Extensive Agriculture

Definition

Extensive agriculture refers to a farming system that uses large areas of land with relatively low input of labor and capital per unit of land. This approach typically focuses on the production of crops or livestock for broader markets and is characterized by lower yields per acre but lower costs and greater land utilization. Understanding extensive agriculture is vital for analyzing agricultural location theory and land use patterns, as it demonstrates how different farming practices can be influenced by geographical factors, climate, and available technology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extensive agriculture is often practiced in regions where land is abundant but labor is scarce or expensive, such as in parts of North America and Australia.
2. This type of agriculture tends to have lower environmental impacts in terms of chemical use per unit area compared to intensive farming methods.
3. Common products of extensive agriculture include grains like wheat and barley, as well as grazing livestock such as cattle and sheep.
4. The efficiency of extensive agriculture can be affected by climate variability, land quality, and accessibility to markets for selling produce.
5. Land tenure systems and policies can greatly influence the prevalence and success of extensive agricultural practices in different regions.

Review Questions

• How does extensive agriculture differ from intensive agriculture in terms of resource allocation and productivity?
  • Extensive agriculture focuses on utilizing large areas of land with minimal labor and capital inputs per unit area, resulting in lower productivity per acre compared to intensive agriculture. Intensive agriculture, on the other hand, maximizes resource allocation through higher inputs of labor, technology, and capital to achieve greater yields from smaller plots. This fundamental difference impacts the economic viability and sustainability of farming practices across various landscapes.
• Discuss the geographical factors that influence the practice of extensive agriculture and its effectiveness.
  • Geographical factors such as climate, soil quality, topography, and access to water resources significantly influence the effectiveness of extensive agriculture. Regions with vast flat lands and favorable climates tend to favor extensive practices because they allow for easier mechanization and larger-scale operations. Conversely, areas with difficult terrain or poor soil quality may limit the potential for extensive farming, leading farmers to adopt more intensive methods instead.
• Evaluate the implications of extensive agriculture on sustainable development and environmental management.
  • Extensive agriculture has both positive and negative implications for sustainable development and environmental management. On one hand, it can be less damaging to ecosystems compared to intensive farming due to reduced chemical usage and lower population density. However, issues arise with overgrazing and land degradation if not managed properly. Evaluating these implications involves assessing trade-offs between maximizing production while preserving ecological integrity, highlighting the need for responsible land-use planning and sustainable agricultural practices.

Related terms

Intensive Agriculture:

A farming system that aims to produce higher yields per acre through the use of more labor and capital inputs, often involving practices like crop rotation, fertilization, and irrigation.

Agricultural Land Use: The management and use of land for agricultural purposes, which includes crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and agroforestry, influencing economic activities and spatial patterns.

Crop Rotation: An agricultural practice where different crops are planted in a specific sequence on the same land to improve soil health, manage pests, and maximize yields.