Agricultural Systems And Food Production

Question 1

The land factors affecting agricultural land use:

Answer 1

• The flood plains of Egypt are intensively cultivated because of naturally fertile alluvial soils and supplies of irrigation water

Question 2

How does climate affect agricultural land use?

Answer 2

• In North America corn is grown further north than cotton. To ripen it needs summer temperatures of 21°C with a warm night. Precipitation should be over 500mm
• In China rice needs temps of 16-20°C during fertilization. During ripening the range is 18-32°C. Where winter temperature is fairly low, only 1crop of rice is grown rather than 2 or 3 crop with warm temps.

Question 3

The consequences of drier climates to agricultural production

Answer 3

• Decreased yields. The ongoing drought in California, since 2010, has depleted groundwater and reservoir supplies and by 2014 meant that the Central Valley was projected to have lost about US$810 million in crop revenue.
• Change in crops planted. Grapes are another important crop in California, and they are also sensitive to temperature. Warmer temperatures are making it more difficult to grow grapes in some areas, and this could lead to a shift in grape production to cooler areas.

Question 4

Political factors affecting agricultural land use

Answer 4

In the USA there is a production control policy which limits how much a farmer produce of surplus crops; farmers lose price support loans if they don’t comply.

Question 5

Social factors affecting agricultural land use

Answer 5

Example of social farming method – Amazon:
• Shifting cultivation is a traditional system developed in rainforests around the world
• Clearing of small plot
• Small plot is cultivated by a family until it is exhausted
• People move to another location and start again

Question 6

Extensive farming

Answer 6

• A small amount of output achieved per hectare of land.
• Inputs per unit of land are low and output per hectare are low but overcome by using a large area of land.
• eg. Cattle ranching, sheep farming

Question 7

Intensive farming

Answer 7

• High inputs per unit of land
• Aim to achieve high amount of output per hectare

Question 8

Physical inputs

Answer 8

• Temperatures
• Rainfall
• Soil
• Sunshine

Question 9

Human inputs

Answer 9

• Labour
• Machinery
• Fertilizers
• Irrigation

Question 10

Explain how intensification can lead to high production

Answer 10

• Improving agricultural technology - In Swaziland for sugar cane farming replanting is carried out annually to minimize soil compaction leading to yields not declining.
• Increasing inputs per unit of area : in Swaziland the RSSC uses a drip system that uses water more efficiently and allow for precise application of fertilizers to the roots thus increasing growth of plants.

Question 11

Two issues arising from the intensification of agriculture

Answer 11

• Loss of biodiversity - In the UK extension of cultivation has removed habitats and resulted in loss of biodiversity.
• Soil degradation - In the UK 2.2 million tones of topsoil is eroded annually

Question 12

Three problems arising from the use of fertilizers to intensify agricultural production

Answer 12

• Economic High prices: The prices of fertilizers can fluctuate significantly, which can make it difficult for farmers to plan their budgets.
• Environmental- over 3/4 of the world’s food crops require insect pollination but bees have declined in recent decades due to loss of flower rich habitats.
• Political - mismanagement of of government schemes eg Zim who promised training to farmers thus leading to health problems

Question 13

3 reasons why farmers may seek to intensify agriculture

Answer 13

• To meet food demand
• To make better use of their land
• To increase yields

Question 14

2 problems pastoral farmers might experience

Answer 14

• Climate change: For example, in New Zealand warmer temperatures and drier conditions are making it more difficult to grow grass, which is the main food source for sheep and cattle.
• Health - Pests and diseases are a constant threat to pastoral farmers in New Zealand. Which may lead to increased costs from veterinary services.

Question 15

Explain the advantages of larger farms for the production of food

Answer 15

• Mechanisation: Larger farms can use more machinery, which can lead to higher yields and lower costs. This is because machinery can be used to plant, harvest, and transport crops more efficiently than manual labor.
• Bulk buying: Larger farms can buy inputs in bulk, which can lead to lower costs. This is because they can negotiate better prices with suppliers.