Food from the Land Review and new Agriculture Resources and Limitations

Natural Systems Agriculture depends on the interaction of a number of natural systems: Climate – amount of solar energy (heat) and moisture Soil – how fertile the soil is depends on how much humus is present. This is affected by moisture. Topography – level land is generally best for farming Biology – some organisms are highly beneficial to farming. Example, earthworms, bees. Others are very harmful. Example, weeds, grasshoppers

Perfect Farming Conditions There are very few areas that have the perfect combination for farming: long growing season the right amount of moisture rich soils level land right biological conditions

Correcting Deficiencies For thousands of years people have worked to overcome the land they farm. Some Examples Irrigation Pesticides Fertilizer Larger Equipment New seed varieties

Different Types of Agriculture Farming can be described as subsistence or cash cropping Subsistence farmers – grow crops and raise livestock to meet the immediate needs of their families. They produce many different products, often on small farms Small Holding- grow crops and raise livestock to meet the families immideite need as well as sell to the local market. Cash-crop Farmers – the produce is sold in local and world markets. They specialize in producing only a few products on a large farm. They may not use any of the products they grow or raise

Different Types of Agriculture Farming can also be described as either intensive or extensive Intensive farming – farming a small amount of land with the use of large amounts of labour and capital ($$). Example – fruit and vegetable growing, vineyards, hog factory farms Extensive farming – large amounts of land with limited amounts of labour and capital. Examples – grain, ranches