Chapter 2. Introduction To Agriculture And Ecosystem Flashcards
, as a critical driver of human civilization, plays an indispensable role in sustaining societies by providing food, employment, and raw materials
Agriculture
, defined as communities of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, vary widely based on climate, geography, and human influence.
Ecosystems
Components of ecosystem
Includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
These ecosystems can be basically classified as
Close Ecosystem and Open Ecosystem
Other classifications of ecosystem
: A. natural ecosystems and man-made ecosystems.
B. Terrestrial Ecosystems, Aquatic Ecosystems, Urban Ecosystems.
exchanges energy butnotmatterwith its surroundings – it is self-contained (e.g. mesocosm);
closed ecosystem
closed ecosystem example
. mesocosm
exchangesbothenergy and matter with surrounding environments (e.g. a natural ecosystem
open ecosystem
open ecosystem example
a natural ecosystem)
is self-sustaining and results from spontaneous natural reaction.
Natural Ecosystem
It is a natural unit consisting of all
plants, animals and microorganism
A place where plants and animals are dependent upon one another. This includes:
Forests
Grasslands
Wetlands
play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, water regulation, and biodiversity conservation.
Forests
Example of Forests
Tropical rainforests in the Philippines.
These ecosystems are vital for livestock farming, particularly in regions like the North American prairies and the African savannas.
Grasslands
Examples of grassland
African savannas
support rice farming, a staple crop in many Asian countries, including the Philippines.
Wetlands
emphasizes the need for sustainable wetland management to maintain their ecological and agricultural functions.
The Ramsar Convention (2018)
Example of Wetlands
Agusan Marsh in the Philippines.
. Artificial ecosystem are created by human beings. Where management, balance of the nature is disturbed regularly.
Man-Made Ecosystem
Examples of Man made Ecosystem
sugarcane, rice-fields, wheat, gardens, dams, and aquariums.
The basic biotic and abiotic components are defined by man in
artificial ecosystem.
This may also include in Man made Ecosystem
Urban Areas
Agricultural Lands:
is gaining traction as a means to enhance food security and sustainability in densely populated cities.
Urban agriculture
A study by highlights the potential of urban farming to contribute to local food systems and reduce the carbon footprint of food production.
Cabannes and Marocchino (2018)
Examples of Urban Areas
: Parks and gardens in Makati City.
Agricultural ecosystems are tailored to optimize food production.
Agricultural Lands:
advocates for diversified farming systems that mimic natural ecosystems to enhance resilience and productivity.
Lal (2020)
Example of agricultural land
Rice terraces in Banaue.
Example of natural Terrestrial ecosystems
Grassland
Forest
Desert
Example of natural Aquatic ecosystems
Marine ocean
Fresh water lake
Example of artificial or Man made Ecosystem
Aquarium
Crop Field
Types and Classifications of Agriculture
- Based on the Scale of Operation:
- Based on the Purpose of Production:
- Based on the Method of Farming:
- Based on Environmental Conditions:
- Based on Geographic Regions:
- Based on Technological Advancement:
Types of Based on the Scale of Operation :
Subsistence Agriculture:
Commercial Agriculture:
Small-scale farming for personal use. Minimal use of modern technology. Example: Traditional rice farming in remote villages;Traditional Rice Farming in Ifugao’s Rice Terraces
Subsistence Agriculture:
Large-scale farming aimed at market sale. High use of technology and inputs. Example: Pineapple Plantations in Bukidnon; Large corn plantations in the Midwest USA
Commercial Agriculture:
Types of Based on the Purpose of Production:
Food Crops Agriculture
Cash Crops Agriculture
Mixed Farming:
Industrial Agriculture
Grows crops for human consumption.
Example:Rice Farming in Nueva Ecija. Nueva Ecija, often referred to as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” is a prime example of food crops agriculture;
Wheat farming in the Punjab region.
Other Examples of food crops: Corn, Banana, Cassava, Coconut, Mango, Pineapple
Food Crops Agriculture
Produces crops for sale and profit.
Example: Coconut Plantations in Quezon Province. Quezon Province is known for its extensive coconut plantations, where coconuts are grown primarily as a cash crop.
The coconuts are processed into various products like copra, coconut oil, and desiccated coconut, which are then sold domestically and internationally, generating income for farmers and contributing to the local economy.
Coffee plantations in Colombia.
Cash Crops Agriculture
Combines crop cultivation with livestock.
Example:Integrated Rice-Fish Farming in Iloilo. In Iloilo, particularly in the rural areas, farmers practice mixed farming by combining rice cultivation with fish farming.
This method allows them to produce both food crops (rice) and livestock (fish) within the same agricultural system.
The integration of fish into rice paddies helps control pests and provides an additional source of income and nutrition.
Dairy and vegetable farms in the Netherlands.
Mixed Farming:
Focuses on producing raw materials for industries.
Example: Sugarcane Plantations in Negros Occidental. Negros Occidental is a major hub for sugarcane production in the Philippines.
The sugarcane grown here is primarily used as a raw material for the sugar industry, which includes the production of refined sugar, ethanol, and other sugar-based products.
The large-scale, industrial nature of these plantations supports both local and international markets; Oil palm plantations in Malaysia.
Other examples of industrial crops: abaca, rubber, cofffee, coconut, Pineapple, tobacco
Industrial Agriculture
Type of Based on the Method of Farming:
Organic Farming:
Conventional Farming:
Conservation Agriculture:
Uses natural inputs and methods. It focuses on sustainable organic farming practices, producing organic vegetables, herbs, and livestock without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Example: Costales Nature Farms is one of the leading organic farms in the Philippines.Organic vegetable farms in California.
Organic Farming:
Utilizes synthetic chemicals and GMOs.
Farmers often rely on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and high-yielding genetically modified rice varieties to maximize production.
Example: Large-Scale Rice Farming in Central Luzon and Large-scale soybean farming in Brazil.
Conventional Farming:
Practices that protect soil health and reduce environmental impact.
Example: Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG) practices no till farming on corn; And No-till farming in the Great Plains.
Conservation Agriculture:
Type of Based on Environmental Conditions:
Irrigated Agriculture:
Rainfed Agriculture:
Dryland Agriculture:
Aquaculture
Type of Based on Geographic Regions:
Tropical Agriculture
Temperate Agriculture
Mediterranean Agriculture
Farming in warm, humid regions.
Example: Banana plantations in Costa Rica.
Tropical Agriculture
Farming in moderate climates.
Example: Apple orchards in New Zealand.
Temperate Agriculture