Strategies to increase food supply Flashcards
what are the different strategies to increase food supply?
-aeroponics
-appropriate technology
-biotechnology
-hydroponics
-irrigation
-the new green revolution
aeroponics
growing plants in air or mist environment without the use of soil
appropriate technology
technology that is suitable to the social and economic conditions of the geographic area in which it is to be applied, is environmentally sound, and promotes self-sufficiency on the part of those using it
biotechnology
the manipulation (through genetic engineering) of living organisms to produce useful commercial products (such as pest resistant crops and new bacterial strains)
hydroponics
a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil
irrigation
applying water to land in order to supply crops and other plants with necessary water
the new green revolution
a combination of modern technology, traditional knowledge and an emphasis on farming, social and agro-ecological systems as well as yields, especially in poorer countries
what are some advantages of irrigation?
-supplies extra water to farming areas
-helps to increase or maintain production when the water supply is unreliable or low
-can increase crop yield as well as income- helps to reduce poverty
what are some advantages of aeroponics?
-plants are easily maintained
-less nutrients and water are needed as they are directly absorbed by the roots and not dispersed into the soil
-requires little space compared to conventional growing methods as plants can be stacked on top of one another
-plants can be easily moved around
what are some advantages of hydroponics?
-plants receive more nutrients, which allows them to grow faster
-use up less space, as plants can be stacked on top of one another
-use less water than plants grown conventionally
-crops like lettuce can be shipped alive in the water to consumers, increasing in the freshness
-diseases found in the soil are eliminated
what are some advantages of the new green revolution?
-scientists developed new strains of seeds which produced higher yields of crops
-in five years the yields of rice, maise and wheat will rise by 40%
-along with the new seeds come the development of chemical pesticides to aid their growth
-agricultural industry was able to produce much larger quantities of cheaper food
what are some advantages of biotechnology?
-modifications have increased vitamins or proteins in rice and potatoes
-developed drought resistance crops in order that they can grow in good conditions
-produced insect repellent crops, reducing the use of pesticides
-improved flavour of foods
-increased shelf life of foods
what are some advantages of appropriate technology?
-aids projects as it’s more practical
-efficient way of producing crops to be sold
-produces higher yields of crops
what are some disadvantages of irrigation?
-large scale schemes can push people off the land to be used for reservoirs
-increased waterlogging of soil due to lack of drainage
-salinisation in soil
-competition for water from irrigation schemes leading to water scarcity for subsistence farmers
-costly
what are some disadvantages of aeroponics?
-relies upon the nutrient misting systems, if this breaks down, it can lead to the loss of all plants
-specialist knowledge of the exact nutrient mix for the plants as well as the technology behind the system is needed
-the root chambers which hold the plants must be regularly cleaned as they’re very easily contaminated
-very expensive
