Farming and Food Production Flashcards
What is subsistence farming?
Farming that provides enough food for the farmer and his family, but not enough for commercial sale
What is commercial farming?
Large scale farming that provides products for sale
What is intensive farming?
Farms that can produce large volumes of food or fibre in a small area and require constant attention, such as dairy , poultry or vegetable farms
What is extensive farming?
Farms that require large areas of land and does not require much attention, such as cattle farms or sheep farms
What is precision farming?
Farms where soil condition is closely monitored allowing for water and nutrients to be added where and when needed rather than putting it across the whole farm
What are the benefits of precision farming?
Saves the farmer money and time and also helps the environment by reducing the possibility of nutrient-rich run off into rivers and lakes
What does GPS stand for and what is its purpose?
Global positioning system- involves satellites, sensors on planes and drones which collect data on plant growth, soil moisture and nutrient levels
What type of resource is soil?
A non-renewable resource
What is the first step in producing soil?
The gradual breaking down or weathering of rock
What are cattle tags used for?
Electronically identifying domestic livestock and other animals
What is irrigation?
The watering of crops by bringing in water from pipes, canals or other man-made means, rather than relying on rainfall alone
What happens as rocks break down into finer particles?
Minerals within them become available to plants
What happens to soils over time?
They form layers known as horizons
What can be done if soils lack organic matter?
Mulch can be added to increase mineral content and prevent water loss through evaporation
What are the characteristics of Australian soils?
Low in nutrients, thin and easily eroded
What must Australian farmers do to deal with the tough soil conditions?
Continually replace soils and apply fertiliser annually
How many farms are there in Australia?
135,000
Describe the soils in Northern Australia?
Among the world’s oldest, have been subject to monsoonal downpours for millions of years, with important nutrients being leached out of the soil
What physical and chemical processes can cause weathering?
Heating and cooling of rocks, abrasion caused by wind and water and water and acidic solutions dissolving salts in rocks
What is the best soil composition for growing crops?
LOAM or loamy soil which has good water drainage, good nutrients levels and good water holding ability
What is soil salinity?
Increasing salt levels in the soil, that prevent, reduce or stop plant growth
What is primary salinity caused by?
Natural conditions that develop over time
What is secondary salinity caused by?
Human impacts such as excessive irrigation
How much percent of available fresh water is used for agriculture?
70 percent
