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Types of farming, systems of agriculture, factors influencing agriculture, and problems faced.
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating land to produce crops and raise livestock. This topic explores different types of farming, systems of agriculture, factors that influence agricultural practices, and common problems faced in the industry.
There are several types of farming, including subsistence farming, commercial farming, and mixed farming. Subsistence farming is a small-scale operation where farmers produce food for their own consumption. Commercial farming is large-scale production of crops or livestock for sale in markets. Mixed farming combines crop and animal production on the same farm.
Agriculture is influenced by various factors, including climate, soil type, topography, population density, market demand, government policies, and technology. Climate plays a crucial role in determining crop yields and types of crops that can be grown. Soil type affects the availability of nutrients for plants to grow.
Agricultural systems include monoculture, polyculture, and agroforestry. Monoculture involves growing a single crop on a large area of land. Polyculture is the practice of growing multiple crops together to promote biodiversity and reduce pests and diseases. Agroforestry combines agriculture with forestry practices to create a more sustainable system.
Some common agricultural problems include soil degradation, water scarcity, crop pests and diseases, climate change, and food waste. Soil degradation can lead to reduced fertility and increased erosion. Water scarcity affects irrigation systems and crop yields.
Sustainable agriculture practices include organic farming, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture. Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Permaculture is a holistic approach that mimics natural ecosystems to create a self-sustaining system.
Climate change affects agricultural production by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, leading to changes in crop yields and distribution. Rising temperatures also increase the spread of pests and diseases. Farmers can adapt to climate change by using drought-resistant crops and conservation agriculture practices.
The global food system involves the production, processing, transportation, and consumption of food across different regions. Globalization has led to increased trade in agricultural products, but it also poses challenges such as food insecurity and environmental degradation.
What is the primary type of farming that small-scale farmers often engage in?
What percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions does agriculture account for?
What is the term for growing multiple crops together to promote biodiversity and reduce pests and diseases?
What is the primary focus of sustainable agriculture?
What is the term for the practice of growing a single crop on a large area of land?
What is the term for the artificial application of water to support plant growth?
How many small-scale farmers are there worldwide, producing up to 70% of the world's food?
What is the term for a farming technique where different crops are grown in the same field to maintain soil fertility and reduce pests/diseases?
What is the term for the practice of combining agriculture with forestry practices to create a more sustainable system?
What percentage of global emissions does agriculture account for, according to the summary?
Discuss the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity. (Marks: 20) (20 marks)
Explain the importance of sustainable agriculture practices in maintaining soil health and reducing environmental impact. (Marks: 20) (20 marks)