Tutorial 2 : Organic and ecological farming

Question 1

Agroecology

Answer 1

scientific discipline studying the interaction between plants, animals, humans, and environments.

Question 2

permaculture

Answer 2

is a type of agroecology, but is a full philosophy. A design of a farm and garden that doesn’t require human interaction but leaves nature provide for us from the ecosystems

Question 3

cover crops (organic farming practice)

Answer 3

crops that are grown to protect the soil during times when the main crop is dormant. Keeps the soil active, by retaining water/moisture and suppressing weeds.

Question 4

Heirloom seeds

Answer 4

seeds that existed more than 50 years ago

Question 5

Monoculture

Answer 5

the cultivation of one species. The disadvantage is that it depletes the soil of beneficial microorganisms

Question 6

Polyculture

Answer 6

the cultivation of multiple species. Different species require different minerals and amounts of nitrogen. By alternating these species, you get an accumulation of minerals during the period which is then beneficial for growing other species.

Question 7

Agroforestry

Answer 7

It is the creation of a forest design as a farm, using tall trees that are trimmed often to let light enter for the smaller plants. Is an example of regenerative agriculture and uses the polyculture principle

Question 8

green manure (organic farming practice)

Answer 8

crops grown and composted into the soil to improve soil fertility and improve nutrient cycling

Question 9

soil health (organic farming practice)

Answer 9

should conserve and restore soil health with healthy microorganisms,…

Question 10

companion planting (organic farming practice)

Answer 10

plant crops that have a symbiotic effect on each other. promotion of growth, improved yield, protection from pests, improved biodiversity

Question 11

food supply chain

Answer 11

• perishable food goods
• strict regulations
• require high traceability
• demand dependent on consumers
• supply dependent on environmental factors

Question 11

integrated pest management (organic farming practice)

Answer 11

a holistic approach to pest control aims to minimize pest damage simultaneously reducing risks to human health and the environment

Question 12

non-food supply chain

Answer 12

• nonperishable items
• fewer regulations
• less strict traceability requirements
• more predictable demand and distribution channel

Question 13

6 steps of the food supply chain

Answer 13

1) production (farming, cultivation, crop/animal growing location,…)
2) processing
3) distribution
4) retail (sold to consumers)
5) consumption
6) waste management

Question 14

IPM monitoring and identification

Answer 14

• bioregulatory monitoring of pest population
• identifying the species’ presence
• farmers are able to make the informed decisions for the appropriate control methods to employ

Question 15

extensification

Answer 15

increased agricultural yield with increased land area used

Question 16

conventional intensification

Answer 16

increased agricultural yield within the same area of land achieved through reliance of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides

Question 17

ecological intensification

Answer 17

increased agricultural yield within the same area of land achieved through increased ecological interactions