APHG Unit 5 Agriculture Flashcards

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First Agricultural Revolution

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The shift from hunter-gatherer societies to sedentary farming in the Neolithic period marks the First Agricultural Revolution. This transition enabled population growth, specialization, and permanent settlements. It laid the foundation for civilizations by supporting larger, more organized communities.

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Second Agricultural Revolution

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A period during the Industrial Era marked by mechanization, crop rotation, and enclosure. These changes boosted yields, accelerated urbanization, and supported larger, market-oriented farms. It helped create the farm-to-city connection essential for industrialized economies.

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Green Revolution

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Mid-20th century diffusion of high-yield crop varieties and modern inputs like fertilizers and irrigation. It dramatically increased food production in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Latin America. The revolution also intensified disparities and raised environmental concerns such as soil degradation and water use.

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Commercial farming

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Large-scale, market-oriented farming often geared toward supplying national and international markets. It emphasizes economies of scale, capital inputs, and integration with processing and distribution networks. It is common in developed economies and increasingly in global agribusiness.

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Subsistence farming

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Farming primarily for household consumption with limited surplus for sale. Production decisions are often guided by local needs, with little reliance on external markets. It remains a dominant form of farming in many developing regions where access to markets and capital is constrained.

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Intensive subsistence

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High labor input to maximize yield from small plots, often in densely populated regions of Asia and the Pacific. Practices may include wet rice farming, irrigation, and fertilizer use. The focus is on achieving high yields per unit area rather than selling large surpluses.

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Pastoral nomadism

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Mobile or semi-mobile herding of livestock in arid and semi-arid regions. Livelihoods depend on seasonal migrations to access pastures and water. Sedentary cultivation is less common in these systems.

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Shifting cultivation

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Also known as slash-and-burn, practiced in tropical forests. Farmers clear land, burn vegetation, and plant for a few years before moving to a new plot. Yields are often low, and long-term sustainability depends on fallow periods.

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Plantations

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Large estates growing cash crops for export, such as coffee, tea, sugarcane, or cotton. They are often located in less developed regions and rely on plantation labor systems. They are characterized by monoculture and global commodity markets.

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Mixed crop and livestock

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Farm systems that cultivate crops while also raising livestock on the same farm. The integration supports nutrient cycling and diversification of outputs. It is common in many regions with moderate climates.

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Dairy and horticulture

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Specialized farming focused on dairy products or high-value fruits, vegetables, and flowers. It often requires greater capital, infrastructure, and access to markets. It contributes to agricultural diversity and value-added production.

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Agribusiness

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The integration of agriculture into a broader industrial system from seeds and inputs to processing and distribution. It shapes policy, investment, and global supply chains. Debates center on GMOs, patents, fair trade, and distribution of benefits and risks.

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Global food systems

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Networks that connect production, processing, distribution, and consumption across borders. They enable rapid trade and specialization but can create vulnerabilities in food security. Policy and trade rules influence how food moves globally.

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Von Thünen model

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A theoretical model explaining how land rent declines with distance to the market, producing concentric rings of agricultural land use. Transportation costs shape what gets produced near or far from markets. In reality, policy, technology, and environment modify the model, but the core idea remains useful; $dR/dd < 0$ indicates rent falls with distance, where $R$ is land rent and $d$ is distance to market.

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Wet rice farming

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A form of intensive subsistence agriculture focused on growing rice in flooded fields. It requires substantial labor, irrigation, and terrace or puddled field systems. It is common in East and Southeast Asia with high population densities.

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Cash crops

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Crops produced for export and sale rather than for local consumption, such as coffee, tea, sugarcane, and cotton. They are often grown on large-scale plantations or commercial farms in tropical regions. Dependence on global markets can make economies vulnerable to price fluctuations.

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Mediterranean agriculture

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Agriculture in regions around the Mediterranean Basin with crops like olives and grapes. It features mild, wet winters and dry summers ideal for perennial crops. It also supports horticulture and wine production.

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Urban agriculture

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Agriculture practiced within urban areas, including rooftop gardens, community plots, and school gardens. It expands local food production, shortens supply chains, and can improve food security. It complements rural farming by diversifying food sources.

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Rooftop gardens

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A form of urban agriculture established on building rooftops. They utilize limited space to grow vegetables and herbs and can contribute to urban resilience and green infrastructure. They often rely on soil-less or container growing systems.

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Drip irrigation

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A water-efficient irrigation method delivering water directly to plant roots through emitters or hoses. It reduces water waste and supports sustainable agriculture, especially in arid regions. It often requires installation and management but increases crop yields with precise watering.

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GMOs

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Genetically modified organisms engineered to enhance traits such as yield, pest resistance, or drought tolerance. They are controversial due to ecological, ethical, and health concerns and are subject to regulatory assessments. Proponents cite productivity gains and farmer benefits, while critics warn of dependence and biodiversity issues.

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CRISPR

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A gene-editing technology enabling precise modifications to DNA in living organisms. It has potential to improve crops by adding traits quickly and selectively. Governance, safety, and public perception shape its adoption and impact on agriculture.

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Biotech patents

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Patents protecting biotechnological inventions, including seeds, organisms, and processes. They influence access, innovation, and pricing within the agricultural sector. Critics argue they can limit farmers' choices and increase corporate control over seeds.