Agriculture
Agriculture is the science, art, and business of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock. It plays a crucial role in providing food, fiber, and other essential resources for human and animal consumption.
Key Concepts in Agriculture
- Crops: Plants that are grown and harvested for food, animal feed, and other uses. Examples include wheat, rice, corn, and vegetables.
- Livestock: Domesticated animals raised for meat, milk, wool, and other products. Common livestock species include cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry.
- Soil: The top layer of the Earth's surface in which plants grow. It is a vital component of agriculture and must be managed carefully for sustainable crop production.
- Farming Techniques: Various methods and practices used to cultivate crops and raise livestock, such as irrigation, crop rotation, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
- Sustainability: The ability to maintain agricultural productivity while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and natural resources.
- Agribusiness: The industry encompassing agriculture-related activities, including farming, food production, and agricultural technology.
Study Guide
1. What is the definition of agriculture?
Agriculture is the science, art, and business of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock.
2. Name two examples of crops grown in agriculture.
Examples of crops grown in agriculture include wheat, rice, corn, and vegetables.
3. Define the term "livestock" in the context of agriculture.
Livestock refers to domesticated animals raised for meat, milk, wool, and other products. Common livestock species include cattle, pigs, sheep, and poultry.
4. Why is soil important in agriculture?
Soil is the top layer of the Earth's surface in which plants grow. It is a vital component of agriculture and must be managed carefully for sustainable crop production.
5. What is sustainability in the context of agriculture?
Sustainability in agriculture refers to the ability to maintain agricultural productivity while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and natural resources.
6. What is agribusiness?
Agribusiness encompasses the industry related to agriculture, including farming, food production, and agricultural technology.
