Agriculture, or farming, greatly changes our soil and land. These changes can be good or bad for our environment. It’s important for Year 12 students to learn about these effects and how humans impact nature.
Soil Erosion: When we farm intensively or cut down trees, it makes soil erosion happen faster. A group called the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says we lose about $24 billion worth of soil every year because of traditional farming methods. In some places, soil loss can be as high as 12 tons per hectare each year.
Nutrient Depletion: Growing the same crops over and over takes away important nutrients from the soil. Research shows that in places like North America, soil quality can drop by up to 50% in just a few decades because of this. When soil loses its nutrients, farmers often have to use more chemical fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment.
Soil Compaction: Using heavy machines in farming can squash the soil down. This compacting makes it harder for air and water to get through. Compacted soil can cause plants to grow less and can keep water from soaking in. Studies show this can cut farm productivity by about 20%.
Land Use Change: As farming spreads, forests are often cut down to make room for fields. This change can affect wildlife and reduce the ability of plants to absorb carbon from the air. Every decade, about 1.2 million square kilometers of forest are turned into farmland around the world.
Water Drainage and Irrigation: When farmers set up systems to water their crops, it changes the land and how water moves. According to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), around 70% of the world’s freshwater is used for irrigation. Using too much water can damage the soil and make it less suitable for crops.
Terracing and Embankments: In hilly areas, farmers create flat steps, called terraces, to help reduce soil erosion and keep moisture in the soil. For instance, in the Andes mountains, these terraces help keep rainwater from running off too quickly, which allows crops to grow better on steep slopes.
In summary, farming has a big effect on our soil and land. This creates various human impacts on our physical environment. Finding a balance between growing food and protecting our environment is crucial for future generations. By learning about these changes, we can understand why it’s important to use sustainable farming practices that help protect our planet.
Agriculture, or farming, greatly changes our soil and land. These changes can be good or bad for our environment. It’s important for Year 12 students to learn about these effects and how humans impact nature.
Soil Erosion: When we farm intensively or cut down trees, it makes soil erosion happen faster. A group called the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says we lose about $24 billion worth of soil every year because of traditional farming methods. In some places, soil loss can be as high as 12 tons per hectare each year.
Nutrient Depletion: Growing the same crops over and over takes away important nutrients from the soil. Research shows that in places like North America, soil quality can drop by up to 50% in just a few decades because of this. When soil loses its nutrients, farmers often have to use more chemical fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment.
Soil Compaction: Using heavy machines in farming can squash the soil down. This compacting makes it harder for air and water to get through. Compacted soil can cause plants to grow less and can keep water from soaking in. Studies show this can cut farm productivity by about 20%.
Land Use Change: As farming spreads, forests are often cut down to make room for fields. This change can affect wildlife and reduce the ability of plants to absorb carbon from the air. Every decade, about 1.2 million square kilometers of forest are turned into farmland around the world.
Water Drainage and Irrigation: When farmers set up systems to water their crops, it changes the land and how water moves. According to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), around 70% of the world’s freshwater is used for irrigation. Using too much water can damage the soil and make it less suitable for crops.
Terracing and Embankments: In hilly areas, farmers create flat steps, called terraces, to help reduce soil erosion and keep moisture in the soil. For instance, in the Andes mountains, these terraces help keep rainwater from running off too quickly, which allows crops to grow better on steep slopes.
In summary, farming has a big effect on our soil and land. This creates various human impacts on our physical environment. Finding a balance between growing food and protecting our environment is crucial for future generations. By learning about these changes, we can understand why it’s important to use sustainable farming practices that help protect our planet.