Food Efficiency
The effectiveness of different types of agriculture Measures the quantity of food produced In a given area With limited energy and resources Ideal crops produce large amounts of food in very little space using very little energy………with little impact on the environment.
Food efficiency More energy, water, and land is used to produce a Calorie of food from an animal than a plant.
Yield Amount of crops produced per area of land
Old vs New food Researchers are Looking for crops that grow in a variety of climates Crops that do not require fertilizer Crops that do not require pesticides Crops that do not require freshwater
World Food Problems Some people are malnourished because They do not get enough food More food is needed each year Food production is not increasing as fast as the population
World Food Problem Worldwide….food is not divided equally Malnutrition is a result of poverty Even in the U.S.
World Food Problem Wars and political strife cause malnutrition Food transportations is interrupted
World Food Problem Prolonged drought decreases crop yield Irrigation helps with drought but not all countries have this system. Drought affects people who have their food grown locally Drought means no crops this year and NO SEEDS FOR NEXT YEAR
World Food Problems Most populations can survive one drought From food grown the previous year Several years of drought cause severe problems Soil becomes less able to support food crops.
Green revolution Between 1950 and 1970 an increase in crop yield from New crop varieties Modern agriculture techniques
Green Revolution Problems Larger yield require larger amounts of water, fertilizers, and pesticide Machine irrigation systems More chemicals This degrades the soil. Grain production is slowly decreasing since 1990.
Green Revolution Problem Negative impact on subsistence farmers Before the revolution, subsistence farmers produced most of the world’s crops Cost of new equipment, water, and chemicals