Chapter 12: Problem 1

Describe the differences between subsistence and modern agriculture. What are the major components of the agricultural revolution? What are the environmental costs of each?

Short Answer

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Subsistence agriculture is small-scale agriculture for the farmer's own use, using low-tech inputs. Modern, or industrial, agriculture is large-scale farming for profit using high-tech inputs. The Agricultural Revolution involved a shift from subsistence to modern agriculture, the use of machinery, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and high-yield crops. The environmental costs of subsistence farming can include deforestation and soil erosion, while those of modern farming can include pollution from fertilizers and pesticides, biodiversity loss due to monocultures, and greenhouse gas emissions from intensive animal farming.

Step by step solution

Understanding Subsistence and Modern Agriculture

First, describe the key features of subsistence and modern agriculture. Subsistence agriculture involves small scale farming primarily for the farmer's family's consumption, using low technology inputs. In contrast, modern agriculture, usually termed industrial or commercial agriculture, involves large scale farming predominantly for commercial sale, using high-tech inputs including machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Major Components of the Agricultural Revolution

Next, identify the significant components of the agricultural revolution. The Agricultural Revolution represents a significant shift in farming practices resulting in increased agricultural production. The transition from subsistence to modern agriculture, the mechanization of farming, the development and use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties are some of the major components.

Environmental Costs of Subsistence and Modern Agriculture

Finally, explain the environmental costs associated with each form of agriculture. Subsistence agriculture generally has lower environmental costs since it uses fewer artificial inputs and often relies on traditional, eco-friendly practices. However, it can still lead to issues like deforestation and soil erosion due to shifting cultivation practices. Meanwhile, modern agriculture's environmental costs are usually higher, given its heavy reliance on artificial inputs, leading to pollution from fertilizers and pesticides, loss of biodiversity due to monoculture practices, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions from intensive animal farming.

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Describe the differences between subsistence and modern agriculture. What are the major components of the agricultural revolution? What are the environmental costs of each?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Subsistence and Modern Agriculture

Major Components of the Agricultural Revolution

Environmental Costs of Subsistence and Modern Agriculture

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