3. Environmental consequences of agriculture Flashcards
What is eutrophication?
The process of increasing concentrations in nitrogen and phosphorus in freshwater environments, leading to algae growth and loss of oxygen.
Eutrophication significantly impacts aquatic ecosystems by promoting harmful algal blooms.
Define salinization.
The increasing concentration of salt in soils as a result of land mismanagement and over-irrigation.
Salinization can lead to reduced agricultural productivity and ecosystem degradation.
What are stakeholders?
Interest groups that have a direct or indirect role in environmental management.
Stakeholders can include farmers, businesses, government bodies, and local communities.
What is the primary approach of industrial farm systems?
An intensive monoculture approach that prioritizes increased yields and limits biomass.
This approach often leads to increased vulnerability to diseases and reliance on chemical inputs.
What are the environmental impacts of intensive farming methods?
Soil health deterioration, increased soil erosion, and disruption of river and lake systems due to sedimentation.
Cropland agriculture is considered the biggest driver of soil erosion.
What is the relationship between eutrophication and chemical fertilizers?
Intensive use of chemical fertilizers causes nitrogen and phosphorus to leach into water bodies, leading to eutrophication.
This process can severely harm aquatic ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: Salinization is accelerated by _______ and _______.
the removal of indigenous vegetation and poor farming practices.
Both factors contribute to increased salt levels in soils.
What role can farmers play in environmental stewardship?
Farmers can engage in careful management practices, such as precision farming, to reduce environmental impacts.
This includes using technology to optimize resource use and improve soil health.
What is a coordinated drainage basin approach?
An integrated method involving multiple stakeholders to manage water resources across political districts.
This approach helps to mitigate the impacts of land and water mismanagement.
What challenges remain for groundwater pollution in China?
Groundwater pollution remains largely unchanged and is more difficult to treat than surface water.
This presents a long-term challenge for environmental policies.
