APES Green Revolution and irrigation methods cheat sheet

What is the Green Revolution?

A period of agricultural transformation from the 1940s to the 1960s, involving high-yield crops, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Resulted in increased food production.

Key figure in the Green Revolution?

Norman Borlaug - agronomist known for developing high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties.

True or False: The Green Revolution solely focused on industrial farming.

False - It included both industrial and subsistence farming practices, aiming to improve food security.

Fill in the blank: The Green Revolution introduced _______ to increase crop yields.

synthetic fertilizers

Cause of increased food production?

Use of high-yield crop varieties, advanced irrigation, and agrochemicals.

Impact on developing countries?

Significant reductions in hunger, but increased reliance on chemical inputs and water usage.

What were high-yield varieties (HYVs)?

Genetically improved crops that produce larger quantities of food. Examples: IR8 rice, dwarf wheat.

Comparison: Green Revolution vs. Traditional Agriculture.

- Green Revolution: Mechanized, chemical-intensive. - Traditional: Labor-intensive, uses organic methods.

What role did irrigation play?

Irrigation systems enhanced water availability for crops, leading to higher productivity and more reliable harvests.

Environmental impact of the Green Revolution?

Increased chemical runoff, soil degradation, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity.

True or False: The Green Revolution eliminated rural poverty.

False - It increased wealth for some, but many small farmers struggled with debt and competition.

Result of monoculture practices?

Higher efficiency but increased vulnerability to pests and diseases, leading to ecological imbalances.

What is agroecology?

An alternative to the Green Revolution, focusing on sustainable farming practices that mimic natural ecosystems.

Key dates of the Green Revolution?

1940s (beginning), 1960s (peak), 1980s (decline in growth rates).

Short example of Green Revolution success?

India's wheat production increased from 12 million tons in 1965 to over 20 million tons by 1970.

Fill in the blank: The Green Revolution was significant for _______ nations.

developing

Drip irrigation

A method delivering water directly to plant roots. - Reduces evaporation - Efficient water use

True or False: Flood irrigation is the most efficient method.

False. Flood irrigation can lead to water loss through evaporation and runoff.

Compare furrow irrigation and drip irrigation.

Furrow: water runs between rows. Drip: delivers water at root level. - Efficiency: Drip > Furrow.

What is the main advantage of center pivot irrigation?

Covers large areas uniformly. - Reduces labor costs - Efficient water application

Fill in the blank: Surface irrigation relies on _______ to distribute water.

gravity.

What does sprinkler irrigation simulate?

Natural rainfall distribution. - Reduces water waste - Can be applied to uneven terrain

Cause → Effect: Over-irrigation leads to __________.

waterlogging and salinization of soils.

What is subsurface irrigation?

Water is applied below the soil surface. - Reduces evaporation - Can improve crop yield

True or False: All irrigation methods use the same amount of water.

False. Each method varies in efficiency and water usage.

Compare traditional irrigation and modern techniques.

Traditional: less efficient, high evaporation. Modern: more precise, lower water loss.

What are the environmental impacts of over-irrigation?

Leads to: - Soil salinization - Reduced crop yields - Groundwater depletion

Define the term 'water footprint.'

Total volume of freshwater used to produce a product. - Includes direct and indirect water use.

What is the purpose of using greywater in irrigation?

Reuses wastewater for irrigation. - Conserves potable water - Reduces treatment costs

Irrigation efficiency formula: __________.

$\displaystyle Efficiency = \\frac{Water\ used \ by \ plants}{Total\ water\ applied} \times 100$

What is the main drawback of sprinkler irrigation?

Can lead to evaporation losses, especially in windy conditions.

Describe the role of irrigation in the Green Revolution.

Enabled higher crop yields through consistent water supply. - Supported increased food production - Addressed hunger.

Sustainable agriculture practices → definition?

Practices that maintain soil health, reduce environmental impact, and ensure economic viability.

True or False: Organic farming uses synthetic pesticides.

False. Organic farming prohibits synthetic pesticides, relying on natural alternatives.

What are cover crops?

Crops planted to prevent soil erosion, improve soil health, and enhance biodiversity.

Fill in the blank: Crop _______ helps in pest management and reduces chemical use.

Diversity. It promotes resilience and reduces dependence on pesticides.

Comparison: Conventional vs. Sustainable farming.

- Conventional: High input, chemical reliance. - Sustainable: Low input, eco-friendly practices.

What is agroecology?

A holistic approach integrating ecological principles into agricultural practices to enhance sustainability.

Cause → Effect: Soil degradation leads to?

Reduced crop yield, increased erosion, and loss of soil fertility.

What is the role of permaculture?

Designing agricultural landscapes that imitate natural ecosystems for sustainability and resilience.

True or False: Monoculture is more sustainable than polyculture.

False. Monoculture reduces biodiversity and increases vulnerability to pests and diseases.

Short example of crop rotation.

Planting corn one year, followed by soybeans the next, to restore soil nutrients.

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

A sustainable approach combining biological, cultural, and mechanical practices to control pests.

Define sustainable yield.

The level of crop production that can be maintained without depleting resources over time.