Practice AP Environmental Science questions on Green Revolution strategies, mechanization, GMOs, irrigation, fertilization, pesticides, and crop yields.
The active ingredients in many pesticides are chemical compounds that kill organisms such as insects, molds, and weeds. Proponents claim that the use of pesticides improves crop yields and thus protects land and soil by reducing the conversion of forests and wetlands to cropland. Opponents of pesticide use claim that pesticides degrade water and soil quality and that other modern agricultural techniques and practices are responsible for the improved crop yields in recent years.
Describe TWO agricultural practices, other than those involving pest control, that increase crop yields.
(2 points: 1 point for each correct practice described; only the first two practices mentioned can earn points)
The following are acceptable with a suitable description of the practice or how the results of the practice would increase crop yields:
- Develop and plant high-yielding varieties of crops.
- Plant high-yielding genetically modified varieties of crops.
- Plant monocultures (monocropping).
- Plant polycultures.
- Rotate crops.
- Intercropping (alley cropping).
- Use irrigation systems.
- Apply fertilizers.
- Amend soil with organic material (e.g., compost, manure, mulch).
- Keep land in constant production (multiple cropping).
- Use modern farm equipment (e.g., tractors, harvesters).
- Grow crops in greenhouses.
- Grow crops hydroponically.
- Terracing of slopes.
- Contour plowing.
- Plant windbreaks or shelterbelts.
- Plow or till soil.
- Till soil with lower frequency (low-till or no-till).
- Slash and burn farming practices.
- Plant cover crops.
- Other appropriate examples may also earn points.