Explanation The contribution to industrialized agriculture in water pollution, air pollution, and climate change is large and it is caused due to the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Pollution is caused when synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are mixed with air and water. After harvesting the crops, the pile is cleared by burning and it leads to the release of smoke and a high concentration of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Since carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, its increase in the level of carbon dioxide results in global warming. The excess use of fertilizer causes pollution of water and it is referred as over fertilization. Since 1940, the use of fertilizer has increased by 45 times and it results in the contribution of more amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus into the environment. Nitrates present in fertilizers percolate into aquifers through soil. This results in the pollution of groundwater. A large area is required for crop production in industrialized agriculture. For the establishment of agriculture fields, a large area of forests is burned and cleared. This poses a threat to biodiversity. Agrobiodiversity involves the production of food using a genetic variety of animals and plant species on farms. According to the studies, it was estimated that 75% of the genetic varieties of crops had been lost since 1900 due to cross-breeding of the animals. This leads to a decrease in a wide variety of genes from a population. Another reason for this is the increased usage of genetically engineered crops. By genetic engineering in food production, food security can be improved. However, it also causes many side effects. It includes the formation of chemical toxic substances that are dangerous to humans and some insects. Also, the promised yield increases from the use of genetically modified crops that have not materialized. For the first few years, a small increase can be visible. However, it will be reduced later. Genetically modified crops may threaten the soil and the other parts of the biosphere. Green revolution is limited by the change in climate and population growth. The crops become unable to absorb nutrients from synthetic fertilizers and irrigate water for a long period of time. The soil erosion reduces the fertility of soil and thereby limits also the green revolution. One important problem resulting due to organic farming is the leaching of nitrate into groundwater from composted manure, which is used as a natural fertilizer. Large-scale composting leads to the formation of various greenhouse gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. Another disadvantage is that some organic farmers opt plowing to control weeds instead of herbicides. As a result, the soil is damaged and it leads to soil erosion and loss of soil nutrients...

The contribution of industrialized agriculture to current and projected climate change. Explain the way in which synthetic fertilizer use has increased and list two effects of over fertilization. Explain the way in which industrialized food production systems have caused losses in biodiversity. Definition of agrobiodiversity and the way in which it is being affected by industrialized food production. List the advantages and disadvantages of using genetic engineering in food production. The factors that can limit green revolutions. Compare the benefits and drawbacks of organic agriculture. Define no-till farming. Compare the benefits and harmful effects of industrialized meat production. Explain the connection between feeding livestock and the formation of ocean dead zones. Compare the benefits and harmful effects of aquaculture.

EBK LIVING IN THE ENVIRONMENT

19th Edition

ISBN: 9781337516082

Author: Miller

Publisher: CENGAGE LEARNING - CONSIGNMENT

See similar textbooks

Question

Chapter 12, Problem 6CR

To determine

The contribution of industrialized agriculture to current and projected climate change. Explain the way in which synthetic fertilizer use has increased and list two effects of over fertilization. Explain the way in which industrialized food production systems have caused losses in biodiversity. Definition of agrobiodiversity and the way in which it is being affected by industrialized food production. List the advantages and disadvantages of using genetic engineering in food production. The factors that can limit green revolutions. Compare the benefits and drawbacks of organic agriculture. Define no-till farming. Compare the benefits and harmful effects of industrialized meat production. Explain the connection between feeding livestock and the formation of ocean dead zones. Compare the benefits and harmful effects of aquaculture.

Expert Solution & Answer

Trending nowThis is a popular solution!

See solution

Check out sample textbook solution

Chapter 12, Problem 5CR

Chapter 12, Problem 7CR

Knowledge Booster

Recommended textbooks for you

Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134746241
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Exercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134041360
Author:Greg Carbone
Publisher:PEARSON
Environmental Science
Earth Science
ISBN:9781260153125
Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham Professor
Publisher:McGraw-Hill Education
Earth Science (15th Edition)
Earth Science
ISBN:9780134543536
Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. Tasa
Publisher:PEARSON
Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)
Earth Science
ISBN:9781337569613
Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Physical Geology
Earth Science
ISBN:9781259916823
Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, Lisa
Publisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,