Flashcard Set: Food Production
Why is increasing food production important?
Increasing food production is essential to meet the demands of a growing human population and ensure food security.
What are fertilizers, and why are they used?
Fertilizers are chemical or natural substances added to soil to supply nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) that plants need for growth.
What are pesticides?
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill or control pests that damage crops, including insects, fungi, and weeds.
What is the environmental impact of excessive fertilizer use?
Excessive fertilizer use leads to nutrient runoff into water bodies, causing algae blooms. This results in oxygen depletion (eutrophication), harming aquatic life and potentially creating toxic algae blooms that affect water quality and ecosystems.
What are GM (genetically modified) crops?
GM crops are plants that have been genetically modified to have desirable traits, such as pest resistance or increased yield.
What are the potential advantages of GM crops?
GM crops can improve yields, reduce the need for chemical pesticides, and enhance nutritional content.
What are some concerns about GM crops?
Concerns include possible environmental impacts, such as harm to non-target species, and ethical issues regarding genetic modification.
What is biological control in pest management?
Biological control involves using natural predators or parasites to control pest populations instead of chemical pesticides.
Give an example of biological control.
Ladybugs are used to control aphid populations in gardens and farms, as they naturally prey on aphids.
What are nitrates, and why are they important in food production?
Nitrates are compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, often used in fertilizers to provide plants with essential nitrogen, which promotes growth and increases crop yield.
How do nitrates affect plants?
Nitrates are absorbed by plants through their roots and are essential for producing proteins, chlorophyll, and other vital compounds for plant growth.
How can nitrates enter water sources?
Nitrates from fertilizers can leach into groundwater or run off into rivers, lakes, and streams during rainfall or irrigation.
