Bellringer What types of crops are appropriate for our area? What things would be needed for a healthy crop?

Crops and Soil Section 15.2 Objectives: 1.Describe land-use practices that promote sustainability and economic growth. 2.Identifying ways to manage waste. 3.Describe the composition of soil profiles. 4.Identifying various processes and activities that promote soil formation. 5.Describe agents of erosion and methods for preventing soil erosion.

Agriculture Arable land: see your vocabulary for def. Basic farming process Traditional methods Modern methods PlowingRead p.384 to fill in this chart Fertilization Irrigation Pest control

Fertile Soil Can support healthy plant growth Topsoil: –surface layer of soil; –usually richer in organic matter than the subsoil; –where plant roots grow Formation of fertile soil: –Weathered rock particles supply mineral nutrients. –Fungi and bacteria for decomposition –Earthworms, insects, and small animals break up the soil, allowing air and water into it.

Soil Profile (Fig. 8, p.385)

Assignment Fold your paper in half hotdog style. Draw and color a soil profile showing details of all 6 layers. (Your drawing should take up the whole front of your folded paper.) Cut the layers apart, creating 6 flaps. On the inside, label and describe each layer. (Example: O Horizon/Surface litter – fallen leaves and dead animals)

Soil Erosion and Land Degradation Erosion: the wearing away of rock or soil by wind or water In the U.S., ½ the topsoil has been lost to erosion in the past 200 years. Why is this a problem? –It takes a long time to form soil. –Without fertile topsoil, crops cannot be supported. Most farming methods make erosion worse!!! Land degradation – damaging land so that it can no longer support the local ecosystem.

Soil Erosion and Land Degradation (cont.) Desertification: the process by which land in arid or semiarid areas becomes more desertlike Human causes of desertification: –Overplanting – planting too many crops too frequently –Not enough fallow time (when land is left unplanted to allow it to recover) –Overgrazing, which eliminates plants that hold topsoil in place

Real-Life Examples Northern Africa Dust Bowl, 1930’s

Soil Conservation Methods In which direction would soil erode on any degree of slope? Ways to reduce erosion on sloped land: –Terracing – stairsteps of level field areas going up a hill –Contour plowing – plowing along the natural contour of the land

Soil Conservation Methods (cont.) No-till farming: –Leave crop remains to hold soil in place. –Also saves time –Soil may become too densely packed and lower crop yields.

Enriching the Soil Traditionally vs. Chemically –Advantages of each –Disadvantages of each Compost: partially decomposed organic material (both plant and animal!)

Salinization: Def.: the accumulation of salts in soil A problem in areas of low rainfall –Irrigation water comes from rivers or groundwater (saltier than rainwater) –When water evaporates, the salts remain behind, accumulating in the soil. –Too much salt = plants cannot grow

Assignment Both wars and drought can lead to famine. In what ways do they have similar effects, and in what ways are their effects different? Write a paragraph to explain your answers.

Pest Control In North America, pests destroy about 13% of all crops; in Kenya, more than 25%; more than 33% worldwide. Why the differences? Pest: any organism that occurs where it is not wanted or that occurs in large enough numbers to cause economic damage – NOT limited to insects! Pest control is one benefit of crop rotation. (Know why! – p.389)

Pesticides: Def.: ??? Can also harm beneficial plants and insects, wildlife, and people Disadvantages of pesticide use: –Pests may develop resistance to chemicals. –Human health concerns (cancer, nervous system disorders, etc.) –Persistent pesticides (pesticides that do not break down rapidly) accumulate in the water and soil. (EX; DDT, banned in the ’70’s, still detected in environment and breast milk)

Biological Pest Control: Def.: Using living organism to control pests. All organisms have natural enemies! Types of biological pest control: 1.Pathogens: organisms that cause disease (EX: Bt, a bactrium, kills caterpillars of moths and butterflies) 2.Plant defenses: chemical compounds that repel insects, plants barriers such as tougher skin 3.Disrupting insect breeding Growth regulators: interfere with some stage of an insect’s life cycle Pheromones: can be used to confuse mating habits Expose males to x-rays to sterilize them

Genetic Engineering: Def.: genetic material in a living cell is modified for medical or industrial use Plants created by genetic engineering are called genetically modified (GM) plants. These plants are usually bred for their resistance.

Sustainable Agriculture What do you think the phrase “sustainable agriculture” means? What techniques/products/resources do you think would be limited (used in limited amounts or not at all) in this type of farming? What techniques would be used more?

GM Foods Project Assignment