Intensive Agriculture

Definition

Intensive agriculture is a farming practice that aims to maximize yields from a given area of land through the use of high levels of inputs, such as labor, fertilizers, and technology. This approach often focuses on smaller plots of land but yields a high output, making it especially effective in regions with high population densities where food demand is greater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intensive agriculture is commonly practiced in areas with limited arable land, where maximizing food production is crucial.
2. This method often relies on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop growth and manage pests effectively.
3. Greenhouse farming is an example of intensive agriculture that allows for year-round production and better control over growing conditions.
4. Labor-intensive practices are common in this form of agriculture, often employing a significant workforce to manage crop production.
5. Intensive agriculture can lead to issues like soil degradation and water overuse if not managed sustainably.

Review Questions

• How does intensive agriculture differ from extensive agriculture in terms of land use and input levels?
  • Intensive agriculture focuses on maximizing output from smaller plots of land by utilizing high levels of inputs like labor, fertilizers, and technology. In contrast, extensive agriculture involves larger areas with lower inputs, leading to lower yields per unit of land. This difference makes intensive agriculture more suitable for regions facing high food demand and limited arable land.
• Discuss the environmental impacts associated with intensive agriculture and potential solutions to mitigate these effects.
  • Intensive agriculture can lead to significant environmental challenges, such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity due to heavy reliance on chemical inputs. To mitigate these impacts, practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and integrated pest management can be implemented. These methods promote sustainable practices that improve soil health and reduce dependence on harmful chemicals.
• Evaluate the role of technology in enhancing the efficiency of intensive agriculture and its implications for global food security.
  • Technology plays a crucial role in improving the efficiency of intensive agriculture by introducing advanced tools like precision farming equipment, genetic modification, and automated irrigation systems. These innovations allow for better resource management, increased yields, and reduced labor costs. As global populations continue to rise, the effective use of technology in intensive agriculture could significantly bolster food security by ensuring that more food can be produced from limited land resources while also addressing sustainability concerns.

Related terms

Extensive Agriculture: A farming system that uses larger areas of land with lower inputs of labor and capital, resulting in lower yields per acre.

Agricultural Innovation:

The introduction of new technologies, methods, or practices in farming that enhance productivity and efficiency.

Crop Rotation:

A sustainable agricultural practice involving the planting of different crops in the same area across a sequence of seasons to improve soil health and reduce pests.