Sustainable farming

Question 1

Define sustainable farming

Answer 1

Sustainable farming involves the changing of agricultural techniques in both industrialised and traditional farming methods in order to provide for the needs of current and future generations whilst conserving natural resources, in an economically viable environment

Question 2

What does sustainable farming involve

Answer 2

Soil: soil conservation by stopping erosion, water logging and loss of soil fertility

Water: management of water resources through preservation, while meeting the needs of the crops

Economics: economically viable

Biology and Ecology: integrity of the system must be preserved

Question 3

List sustainable farming practices

Answer 3

Crop rotation
Cover crops
Soil enrichment
Natural pest predators
Integrated pest management (IPM)

Question 4

Explain how crop rotation works

Answer 4

Stops steady supply of food for pests
Breaks reproduction cycle of pests
Allows plants to replanish nutrients
Lessens need for chemical fertiliser

Question 5

Explain how cover crops work

Answer 5

Oats and cloves
Stops soil erosion
Suppresses weeds
Improves quality of soil
Reduces the need for chemical fertilisers

Question 6

Explain how soil enrichment works

Answer 6

Healthy soil increases yield and quality of crops
Leaving crop residue and animal manure enriches the soil

Question 7

Explain how natural pest predators work

Answer 7

Farm is seen as an ecosystem, introduce natural pest predators like birds
Lessens need for pesticides and reduces death of natural pest predators

Question 8

Explain how Integrated Pest Management works

Answer 8

Chemical pesticides are used but only as a last resort
Used along with crop rotation and introduction of pest predators like lady bugs

Question 9

Benefits of sustainable farming

Answer 9

Environmental conservation
Public health and safety
Prevents pollution
Reduces cost
Biodiversity
Beneficial to animals
Economically beneficial for farmers and local community