Food and agriculture

Question 1

Life of antibiotic through animal

Answer 1

Antibiotic -> animal -> manure -> fields, soil and rivers

- dont know the effect

Question 2

Soil degradation

Answer 2

1. displacement of material
   - water erosion (loss of topsoil, terrain deformation)
   - wind erosion (loss of topsoil, overblowing)
2. Physical deterioration
3. Organic matter important for soil fertility and productivity

Question 3

Describe the average European diet

Answer 3

• Rich and unbalanced
• Too high in calories, protein and sugar
• Low consumption of fiber and a lack of fruit and vegetables
• Average consumption of red meat is 2x WHO recommendations

Question 4

European food system in terms of crops cultivated and intensification level

Answer 4

Increase in:

• fertilizers
• pesticides
• specialty: fewer crops and shorter rotations and less good

Question 5

How does the input of nitrogen in production affect the food system?

Answer 5

Cheaper to produce things due to fertilizers (nitrogen) –> food is cheaper

Question 6

In an agro-ecological farming system, it is fundamental to maintain a high level of biodiversity

• Why?

Answer 6

Ecosystem-services:

• pollination
• soil health
• nitrogen fixation
• pest and decease control

A lot of pesticides in the long run –> resistance

Question 7

Which important changes at field level and landscape level would enhance biodiversity?

Answer 7

Field level: face out pesticides

Landscape level: Mosaic shape will increase biodiversity

Question 8

Which changes in livestock production would enhance biodiversity?

Answer 8

Reduce the mono-gastric animals (=pigs and poultry) –> we can reduce the cereal. They can eat leftovers from feed industry and consumption instead.

Ruminants (=cattle) grass only and extensify.