USA Grassland Conversion Flashcards
What agricultural trend occurred in the midwestern prairies of the USA between 2007 and 2015?
A biofuel rush swept across the midwestern prairies, encouraging farmers to grow crops like corn, soy, canola, and sugar cane.
How did the price of corn change by 2013, and what effect did this have on the economy?
By 2013, the price of corn tripled, which boosted the economy.
What happened to grasslands traditionally used for cattle ranching as a result of the biofuel rush?
Grasslands traditionally used for cattle ranching were plowed up, and in some states, the area of corn being cultivated doubled.
What was the consequence in terms of natural grassland disappearance across the Midwest, and how does it compare to rainforest deforestation rates?
Over 5.5 million hectares of natural grassland disappeared across the Midwest, matching the rate of rainforest deforestation across Brazil, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
What are some advantages of grasslands, and how do they contribute to the ecosystem?
Grasslands trap moisture and floodwater, absorb toxins, maintain habitats, provide cover to prevent soil erosion, and serve as a terrestrial carbon store.
What are some disadvantages of converting grasslands into agricultural land?
Disadvantages include the release of CO2 when soils are initially removed by plowing, the need for nitrogen fertilizer and chemical pesticides resulting in a net increase in CO2 emissions, increased water consumption, and the loss of natural habitats.
