities expand onto farmland, converting productive soil.
- What is the impact of plastic mulch on soil temperature?
- Plastic mulch increases soil temperature. Dark plastic absorbs solar radiation, warming the soil.
- Identify a practice that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in farming.
- Using renewable energy reduces emissions. Solar and wind power replace fossil fuel combustion.
- What is the effect of over-irrigation on soil?
- Over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging. Excess water fills soil pores, preventing oxygen access.
- Identify a consequence of overgrazing.
- Overgrazing can lead to desertification. Excessive livestock grazing removes vegetation and degrades soil.
- Identify one method to reduce agricultural runoff.
- Buffer strips reduce agricultural runoff. Vegetation zones filter nutrients before reaching waterways.
- What is agroforestry?
- Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into crop systems. Combines forestry and farming for multiple benefits.