All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Identify one advantage of polyculture.
Answer: Increased biodiversity. Multiple crops reduce pest risks and improve ecosystem stability.
Flashcard 2: What is the purpose of terracing in agriculture?
Answer: To reduce water runoff and soil erosion. Step-like levels slow water flow on slopes.
Flashcard 3: What is the role of hedgerows in sustainable farming?
Answer: Provide habitat and reduce wind erosion. Linear vegetation creates wildlife corridors and windbreaks.
Flashcard 4: What is a key feature of sustainable fisheries?
Answer: Maintaining fish populations at healthy levels. Harvest rates stay within the species' natural reproduction capacity.
Flashcard 5: What is sustainable agriculture?
Answer: Farming that meets current needs without compromising future generations. Balances current food production with long-term environmental health.
Flashcard 6: Which practice helps prevent soil erosion in agriculture?
Answer: Contour plowing. Follows natural land contours to reduce water runoff and soil loss.
Flashcard 7: What is the role of nitrogen-fixing plants in sustainable agriculture?
Answer: They naturally enrich soil with nitrogen. Legumes convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms.
Flashcard 8: What is the purpose of rotational grazing?
Answer: To prevent overgrazing and promote pasture health. Moving animals prevents grass damage and allows regrowth.
Flashcard 9: What is crop rotation?
Answer: The practice of alternating the crops grown on a piece of land. Prevents soil depletion and breaks pest cycles by varying crops.
Flashcard 10: Which farming practice increases soil fertility naturally?
Answer: Composting. Decomposed organic matter adds nutrients and improves soil structure.
Flashcard 11: Which practice involves reducing synthetic inputs?
Answer: Organic farming. Eliminates artificial chemicals in favor of natural processes.
Flashcard 12: Identify one method used in integrated pest management.
Answer: Biological control. Uses natural predators or parasites to control harmful pests.
Flashcard 13: Identify a key component of precision agriculture.
Answer: Use of GPS technology. Precise positioning enables targeted application of inputs.
Flashcard 14: What is a major benefit of drip irrigation?
Answer: Efficient water use. Delivers water directly to roots, minimizing waste and evaporation.
Flashcard 15: What is a major challenge facing sustainable agriculture?
Answer: Balancing productivity with environmental impact. Must feed growing populations while protecting natural resources.
Flashcard 16: Which practice helps improve water retention in soils?
Answer: Mulching. Organic cover reduces evaporation and maintains soil moisture.
Flashcard 17: What is integrated pest management (IPM)?
Answer: A pest control strategy using a combination of methods. Combines biological, cultural, and chemical methods to minimize pesticide use.
Flashcard 18: Identify one impact of monoculture on agriculture.
Answer: Increased susceptibility to pests. Single crops lack genetic diversity to resist diseases and pests.
Flashcard 19: Identify one way to enhance pollinator services in agriculture.
Answer: Planting flower strips. Provides nectar and pollen sources for bees and other pollinators.
Flashcard 20: What is contour plowing?
Answer: Plowing along the contours of the land to reduce erosion. Follows natural slope patterns to prevent water from washing away soil.
Flashcard 21: Identify one advantage of using renewable energy on farms.
Answer: Reduces carbon footprint. Solar and wind power decrease fossil fuel dependence.
Flashcard 22: What is the main goal of sustainable agriculture?
Answer: To maintain productivity while conserving resources. Ensures food security while protecting environmental resources long-term.
Flashcard 23: What does soil salinization result from?
Answer: Excessive irrigation and poor drainage. Water accumulates salts when it cannot drain properly.
Flashcard 24: Identify a benefit of using biopesticides.
Answer: Reduced chemical residue. Living organisms break down naturally, leaving fewer toxic substances.
Flashcard 25: Identify one benefit of reduced tillage farming.
Answer: Preserves soil structure. Minimal soil disturbance maintains beneficial microorganisms.
Flashcard 26: What is agroforestry?
Answer: Integrating trees and shrubs into crop and livestock systems. Trees provide shade, windbreaks, and additional income sources.
Flashcard 27: Which process involves analyzing soil health?
Answer: Soil testing. Determines nutrient needs and contamination levels in soil.
Flashcard 28: What is a key characteristic of resilient agricultural systems?
Answer: Ability to withstand and recover from disturbances. Systems maintain function despite environmental stresses or shocks.
Flashcard 29: What is the significance of biodiversity in sustainable agriculture?
Answer: Promotes ecosystem stability and resilience. Diverse species create natural pest control and soil health.
Flashcard 30: Which nutrient is commonly added to soils using green manures?
Answer: Nitrogen. Decomposing plant matter releases nitrogen for crop uptake.