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Urban agriculture can offer many benefits, especially in terms of improved food security. However, as with any system, there are potential downsides which can reduce or even eliminate the potential benefits. Such issues are especially prevalent in developing lands and in areas affected by poverty where effective infrastructure, e.g. regulation, sanitation or education, has not …
Continue reading "the disadvantages associated with urban agriculture"
Agriculture has been a part of urban spaces since man began establishing towns and cities. However, as populations grew, agriculture needed to be outsourced to rural or urban spaces to meet the growing demand of urban citizens. While it may still be necessary to produce more calorie-dense and space-intensive crops, e.g. grains and trees, growing …
Genuine organic agriculture is rooted in four main principles: ecology: both ecological systems and cycles should be supported health: the well-being of both flora and fauna should be sustainedfairness: providing common and just environment and life opportunitiescare: the management of natural resources that is both precautionary and responsible for the benefit of current and future generations, as well as the …
Continue reading "intercropping in organic agricultural systems"
Organic agriculture is the counter movement to conventional agriculture that supports a more natural relationship between production and the environment in which production takes place. To support this relationship and reduce the negative impact of horticulture and agriculture, there are four main principles: CareFairness EcologyHealth These principles influence the practices of organic producers. Accordingly, there are …
Sustainable agriculture has become increasingly supported by citizens and farmers alike. According to the United States’ 1990 Farm Bill, for agriculture to be sustainable agriculture it meets the following requirements: Production must satisfy the human need for food and fibersEnvironmental quality and natural resource base that the agricultural economy depends upon must be enhancedQuality of …
Continue reading "sustainable agriculture defined and discussed"
Industrial agriculture is a form of food production that treats a farm like a factory that produces animal products. The primary objective of factory farming is to maximize yield and profit. Economic rewards generally supersede environmental, health, and animal welfare concerns. To enjoy the benefits of economies of scale, factory farming must be large-scale …
Technology has become a dominant part of our everyday lives and our food production system is no exception. Accordingly, since the turn of the 20th century, the standard approach to production has shifted from extensive production to intensive production as businesses have opted to replace natural services with technology. In this respect, intensive livestock production …
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