How is horticulture interrelated with the environment?

What is the environment? Environment- all living things that affect the life of an organism –Biotic factors- living things –Abiotic factors- non-living things

What are the important issues of horticulture and the environment? Intensive land use –Using large fields to get top yields Integrated Pest Management –Using approaches that are environmentally friendly to control unwanted organisms Public Demand –Producing high-quality, inexpensive products without harming the environment

Grower Dilemma –Producing quality products, yet dealing with concerns about the environment Biotechnology –Genetically changing plants to have useful features Emotion –Dealing with different opinions about environmental issues cause emotions to run high

What are the benefits of horticulture? Recreational and aesthetic value Control soil erosion Absorb atmospheric pollution Noise and sound buffer Control dust Cooling effect in hot weather Filter fertilizers and pesticides from the environment Provide wildlife habitat Increase land value Increase ground water supply

How does horticulture maintain water supplies? 1. Holds moisture in upper soil layer 2. Reduces runoff and soil erosion 3. Filters pesticides

How does horticulture maintain the atmosphere? 1. Absorbs ozone, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen fluoride 2. Produces oxygen

Dangers from horticulture practices 1. Excessive and improper use of pesticides 2. Soil erosion 3. Deplete groundwater supplies 4. Improper disposal of wastes

Hydrologic Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle