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

2. 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

4. 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.

7. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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