Agriculture & Natural Resources

What are Natural Resources? Natural Resources are objects, materials, creatures, or energy found in nature that can be used by humans.

7 Common Types of Resources Soil Water Fish and Wildlife Forest Energy Minerals Recreational

Soil Resources Topsoil- uppermost layer of soil that we must get almost all of our food and natural fibers from Potential issues related to ag Erosion Conversion of agricultural land to urban development

Water Resources Usable water (“Water, water everywhere…but not a drop to drink!”) potable = drinkable Uses Energy (hydroelectric dams) Human use Watering crops Transportation

Water Resources Potential issues related to ag Quality (Pollution) Control (Runoff) Distribution of water Water management districts (WMD)

Fish and Wildlife Resources Non-domesticated animals either game or nongame Also can include uncultivated plant life Potential issues related to ag: Protected species Extinction Predation

Forest Resources Both commercial (for sale/profit) and noncommercial forests Produces timber  wood products Good forest management: timber is grown to be harvested and replanted Potential issues related to ag: Deforestation

Energy Resources Almost all energy for life comes from the sun (solar energy), directly or indirectly Other sources: Wind & Fossil Fuels non-metallic minerals - Coal, Natural Gas, Petroleum, etc.

Mineral Resources Metallic ores: Other non-metallic minerals: copper, aluminum, zinc, tin, etc. Other non-metallic minerals: Mica, limestone, graphite

Mineral Resources Play a HUGE role in agricultural technology Tools, machinery, buildings, etc. Mineral fertilizers and essential micronutrients

Recreational Resources Forests, lakes, beaches, mountains, parks, game animals and fish. Places to relax, enjoy life, & enjoy nature.

Recreational Resources Farmlands complement recreational areas by providing important habitat for wildlife as well as scenic views

Resource Types

Types of Resources There are three main types: Nonexhaustible Renewable Exhaustible/Nonrenewable

Nonexhaustible resources Can last forever regardless of human activities Example: water- quality may change, but the amount of water is unchanging and permanent, regardless of what we do

Renewable Resources Resources that can be replaced by human efforts Can still be used up Example: Forest- humans can plant trees to replace ones that we use

Nonrenewable/Exhaustible Resources Resources that exist in finite quantities, they do no renew themselves, once they are gone, they are gone. Not all have a practical limit (coal)- there is a limited amount, but it is a huge amount Examples: oil, coal, soil