All flashcards
Flashcard 1: What is monoculture in agriculture?
Answer: Monoculture is the cultivation of a single crop in a given area. This practice simplifies farming but reduces genetic diversity.
Flashcard 2: Name a crop that is commonly genetically modified.
Answer: Soybeans are commonly genetically modified. Often modified for herbicide resistance and pest tolerance.
Flashcard 3: What is integrated pest management (IPM)?
Answer: IPM is an eco-friendly approach to pest control. Combines biological, cultural, and chemical controls strategically.
Flashcard 4: What is agroforestry?
Answer: Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into crop systems. Combines forestry and farming for multiple benefits.
Flashcard 5: Name a technique to improve soil fertility.
Answer: Composting improves soil fertility. Organic matter adds nutrients and improves soil structure.
Flashcard 6: Identify a consequence of overgrazing.
Answer: Overgrazing can lead to desertification. Excessive livestock grazing removes vegetation and degrades soil.
Flashcard 7: What is the purpose of terracing in agriculture?
Answer: Terracing prevents soil erosion on slopes. Creates flat platforms on hillsides to reduce water flow.
Flashcard 8: Identify one environmental impact of monoculture.
Answer: Monoculture can lead to soil degradation. Lack of crop diversity depletes specific nutrients repeatedly.
Flashcard 9: What is the effect of livestock methane emissions?
Answer: Methane emissions contribute to global warming. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas from livestock digestion.
Flashcard 10: What is agroforestry?
Answer: Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into crop systems. Combines forestry and farming for multiple benefits.
Flashcard 11: Identify one method to reduce agricultural runoff.
Answer: Buffer strips reduce agricultural runoff. Vegetation zones filter nutrients before reaching waterways.
Flashcard 12: How does urbanization affect agricultural land?
Answer: Urbanization reduces available agricultural land. Cities expand onto farmland, converting productive soil.
Flashcard 13: Name a benefit of using organic fertilizers.
Answer: Organic fertilizers enhance soil structure. Natural materials improve soil texture and water holding.
Flashcard 14: How does agriculture affect the hydrological cycle?
Answer: Irrigation alters natural water flow patterns. Diverts water from natural streams and groundwater.
Flashcard 15: What is the main goal of precision agriculture?
Answer: Precision agriculture aims to optimize resource use and crop yields. Uses technology to apply inputs only where and when needed.
Flashcard 16: Identify a method to sequester carbon in agriculture.
Answer: Agroforestry sequesters carbon. Trees capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Flashcard 17: Which agricultural practice increases biodiversity?
Answer: Intercropping increases biodiversity. Growing multiple crops together creates diverse habitats.
Flashcard 18: What is the role of windbreaks in agriculture?
Answer: Windbreaks reduce wind erosion and protect crops. Tree or shrub rows create barriers against wind damage.
Flashcard 19: Name one negative impact of pesticide use.
Answer: Pesticides can lead to water contamination. Chemicals can runoff into groundwater and surface water.
Flashcard 20: Identify an alternative to chemical pesticides.
Answer: Biological control is an alternative to chemical pesticides. Uses natural predators and parasites to control pests.
Flashcard 21: Which practice helps conserve water in agriculture?
Answer: Drip irrigation helps conserve water. Delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste.
Flashcard 22: What is the role of cover crops in agriculture?
Answer: Cover crops prevent erosion and improve soil health. These plants protect bare soil between growing seasons.
Flashcard 23: What is the impact of heavy machinery on soil?
Answer: Heavy machinery can compact soil, reducing aeration. Weight compresses soil particles, reducing pore space.
Flashcard 24: How can crop diversity benefit agriculture?
Answer: Crop diversity reduces pest and disease risks. Multiple varieties prevent widespread crop failure.
Flashcard 25: What is the environmental impact of fertilizer overuse?
Answer: Fertilizer overuse can lead to nutrient pollution. Excess nutrients cause algal blooms and water quality issues.
Flashcard 26: Which practice can help reduce soil salinization?
Answer: Improved irrigation management can reduce soil salinization. Better drainage and water quality prevent salt buildup.
Flashcard 27: Which gas is primarily released from rice paddies?
Answer: Methane is primarily released from rice paddies. Anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields produces methane.
Flashcard 28: What does the term 'food desert' mean?
Answer: A food desert is an area with limited access to affordable, healthy food. These areas lack grocery stores with fresh produce.
Flashcard 29: Identify a benefit of no-till farming.
Answer: No-till farming reduces soil erosion. Leaves crop residue on surface to protect soil.
Flashcard 30: What is the primary benefit of crop rotation?
Answer: Crop rotation reduces soil erosion and nutrient depletion. Different crops restore nutrients and break pest cycles.