Effects of Agriculture on the Environment Chapter 12 Effects of Agriculture on the Environment

Many environmental problems result from agriculture: Soil erosion Sediment transport and deposition downstream On-site pollution from fertilizers and pesticides Deforestation Desertification Degradation of water aquifers Salinization Accumulation of toxic metals and organic compounds Loss of biodiversity

Where Eroded Soil Goes: Sediments Also Cause Environmental Problems Ways to slow erosion: Making Soil Sustainable Contour Plowing No-Till Agriculture Combination of farming practices that include not plowing the land and using herbicides to keep down weeds.

Integrated Pest Management Control of agricultural pests using several methods together, including biological and chemical agents Goals: To minimize the use of artificial chemicals To prevent or slow the buildup of resistance by pests to chemical pesticides

The Terminator Gene A genetically modified crop which has a gene to cause the plant to become sterile after the first year

Grazing on Rangelands Overgrazing occurs when the carrying capacity is exceeded. It can cause severe damage to lands It is important to properly manage livestock, including using appropriate lands for gazing and keeping livestock at a sustainable density

Desertification Desertification is the deterioration of land in arid, semi- arid and dry sub humid areas due to changes in climate and human activities Can be caused by Poor farming practices Conversion of marginal grazing lands to croplands