Technological Factors in Food Production Flashcards
How does modern agricultural technology affect the environment?
Energy is consumed at each stage of the food supply chain, often using non-renewable energy sources like fossil fuels.
Why is conserving energy and using renewable sources important?
Conserving energy and using renewable energy helps environmental stewardship and sustainable food production.
How can farms increase energy efficiency?
By replacing outdated equipment (machinery, motors, irrigation pumps) with modern technologies.
What are alternative renewable energy sources for farming?
Solar energy
Wind power
Biofuels
Animal waste
Why is wind power beneficial for farms?
Requires no fuel
Produces little waste
Uses almost no water
Minimal greenhouse gas emissions
What are some problems with wind power?
Some people living near wind turbines report illness due to infrasound, though the Ministry of Environment says it poses no health risk to most people.
How is solar power used in agriculture?
Solar panels are used in greenhouses.
Agrivoltaic farming grows crops under solar panels, doubling land use and providing energy.
What are the benefits of agrivoltaic farming?
Provides partial shade for plants like broccoli.
Protects crops from water loss through evaporation.
Powers water pumps and refrigeration systems.
What is biofuel?
Fuel made from living plants, which includes two types:
Ethanol: Made from fermented plants like corn and wheat.
Biodiesel: Made from vegetable oils or animal fats.
What are the environmental benefits of biofuels?
Reduces emissions of CO, CO2, and SO2.
Biodegrades faster than regular petroleum diesel (4x faster).
Non-toxic.
What are some issues with biodiesel?
Using farmland for biofuel crops instead of food production.
Growing these crops requires significant energy.
It may cause deforestation.
What is current research on biofuels?
Exploring alternative sources like algae, straw, and agricultural waste (corn cobs, leaves) instead of food crops.
How is energy produced from animal waste?
The Toronto Zoo project converts animal poop into energy.
The waste is processed in an anaerobic digestion chamber, producing biogas used for electricity, heat, and fertilizer.
This project reduces CO2 emissions by 10,000 tonnes annually.
What is precision farming?
A farming method that uses GPS and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to provide precise data about soil and farm conditions.
How does precision farming benefit farmers?
Provides real-time data on farm conditions.
Guides tractors and optimizes plant treatments (e.g., pesticides, fertilizers).
Reduces chemical use by applying only where needed.
Enables work in low-visibility or dark conditions.
