Chapter 11 Review

Agricultural Geography The art and science of producing food from the land and producing livestock for the purpose of human consumption.

Types of Agriculture Organic Subsistence Commercial Mediterranean Plantation

Subsistence Agriculture Agriculture in which people grow only enough food to survive. - farmers often hold land in common - some are sedentary, and some practice shifting agriculture = * slash-and-burn

Commercial Agriculture Term used to describe large scale farming and ranching operations that employ vast land bases, large mechanized equipment, factory-type labor forces, and the latest technology. - roots are in colonial agriculture

Top 5 Commercial Countries #1- China = Rice #2- India = Rice #3- United States = Wheat #4- Brazil = Coffee #5- Japan = Rice

Primary economic activities Secondary economic activities Sectors of the Economy Primary economic activities products closest to the ground Secondary economic activities Manufacturing of primary products into new products Tertiary economic activities service industry – connecting producers to consumers to facilitate trade

Quaternary economic activities Quinary economic activities Sectors of the Economy Quaternary economic activities Information or the exchange of goods Quinary economic activities tied into research or higher education

1st Agricultural Revolution Domestication- the conscious manipulation of plants and animals by humans in order to sustain themselves. Plant domestication may have started 14,000 years ago in Asia Took place in Southwest Asia – The Fertile Crescent- located in modern day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.

1st Agricultural Revolution Gradual (took thousands of years) People began to domesticate plants and animals. Choosing particular root and seed crops as well as animals for breeding. Took place in habitats with diverse plant and animal life.

2nd Agricultural Revolution A series of innovations, improvements, and techniques used to improve the output of agricultural surpluses (started before the industrial revolution).

2nd Agricultural Revolution Occurred before the industrial revolution

2nd Agricultural Revolution A. millions migrated to the cities of England, France, Germany and the United States.

2nd Agricultural Revolution A. millions migrated to the cities of England, France, Germany and the United States. B. Mechanization replaced human hands in agriculture with technology (fewer hands more crops)

2nd Agricultural Revolution A. millions migrated to the cities of England, France, Germany and the United States. B. Mechanization replaced human hands in agriculture with technology (fewer hands more crops) C. transportation improved = farmers could ship goods farther for cheaper.

3rd Agricultural Revolution (Green Revolution) invention of high-yield grains, especially rice, with goal of reducing hunger. - increased production of rice - new varieties in wheat and corn

3rd Agricultural Revolution reduced famines due to crop failure, now most famines are due to political problems

Opposition vulnerability to pests Soil erosion Water shortages Micronutrient deficiencies Dependency on chemicals for production Loss of control over seeds

Von Thunen Model

Agriculture Today Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)- foods that are mostly products of organisms that have had their genes altered in a laboratory for specific purposes, such as disease resistance, increased productivity, or nutritional value allowing growers greater control.

Agribusiness- set of economic and political relationships that organize food production for commercial purposes. It includes activities ranging from seed production, to retailing, to consumption of agricultural products. Farms owned by giant corporations.

Agribusiness Livestock ranching- commercial agricultural activity that involves raising livestock over large areas of land. Usually in semi-arid climates like the American West. Dairying – raising livestock, usually cows and goats, for dairy products like milk, cheese and butter.

Agribusiness Monoculture- dependence on a single agricultural commodity. Polyculture- the production of several crops.

Agribusiness Monoculture- dependence on a single agricultural commodity. Polyculture- the production of several crops. Truck farming- commercial gardening and fruit farming in the United States. Mostly found in the Southeast.

Urban subsistence farming- the cultivation of small city gardens for food in the cities of the developing world. Transhumance-The seasonal movement of livestock between different ranges.

Environmental Effects Desertification- the process by which formerly fertile lands become increasingly arid, unproductive, and desert-like. Nomadic herding and over farming cause this. Topsoil loss- top fertile layer of soil is lost through erosion. Usually found in places with steep slopes or torrential seasonal rain.

Environmental Effects Salinization- in arid climates, water evaporates quickly off the ground surface, leaving salty residues.