Traditional & Modern Agricultural Practices (HL IB ESS OLD COURSE - IGNORE)
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Traditional Agricultural Practices
Nomadic pastoralism
Nomadic pastoralism is a form of agriculture where livestock is herded to different pastures in a seasonal cycle
For example, Bedouin tribes in the Middle East traditionally move their camels, goats and sheep across desert regions to find grazing land
Characteristics:
Relies on natural pasture and water sources
Adapted to arid or semi-arid environments
Minimal permanent settlements
Seasonal changes control movement
Slash-and-burn agriculture (shifting cultivation)
Slash-and-burn agriculture is a method of agriculture where forests are cut down and burned
Crops are grown on the cleared land for a few years until the soil is depleted of nutrients
For example, Indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest traditionally practice slash-and-burn to grow crops like cassava and maize
Characteristics:
Sustainable in low-density populations
Allows regeneration of forest over time
Relies on a rotating cycle of land use
Challenges with traditional practices
Environmental impacts:
Deforestation and loss of biodiversity from slash-and-burn
Overgrazing and soil erosion can occasionally result from nomadic pastoralism
Modernisation and population growth:
Traditional agricultural methods become unsustainable as populations grow and land becomes scarce
Indigenous cultures are increasingly transitioning to more sedentary lifestyles
This leads to overuse of land and resources
The Green Revolution
What was the Green Revolution?
The Green Revolution refers to a series of research, development and technology initiatives that took place between the 1950s and 1960s
These initiatives aimed to increase agricultural production and food security globally
It is also known as the Third Agricultural Revolution
Key initiatives of the Green Revolution
High-yielding varieties (HYVs):
Breeding of crops like wheat, rice and maize to produce higher yields
E.g. IR8 rice, known as 'Miracle Rice', developed in the Philippines
Improved irrigation systems:
Development and expansion of irrigation infrastructure
Helped transform arid and semi-arid lands into highly productive agricultural areas
E.g. the Indus Basin Irrigation System in Pakistan
Synthetic fertilisers:
Use of chemical fertilisers to provide essential nutrients to crops
The production of synthetic fertilisers is dependent on nitrogen fixation
This means their production relies on fossil fuels
Pesticides:
Application of chemical pesticides to protect crops from pests and diseases
Positive consequences of the Green Revolution
Increased food production:
Significant increase in crop yields and food availability
Helped alleviate hunger and food shortages in many regions
Economic growth:
Boosted agricultural economies and increased farmer incomes
For example, Mexico became a major wheat exporter due to Green Revolution practices
Technological advancements:
Led to further agricultural research and innovation
Negative consequences of the Green Revolution
Environmental impacts:
The overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides led to soil degradation and water pollution
Loss of biodiversity due to intense monoculture practices
Economic inequality:
Resulted in greater economic benefits for larger, wealthier farmers compared to small-scale farmers
Increased debt for farmers who could not afford new technologies
Sociocultural effects:
Displacement and loss of traditional farming practices
Increase in rural to urban migration due to changes in agricultural labour demands
Selective implementation:
The Green Revolution was not universal
It did not reach all developing nations
Regions without access to necessary resources and infrastructure saw limited benefits
Synthetic Fertilisers & Sustainable Methods
Synthetic fertilisers
Synthetic fertilisers are chemical compounds applied to soil to supply essential nutrients for plant growth
Their purpose is to maintain high commercial productivity in intensive farming systems
Advantages:
Immediate nutrient supply to crops
Increased crop yields and faster growth
Disadvantages:
Soil degradation over time
Water pollution from runoff
Dependency on fossil fuels for production
Sustainable methods for improving soil fertility
In sustainable agriculture, there are many alternative methods for improving soil fertility
Sustainable Methods for Improving Soil Fertility
Method | Definition | Benefits |
---|---|---|
Fallowing | Leaving land uncultivated for a period | Allows soil to recover and regain nutrients Reduces need for synthetic fertilisers |
Organic Fertiliser | Using manure from farm animals or human waste (humanure) | Improves soil structure and fertility Reduces need for synthetic fertilisers |
Herbal Mixed Leys | Planting a mixture of herbs and grasses | Provides diverse nutrients to the soil Improves soil health and biodiversity |
Mycorrhizae | Symbiotic fungi that enhance plant nutrient uptake | Increases plant access to nutrients Reduces need for synthetic fertilisers |
Continuous Cover Forestry | Maintaining a continuous canopy of trees | Prevents soil erosion due to root systems binding soil and interception of rain by forest canopy Increases soil organic matter and fertility |
Agroforestry | Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes | Improves soil health Reduces soil erosion Provides additional sources of income (e.g. fruit, timber) |
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