๐ฑ Topic Summary
Sustainable agriculture focuses on producing food and fiber in a way that protects the environment, public health, and animal welfare. It aims to minimize negative impacts by using techniques that conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and promote biodiversity. Unlike conventional farming, which often relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, sustainable agriculture emphasizes natural processes and ecological balance.
The core principles of sustainable agriculture include soil health management, water conservation, integrated pest management, and biodiversity enhancement. By adopting these practices, farmers can create resilient and productive farming systems that support both current and future generations. It's about finding a harmonious way to feed the world without compromising the planet's well-being.
๐ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Biodiversity |
A. Managing pests using natural methods. |
| 2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
B. Farming without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. |
| 3. Organic Farming |
C. The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. |
| 4. Crop Rotation |
D. Planting different crops in a sequence to improve soil health. |
| 5. Soil Conservation |
E. Practices that protect soil from erosion and degradation. |
๐ง Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph using the words provided: soil, water, ecosystem, sustainable, resources.
__________ agriculture seeks to maintain a healthy __________ by carefully managing __________ and __________. It ensures that farming practices don't deplete natural __________, allowing for long-term productivity.
๐ค Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how sustainable agriculture can help mitigate climate change. Provide at least two specific examples.