Crops: Growing Problems
Students will explore how crops are grown in industrial agriculture and how those practices impact human health and ecosystems. This lesson also covers the importance of soil, freshwater, and biodiversity in agriculture. In later lessons, students will learn in more detail about ecological alternatives to industrial crop production.
Research tool Resources
Agriculture is built upon fertile soil, a favorable climate, ample freshwater, a diversity of plant and animal species... They are also endangered by depletion, disruption, or disease. Finding ways to better preserve the health of agricultural ecosystems is key to the long-term sustainability of our food supply.
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The 20th century saw the rapid growth of industrial agriculture—a model of farming characterized by specialization, mechanization, a heavy reliance on chemical and pharmaceutical inputs, and a shift toward fewer and larger farms. In many countries, including the U.S., the industrial model has become the dominant one.
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Food takes a complex journey from farms, ranches, and waterways to our plates. The route to our plates is further influenced by the decisions of businesses, scientists, policymakers, and consumers. The people, activities, inputs, outputs, and outcomes involved in getting Ashley’s meals onto her plate are all part of the food system.
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In the early 1900s, more than half of Americans were either farmers or lived in rural communities. Most U.S. farms were diversified, meaning they produced a variety of crops and animal species together on the same farm, in complementary ways. Farmers were skilled in a wide range of trades ................
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