Rural

Question 1

Impacts of new technology(machinery)?

Answer 1

ADVANTAGES
•more efficient than using workers.
•this means the farmer saves money on wages
•crops can be harvested much quicker
•crops stay fresher for longer and can be delivered to markets quicker
•sold for higher prices
DISADVANTAGES
•farm workers lose their jobs
•hedges are often taken down to help machinery turn which destroys animals habitat
•leaves the top soil vulnerable to wind erosion

Question 2

Impacts fertilisers and pesticides?

Answer 2

ADVANTAGES
•fertilisers keep soil fertile and pesticides kill insects which eat crops
•yields increase
•reduce hunger within the country
•allows farmers to make more profit
DISADVANTAGES
•overuse pollutes local rivers
•this can pollute human water supplies
•some pesticides kill valuable insects like bees
•they are beneficial to humans as they pollinate crops and flowers
•this disrupts food chain

Question 3

Impacts GM crops?

Answer 3

ADVANTAGES
•resistant to diseases, weeds and pests so less need for pesticides
•produce more food per plant
•don’t rot as quickly so their is less food wastage
•give greater nutritional benefits
•will grow faster and will grow in harsher climates or on less fertile soils
DISADVANTAGES
•disrupting food chain
•by making crops immune to insects
•expensive and poor farmers can’t afford them
•

Question 4

Impacts organic farming

Answer 4

ADVANTAGES
•sustains the health of soils
•can help reduce water use, pollution, soil erosion and carbon emissions
•less money spent on fertilisers and pesticides
•local rivers don’t get polluted
•employ more workers than conventional ones
DISADVANTAGES
•no scientific evidence that organic food is better for humans
•the cost of running organic farms is considerably higher therefore cost of produce is higher
•due to higher costs people may eat less fruit and veg than they should

Question 5

Impacts diversification?

Answer 5

ADVANTAGES
•more reliable income for farmers and helps increase profit
•increased income is taxed and money is invested in rural areas to improve local services and natural habitats
•led to increase in tourism in rural areas
•more tourism jobs means people don’t have to leave the countryside which reduces depopulation
DISADVANTAGES
•stone walls damaged by people climbing over them
•footpath erosion spoils scenery
•increased litter spoiling look of landscape
•tourist facilities eg. Campsites detracting from natural look of countryside

Question 6

Changes in farming?

Answer 6

• more machinery- requires less workers who are more expensive. Farming is more efficient
• larger fields- hedgerows have been removed as it makes it easier for machinery to turn and gives more land to grow crops
• more fertilisers and pesticides-to help increase yields on the farm
• more farm buildings- to store machinery and grain. To keep animals in winter
• improved roads- improved transportation of farmers produce into markets
• holiday homes, B&B’s, campsites- diversification for money due to EU cut backs