Challenges of Contemporary Agriculture - AP Human Geography
- What is food security?
- Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Ensures reliable access to adequate nutrition for populations.
- Identify one impact of pesticide use in agriculture.
- Pollution of water sources. Chemical runoff contaminates groundwater and surface water.
- What is the primary goal of organic farming?
- To enhance soil and ecosystem health without synthetic inputs. Avoids synthetic chemicals to maintain natural ecosystem balance.
- Identify one method to increase biodiversity on a farm.
- Intercropping. Multiple crop varieties support diverse beneficial organisms.
- What is the main goal of regenerative agriculture?
- To restore soil health and biodiversity. Goes beyond sustainability to actively improve ecosystem functions.
- Which technique involves planting trees as windbreaks?
- Shelterbelts. Tree barriers protect crops from wind damage and erosion.
- What is one impact of global trade on agriculture?
- Increased competition for local farmers. International markets create price pressure on domestic producers.
- Which agricultural practice aims to reduce water usage?
- Drip irrigation. Delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste.
- Identify a challenge related to water management in agriculture.
- Over-irrigation leading to waterlogging. Excess water can damage roots and reduce crop productivity.
- Which technology is used for precise field mapping in agriculture?
- GPS technology. Enables accurate location tracking for precision farming applications.
- Which term describes farming that integrates livestock and crop production?
- Mixed farming. Combines crop and livestock systems for diversified production.
- What is aquaculture?
- The cultivation of aquatic organisms for food. Includes farming fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants.
- What does CSA stand for in agriculture?
- Community Supported Agriculture. Direct partnership model between farmers and consumers.
- What does IPM stand for in agriculture?
- Integrated Pest Management. Combines biological, chemical, and cultural pest control methods.
- What does the term 'food desert' refer to?
- An area with limited access to affordable, nutritious food. Typically occurs in low-income urban or rural areas.
- Identify one problem caused by agricultural runoff.
- Eutrophication of water bodies. Excess nutrients cause algae blooms and oxygen depletion.
- Identify one way technology has improved crop management.
- Drones for aerial crop monitoring. Provides real-time field surveillance and crop health assessment.
- What is one economic challenge faced by small-scale farmers?
- Limited access to markets. Small farmers often lack distribution networks and transportation.
- What is the concept of food sovereignty?
- The right of peoples to define their own food systems. Emphasizes local control over food production and distribution.
- Identify one major environmental impact of intensive farming.
- Soil degradation. Intensive farming often leads to nutrient depletion and erosion.
- What is permaculture?
- A design system for sustainable living and agriculture. Creates self-sustaining ecosystems that mimic natural patterns.
- What is a common characteristic of industrial agriculture?
- Large-scale monoculture. Emphasizes efficiency and high yields through specialized production.
- Identify a major consequence of deforestation for agriculture.
- Loss of biodiversity. Clearing forests eliminates habitat diversity and native species.
- Which agricultural method helps prevent soil erosion?
- Contour plowing. Follows natural land contours to slow water runoff.
- Name one challenge of urban agriculture.
- Limited space. Urban farming faces constraints from available land area.
- What is precision agriculture primarily used for?
- Optimizing field-level management with technology. Uses GPS, sensors, and data analytics for targeted farming practices.
- What is the main purpose of agricultural subsidies?
- To support farmers' incomes and stabilize food prices. Government payments help maintain agricultural economic stability.
- What is the primary focus of conservation agriculture?
- Sustainable land use and soil conservation. Minimizes environmental impact while maintaining productivity.
- What is the definition of sustainable agriculture?
- Farming that meets current needs without compromising future resources. Balances current production needs with long-term environmental preservation.
- What is one benefit of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in farming?
- Increased crop yield. Genetic modifications can enhance productivity and pest resistance.
- What is hydroponics?
- Growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution. Soil-free cultivation using mineral nutrient solutions.
- Identify one way climate change affects agriculture.
- Altered growing seasons. Temperature and precipitation changes disrupt traditional planting cycles.
- What is vertical farming?
- Growing crops in stacked layers indoors. Maximizes production in minimal space using controlled environments.
- Identify one social issue related to contemporary agriculture.
- Labor exploitation. Agricultural workers often face poor conditions and low wages.
- Which term refers to agriculture that produces food for the farmer's family?
- Subsistence farming. Focuses on self-sufficiency rather than commercial production.
- Which term describes the use of alternative energy sources in farming?
- Renewable energy agriculture. Incorporates solar, wind, or bioenergy into farm operations.
- Which practice involves rotating different crops on the same land?
- Crop rotation. Alternates crops to improve soil fertility and reduce pests.
- What is one advantage of no-till farming?
- Reduces soil erosion. Maintains soil structure by avoiding mechanical disturbance.
- What is monoculture farming?
- Cultivation of a single crop over a large area. Specializes in one crop type, increasing efficiency but reducing diversity.