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D4.2.7—Agriculture sustainability factors

Agricultural sustainability depends on conserving soil, nutrients, water, biodiversity, and carbon while maintaining food production over repeated harvests and seasons.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D4.2.7
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing3%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2024
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks2–6

Common command terms

  • Discuss
  • Distinguish

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Treating fertilizer use as only beneficial, without considering phosphate depletion, leaching, and eutrophication.

Recent exam appearances

May 2024Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ219[ 6 ]D4.2.7—Agriculture sustainability factors
November 2018Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ08(a)[ 3 ]D4.2.7—Agriculture sustainability factors
May 2017Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ116(a)[ 2 ]D4.2.7—Agriculture sustainability factors
Practice this objective

Coverage 2017–2024 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Harvesting crops removes nutrients, so agricultural systems need replacement or recycling to maintain production.
  • Natural ecosystems often remain more sustainable because biodiversity and nutrient cycling are stronger.
  • Phosphate fertilizers can increase yield while also creating depletion and eutrophication risks.
ConceptIB Biology HL