Question

Which one of the following is more indicative of conventional agriculture, and not sustainable agriculture? A. Biological control B. Intercropping C. Monocultures D. Integrated pest management E. Minimal tillage

Short answer

Monocultures (option C).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Options

Review each option carefully to understand what it entails. Conventional agriculture often involves practices that are not environmentally sustainable and focus on maximizing short-term yields.

Analyzing Biological Control

Biological control uses natural predators or parasites to manage pests, which is typically a practice of sustainable agriculture.

Analyzing Intercropping

Intercropping involves growing two or more crops in close proximity, promoting biodiversity and reducing pest problems, making it a sustainable practice.

Analyzing Monocultures

Monocultures involve planting a single crop over a large area, depleting soil nutrients and increasing vulnerability to pests and diseases. This is characteristic of conventional agriculture.

Analyzing Integrated Pest Management

Integrated pest management combines different agricultural practices to control pest populations in a sustainable way, often reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Analyzing Minimal Tillage

Minimal tillage reduces soil disruption, conserving soil structure and moisture, which is generally a practice associated with sustainable agriculture.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, monocultures (option C) are more indicative of conventional agriculture because they often lead to environmental degradation and rely heavily on chemical inputs.

Key concepts

biological control

Biological control is a method where natural predators or parasites are used to manage pest populations. This is a key aspect of sustainable agriculture. By using living organisms to control pests, farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic chemicals.
This approach can include using insects, bacteria, fungi, or even other plants. One common example is the use of ladybugs to control aphid populations in crop fields.
Biological control is beneficial because it helps maintain the ecological balance and reduces the chemical footprint in farming.

intercropping

Intercropping involves growing two or more different crops in close proximity. This practice is part of sustainable agriculture because it promotes biodiversity.
When different crops are grown together, they can support each other in various ways. For example, one crop might repel pests that typically harm the other crop.
Benefits of intercropping include improved soil health, reduced pest and disease issues, and better utilization of resources like water and sunlight. These advantages make intercropping a valuable technique for sustainable farming.

monocultures

Monocultures, the practice of planting a single crop type over a large area, are more indicative of conventional agriculture. This method often prioritizes maximizing short-term yields.
However, monocultures increase the risk of pest and disease outbreaks because the uniform crop provides a large, uninterrupted food source for pests.
Additionally, planting the same crop in the same place year after year can lead to soil nutrient depletion and a greater need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These environmental challenges make monocultures less sustainable.

integrated pest management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive approach to controlling pests that combines various agricultural practices. This method aims to minimize the use of chemical pesticides while effectively managing pest populations.
IPM strategies can include biological control, crop rotation, and the use of resistant crop varieties.
The goal is to use the most economical and environmentally sound methods, keeping pest levels below those that cause economic damage. IPM represents a sustainable approach to maintaining healthy crop systems.

minimal tillage

Minimal tillage is a farming practice that minimizes soil disruption. This approach is part of sustainable agriculture because it helps preserve soil structure and moisture.
By reducing the frequency and intensity of tilling, farmers can prevent soil erosion and enhance organic matter in the soil.
Minimal tillage can also improve water infiltration and reduce runoff, leading to better soil health over time. This practice supports sustainable agriculture by maintaining a healthy growing environment without excessive mechanical intervention.