Food Production Flashcards
When one type of organism is used to control the numbers of another type of organism (e.g ladybirds to kill aphids)
Biological control
Result of the rapid growth of populations of microscopic water plants making water green (can be toxic)
Algal bloom
Quantity of product or useful substance
Yield
Chemical that kills invertebrates pests that damage plants
Pesticides
Chemical used to improve the mineral content of soil,improving plant growth, but which pollutes waterways when used in excess
Fertiliser
Chemicals used to kill weeds which would otherwise compete with crops for nutrients
Herbicide
Type of animal farming where animals are kept in confined spaces to reduce energy loss
Battery farming
Farming using natural methods of pest control and natural fertilisers, avoiding the use of artificial chemicals
Organic farming
Compounds containing the chemical element nitrogen: absorbed form soil by plant roots and required for healthy plant growth
Nitrates
Chemical element needed by all living things to make protein
Nitrogen
Plants that have been genetically altered to contain genes from other organisms which improve their yield
GM Crops
The continuous growing of one type of crop, that are usually genetically identical
Monoculture
The degree to which a substance is harmful
Toxicity
Farming with high inputs of fertiliser and pesticides and high productivity
Intensive agriculture
Build-up of chemicals in organisms as the chemicals travel through the food chain
Bioaccumulation
Circulation of the chemical element nitrogen between the atmosphere and the living and non-living parts of an ecosystem
Nitrogen cycle
