AP Human Geo: Intensive Agriculture Definition + Examples

intensive agriculture definition ap human geography

AP Human Geo: Intensive Agriculture Definition + Examples

This agricultural practice focuses on maximizing yield from available land through substantial inputs of capital and labor. Characterized by high levels of technology and management, this system often utilizes fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation to achieve increased output. An example includes paddy rice farming in Southeast Asia, where significant labor and water management lead to high yields per acre.

The significance of this approach lies in its capacity to support large populations in relatively small areas and contribute to economic development through increased agricultural production. Historically, the adoption of such practices has been linked to periods of population growth and urbanization. Efficient land utilization and high productivity are primary benefits. However, it also brings environmental concerns, such as soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, which must be addressed.

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What is Extensive Agriculture? AP Human Geography Definition

extensive agriculture definition ap human geography

What is Extensive Agriculture? AP Human Geography Definition

Agricultural practices that involve relatively little capital and labor input compared to the size of the land area being farmed are classified as such. These systems typically yield lower outputs per land unit compared to intensive agricultural practices. A common example includes ranching in arid or semi-arid regions, where vast tracts of land are needed to sustain livestock due to low forage productivity.

The importance of these lower-intensity systems lies in their ability to operate in environments unsuitable for more intensive farming methods. Benefits may include preservation of certain ecosystems and lower initial investment costs for the farmer. Historically, this form of agriculture predates the widespread adoption of fertilizers, irrigation, and mechanized equipment, and it remains a vital component of food production in many parts of the world.

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9+ What is Plantation Agriculture? AP Human Geography Definition

plantation agriculture ap human geography definition

9+ What is Plantation Agriculture? AP Human Geography Definition

A form of commercial farming specializing in the cultivation of one or two high-demand crops for export, often found in less developed countries, is characterized by large-scale operations utilizing significant labor inputs. These agricultural systems frequently focus on commodities like coffee, sugarcane, bananas, or rubber. An example includes extensive banana farms in Central America established and operated by multinational corporations.

This agricultural model has historically played a significant role in shaping global trade patterns and economic development. Its impact extends beyond mere crop production, influencing land use, labor relations, and social structures in the regions where it is practiced. Understanding its legacy is crucial for analyzing contemporary agricultural landscapes and their associated challenges.

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9+ Defining Mediterranean Agriculture: AP Human Geography

mediterranean agriculture ap human geography definition

9+ Defining Mediterranean Agriculture: AP Human Geography

A specialized agricultural system, prevalent in regions with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, focuses on crops adapted to these specific climatic conditions. Examples include grapes, olives, figs, citrus fruits, and various vegetables. This agricultural practice is commonly found in areas surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, as well as in California, parts of South Africa, and Australia.

This type of farming offers several benefits, including efficient utilization of land unsuitable for other crops due to limited summer rainfall. It has a long and rich history, with many of its characteristic crops being cultivated for millennia, playing a significant role in the culture and economy of the regions where it is practiced. This system supports biodiversity through crop diversification and contributes to sustainable land management when implemented responsibly.

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9+ AP Human Geography: Sustainable Agriculture Defined!

sustainable agriculture definition ap human geography

9+ AP Human Geography: Sustainable Agriculture Defined!

A method of farming focuses on long-term ecological balance, preventing depletion of natural resources. This approach seeks to meet current food and textile needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Practices may include crop rotation, reduced tillage, integrated pest management, and water conservation. For instance, a farm that rotates corn with soybeans and uses cover crops to prevent soil erosion exemplifies this practice.

This farming approach is essential for mitigating environmental degradation, promoting biodiversity, and ensuring food security in the face of climate change. Historically, many traditional farming systems were inherently sustainable, but the industrial revolution led to practices prioritizing yield over environmental health. This has highlighted the need to reverse negative effects and promote resource management.

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6+ Slash & Burn: AP Human Geography Definition & More

slash and burn agriculture definition ap human geography

6+ Slash & Burn: AP Human Geography Definition & More

A traditional agricultural technique involves clearing land for cultivation by cutting down and burning vegetation. The resulting ash provides a temporary source of nutrients for crops. This method is often practiced in tropical regions, particularly in areas with nutrient-poor soils, as a means of creating arable land for farming. For example, communities in the Amazon rainforest may employ this practice to grow crops like corn, beans, and cassava.

This farming system has historically allowed small-scale farmers to sustain themselves by using land that would otherwise be unproductive. The practice, when implemented on a small scale and with long fallow periods, can be relatively sustainable, allowing the forest to regenerate and the soil to recover its fertility. However, increased population pressure and deforestation have led to shortened fallow periods, resulting in soil degradation and environmental concerns, including habitat loss and increased carbon emissions.

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7+ Agriculture, Food & Resources: Definition + More

agriculture food and natural resources definition

7+ Agriculture, Food & Resources: Definition + More

The integrated system encompassing the cultivation of plants and rearing of animals for sustenance, alongside the management of naturally occurring assets, forms the foundation of human survival and societal development. This holistic approach involves a complex interplay between biological processes, ecological considerations, and human intervention to yield consumable products and maintain environmental integrity. Examples include crop production, animal husbandry, forestry, fisheries, and the conservation of soil, water, and biodiversity.

The significance of this interconnected system lies in its provision of essential elements for human well-being: nourishment, materials for shelter and clothing, and economic stability. Historically, the transition to settled societies was driven by the domestication of plants and animals, leading to increased food security and allowing for specialization and the development of complex social structures. Sustainable practices within this domain are crucial for mitigating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring long-term food security for a growing global population.

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9+ Sustainable Agriculture: AP Human Geography Definition

sustainable agriculture ap human geography definition

9+ Sustainable Agriculture: AP Human Geography Definition

Agricultural practices that prioritize environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility represent a key focus within human geography. This approach seeks to meet present food and fiber needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Examples include crop rotation, integrated pest management, and water conservation techniques that minimize environmental impact while maintaining productivity.

This method’s significance lies in its ability to mitigate negative consequences often associated with conventional farming, such as soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. It offers long-term benefits, contributing to healthier ecosystems, more resilient farming communities, and enhanced food security. Historically, many traditional farming systems incorporated elements of ecological balance; contemporary strategies build upon these principles, often integrating modern technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental footprints.

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9+ AP Human Geo: Organic Agriculture Definition & More

organic agriculture definition ap human geography

9+ AP Human Geo: Organic Agriculture Definition & More

A system of agricultural production that prioritizes ecological sustainability, biodiversity, and natural processes defines a specific farming approach. This method emphasizes the use of renewable resources, soil and water conservation, and responsible animal husbandry, while strictly limiting synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides. An example would be a farm utilizing crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control instead of relying on manufactured substances to enhance yields and manage pests.

This agricultural philosophy holds significance due to its potential positive impacts on environmental health, human health, and rural economies. Benefits include reduced pollution, improved soil fertility, and enhanced biodiversity. Historically, this method represents a return to farming practices that predate the industrial revolution’s emphasis on maximizing yields through synthetic means. This shift is driven by growing consumer demand for healthier food and increasing awareness of the environmental consequences of conventional agriculture.

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8+ What is Agriculture? PDF Definition + Uses

definition of agriculture pdf

8+ What is Agriculture? PDF Definition + Uses

The formal explanation of cultivating land and rearing livestock for sustenance and economic gain, when documented in a Portable Document Format, provides a readily accessible and distributable resource. Such documents typically delineate the scope of agricultural practices, encompassing crop production, animal husbandry, and related activities like soil management and irrigation. An example would be a government publication outlining best practices for sustainable farming techniques, readily downloadable and shareable among farmers.

These readily available resources are crucial for disseminating knowledge, promoting best practices, and ensuring consistency in understanding and implementing agricultural policies. Historically, printed materials served this purpose, but the electronic format offers significant advantages in terms of accessibility, searchability, and cost-effectiveness. The digital format enables wider distribution, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional print media, thereby fostering increased productivity and improved resource management.

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