Land and Water Use

FEEDING A GROWING POPULATION

Human Nutritional Requirements

Calories – Male – Female Nutrition – Protein: – Carbohydrate: – Fat:

Human Nutritional Requirements Food source – 100 species of plants (350,000 available) Wheat and rice supply over half human Calories – 8 animal species supply 90% of world’s needs

Types of Agriculture

Soil Prep 1)High input: 2)Subsistence: 3)Tillage: 4)Low Till, no till:

Types of Agriculture Crop type 1)Crop Rotation: 2)Monoculture: 3)Polyculture:

Green Revolution

Genetically Engineered Crops 75% of all crops are genetically engineered – Pest, drought, mold, salinity resistance – Higher protein yield – Higher vitamin content

Genetically Engineered Crops Pros a) b) c) d) e) f) Cons a) b) c) d) e) f)

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Main Goals

Efficient Use of Inputs

Selection of Site, Species, and Variety Pest-resistant crops Location (climate, topography) Soil type and depth Previous crop history “Do your homework”

Species Diversity Reduces economic risk Can improve soil Optimum diversity – livestock and crops

Soil Management Reduces need for: Reduces issues:

Soil Management Managing Soil – Cover crops – Compost/manure – Reduce tillage – Maintain soil cover – plants/mulch – Regular additions of organic matter

Relevant Laws Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 1985 – Farmers paid for land placed in reserve Food Security Act 1985 – Farmers must develop and implement soil conservation programs to remain eligible for subsidies, etc Farm Security and Rural Investment Act – Subsidies: price supports and farm income

CONTROLLING PESTS

Types of Pesticides How pesticides differ

Types of Pesticides Biological – Living organisms – Ladybugs Carbamates (urethanes) – Affect nervous system – Very water soluble – Potent (100g = 2000g DDT)

Types of Pesticides Chlorinated hydrocarbons (DDT) – Affect nervous system – Persistent Can remain in ecosystem for up to 15 years Fumigants – Sterilize soil – Prevent pest infestation of stored grain

Types of Pesticides Inorganic – mercury, lead, copper – Highly toxic – Accumulate Organics (natural) – Derived from plants (chrysanthemum)

Types of Pesticides Organophosphates - Dursban – Extremely toxic – affects nervous system – Not persistent in environment

Costs and Benefits Many pests have increased in numbers –

Pros of Pesticides Kill unwanted pests that cause disease Increased food supplies More food means less expensive Newer pesticides are safer and more specific Reduced labor cost Agriculture is more profitable

Cons of Pesticides Accumulate in food chains Pests develop resistance $5-10 in damage done environmentally for every $1 spent Expensive Biomagnification in aquatic environments (runoff) Ineffective – only 5% reaches a pest Threatens endangered species, pollinators, human health

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Pest control strategy that uses many methods Reduce or eliminate traditional pesticides Goal is to control numbers, not eradicate

Relevant Laws Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, & Rodenticide Control Act (FIFRA) 1947 – Regulates manufacture and use of pesticides Federal Environmental Pesticides Control Act 1972 – Requires registration of all pesticides in US commerce

Relevant Laws Food Quality Protection Act 1996 – Emphasizes protection of infants and children in reference to pesticide residue in food

Irrigation

¾ of all freshwater Use depends on climate and industrialization Up to 70% of irrigation water is lost –

Drip irrigation Reduces water loss through evaporation Expensive to install Used on 1% of crops worldwide

Sustainable Irrigation Limits Increased costs Depletion of current sources Competition from urban areas Restoration of wetlands and fisheries Salinization