AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Impacts Of Agricultural Practices

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Impacts Of Agricultural Practices, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: How can crop diversity benefit agriculture?

Answer: Crop diversity reduces pest and disease risks. Multiple varieties prevent widespread crop failure.

Flashcard 2: 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 3: Identify a consequence of overgrazing.

Answer: Overgrazing can lead to desertification. Excessive livestock grazing removes vegetation and degrades soil.

Flashcard 4: 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.

Flashcard 5: What is agroforestry?

Answer: Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into crop systems. Combines forestry and farming for multiple benefits.

Flashcard 6: What is the significance of soil organic matter?

Answer: Soil organic matter improves fertility and water retention. Decomposed plant and animal material enhances soil quality.

Flashcard 7: Identify a method to sequester carbon in agriculture.

Answer: Agroforestry sequesters carbon. Trees capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Flashcard 8: What is the purpose of contour plowing?

Answer: Contour plowing reduces water runoff and soil erosion. Following natural land contours slows water flow downhill.

Flashcard 9: Identify a benefit of no-till farming.

Answer: No-till farming reduces soil erosion. Leaves crop residue on surface to protect soil.

Flashcard 10: 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 11: What is a benefit of organic farming?

Answer: Organic farming reduces chemical runoff. Avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that pollute water.

Flashcard 12: Name a crop that is commonly genetically modified.

Answer: Soybeans are commonly genetically modified. Often modified for herbicide resistance and pest tolerance.

Flashcard 13: Name a technique to improve soil fertility.

Answer: Composting improves soil fertility. Organic matter adds nutrients and improves soil structure.

Flashcard 14: How does agriculture contribute to biodiversity loss?

Answer: Habitat conversion for agriculture reduces biodiversity. Converting natural habitats destroys wildlife populations.

Flashcard 15: 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.

Flashcard 16: 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 17: What is the impact of plastic mulch on soil temperature?

Answer: Plastic mulch increases soil temperature. Dark plastic absorbs solar radiation, warming the soil.

Flashcard 18: Identify an alternative to chemical pesticides.

Answer: Biological control is an alternative to chemical pesticides. Uses natural predators and parasites to control pests.

Flashcard 19: Which agricultural practice increases biodiversity?

Answer: Intercropping increases biodiversity. Growing multiple crops together creates diverse habitats.

Flashcard 20: 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 21: 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 22: Name a technique to improve soil fertility.

Answer: Composting improves soil fertility. Organic matter adds nutrients and improves soil structure.

Flashcard 23: What is integrated pest management (IPM)?

Answer: IPM is an eco-friendly approach to pest control. Combines biological, cultural, and chemical controls strategically.

Flashcard 24: Name one negative impact of pesticide use.

Answer: Pesticides can lead to water contamination. Chemicals can runoff into groundwater and surface water.

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: What is the effect of over-irrigation on soil?

Answer: Over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging. Excess water fills soil pores, preventing oxygen access.

Flashcard 27: 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 28: Identify a benefit of no-till farming.

Answer: No-till farming reduces soil erosion. Leaves crop residue on surface to protect soil.

Flashcard 29: Define sustainable agriculture.

Answer: Sustainable agriculture meets current needs without compromising future generations. Balances current food production with long-term environmental health.

Flashcard 30: Identify one environmental impact of monoculture.

Answer: Monoculture can lead to soil degradation. Lack of crop diversity depletes specific nutrients repeatedly.

Flashcard 31: 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 32: Which gas is primarily released from rice paddies?

Answer: Methane is primarily released from rice paddies. Anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields produces methane.

Flashcard 33: 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 34: Identify one method to reduce agricultural runoff.

Answer: Buffer strips reduce agricultural runoff. Vegetation zones filter nutrients before reaching waterways.

Flashcard 35: How can crop diversity benefit agriculture?

Answer: Crop diversity reduces pest and disease risks. Multiple varieties prevent widespread crop failure.

Flashcard 36: 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 37: Which practice helps conserve water in agriculture?

Answer: Drip irrigation helps conserve water. Delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste.

Flashcard 38: 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 39: How does agriculture affect the hydrological cycle?

Answer: Irrigation alters natural water flow patterns. Diverts water from natural streams and groundwater.

Flashcard 40: 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 41: Which gas is primarily released from rice paddies?

Answer: Methane is primarily released from rice paddies. Anaerobic decomposition in flooded fields produces methane.

Flashcard 42: How does agriculture contribute to biodiversity loss?

Answer: Habitat conversion for agriculture reduces biodiversity. Converting natural habitats destroys wildlife populations.

Flashcard 43: Name a crop that is commonly genetically modified.

Answer: Soybeans are commonly genetically modified. Often modified for herbicide resistance and pest tolerance.

Flashcard 44: What is a benefit of organic farming?

Answer: Organic farming reduces chemical runoff. Avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that pollute water.

Flashcard 45: How does agriculture contribute to eutrophication?

Answer: Nutrient runoff from fertilizers leads to eutrophication. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus fuel algae overgrowth.

Flashcard 46: How does urbanization affect agricultural land?

Answer: Urbanization reduces available agricultural land. Cities expand onto farmland, converting productive soil.

Flashcard 47: How does deforestation affect climate change?

Answer: Deforestation increases CO₂ levels, contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO₂, so removing them increases atmospheric carbon.

Flashcard 48: Define sustainable agriculture.

Answer: Sustainable agriculture meets current needs without compromising future generations. Balances current food production with long-term environmental health.

Flashcard 49: Identify one environmental impact of monoculture.

Answer: Monoculture can lead to soil degradation. Lack of crop diversity depletes specific nutrients repeatedly.

Flashcard 50: How does agriculture contribute to eutrophication?

Answer: Nutrient runoff from fertilizers leads to eutrophication. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus fuel algae overgrowth.

Flashcard 51: Name a benefit of using organic fertilizers.

Answer: Organic fertilizers enhance soil structure. Natural materials improve soil texture and water holding.

Flashcard 52: What is integrated pest management (IPM)?

Answer: IPM is an eco-friendly approach to pest control. Combines biological, cultural, and chemical controls strategically.

Flashcard 53: Which practice can help reduce soil salinization?

Answer: Improved irrigation management can reduce soil salinization. Better drainage and water quality prevent salt buildup.

Flashcard 54: Which practice can help reduce soil salinization?

Answer: Improved irrigation management can reduce soil salinization. Better drainage and water quality prevent salt buildup.

Flashcard 55: Name one negative impact of pesticide use.

Answer: Pesticides can lead to water contamination. Chemicals can runoff into groundwater and surface water.

Flashcard 56: How does urbanization affect agricultural land?

Answer: Urbanization reduces available agricultural land. Cities expand onto farmland, converting productive soil.

Flashcard 57: What is the impact of plastic mulch on soil temperature?

Answer: Plastic mulch increases soil temperature. Dark plastic absorbs solar radiation, warming the soil.

Flashcard 58: Identify a practice that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in farming.

Answer: Using renewable energy reduces emissions. Solar and wind power replace fossil fuel combustion.

Flashcard 59: What is the effect of over-irrigation on soil?

Answer: Over-irrigation can lead to waterlogging. Excess water fills soil pores, preventing oxygen access.

Flashcard 60: 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 61: Identify a consequence of overgrazing.

Answer: Overgrazing can lead to desertification. Excessive livestock grazing removes vegetation and degrades soil.

Flashcard 62: Identify one method to reduce agricultural runoff.

Answer: Buffer strips reduce agricultural runoff. Vegetation zones filter nutrients before reaching waterways.

Flashcard 63: 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 64: What is agroforestry?

Answer: Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into crop systems. Combines forestry and farming for multiple benefits.