π Topic Summary
Sustainable agriculture focuses on farming practices that are environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially responsible. It aims to produce food and fiber while minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems, natural resources, and human health. By adopting sustainable methods, we can ensure food security for future generations without depleting the earth's resources.
Sustainable agriculture involves various techniques such as crop rotation, integrated pest management, water conservation, and soil health management. These practices help to reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, promote biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of farming systems to climate change.
π± Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
- Term: Crop Rotation
- Term: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Term: Cover Cropping
- Term: Soil Conservation
- Term: Water Conservation
Definitions:
- (a) Using a variety of methods to control pests while minimizing harm to the environment.
- (b) Planting different crops in a planned sequence to improve soil health and reduce pest problems.
- (c) Protecting soil from erosion and degradation through various techniques.
- (d) Planting crops primarily to protect and improve the soil between periods of regular crop production.
- (e) Implementing strategies to reduce water usage and prevent water waste.
Match the terms with the definitions:
| Term |
Matching Definition (a, b, c, d, or e) |
| Crop Rotation |
|
| Integrated Pest Management (IPM) |
|
| Cover Cropping |
|
| Soil Conservation |
|
| Water Conservation |
|
π§ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following paragraph with the correct words:
_______ agriculture aims to minimize _______ impacts on the environment. It emphasizes practices like _______ and _______ to maintain soil health and reduce the need for synthetic inputs. By adopting these methods, farmers can promote _______ and ensure long-term productivity.
Word Bank: sustainable, negative, crop rotation, conservation tillage, biodiversity
π§ Part C: Critical Thinking
Explain how sustainable agriculture practices can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Provide specific examples.
