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Chapter 12: Problem 11

Define sustainability in an agricultural context. In what ways is modern industrial agriculture unsustainable?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Sustainability in agriculture refers to the ability to maintain agricultural practices over the long term, taking into account economic, ecological, and social factors. Modern industrial agriculture, characterized by large-scale monoculture, heavy use of chemicals and GMOs, and reliance on non-renewable energy, is considered unsustainable due to its negative impact on natural resources, biodiversity, water resources, climate, and rural communities.

Step by step solution

01

Define Sustainability in Agricultural Context

Sustainability in agriculture refers to the capacity of agriculture to be maintained over the long term. This involves several criteria, including economic viability, ecological stability, and social acceptability. In practice, sustainable agriculture practices aim to maintain yields, reduce the impact on the environment, promote biodiversity, improve soil health, minimize water use, and support the welfare and fair treatment of workers.
02

Discuss Features of Modern Industrial Agriculture

Modern industrial agriculture is characterized by large-scale, monoculture farming, heavy reliance on chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), mechanization, and intensive livestock farming.
03

Identify Ways in Which Modern Industrial Agriculture is Unsustainable

There are several ways in which modern industrial agriculture could be considered unsustainable. These include the depletion of natural resources, degradation of soil quality due to misuse of synthetic fertilizers, propagation of monoculture farming leading to loss of agricultural biodiversity, overuse and contamination of water resources, heavy reliance on non-renewable energy sources, contribution to climate change through high greenhouse gas emissions, and negative impact on rural communities and smallholder farmers.

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