Embedded Files
Oct/Nov 2026 IGCSE Math & Sociology Online Courses are now open!
Impact of Agricultural Practices on the Environment and People
Overuse of Insecticides and Herbicides
Kills non‑target species (pollinators, predators).
Leads to resistant pests and weeds.
Pollutes soil and water, harming ecosystems and human health.
Overuse of Fertilizers
Causes eutrophication: algal blooms reduce oxygen in water.
Damages aquatic life and biodiversity.
Alters soil chemistry and microbial balance.
Mismanagement of Irrigation
Overproduction and Waste
Intensive farming in MEDCs (USA, EU) produces more food than needed.
One‑third of global food is never consumed.
Wastes 550 billion m³ of water annually on crops that never reach consumers.
Farm subsidies in MEDCs guarantee prices, encouraging overproduction.
Surplus crops are discarded → economic loss and resource waste.
Exhaustion of Mineral Ion Content
Continuous cropping removes nutrients faster than replenishment.
Soil fertility declines → lower yields.
Soil Erosion
Caused by deforestation, overgrazing, and poor farming practices.
Removes fertile topsoil → reduces productivity.
Can lead to desertification and loss of habitats.
Cash Crops Replacing Food Crops
Farmers grow export crops (coffee, cotton) instead of food.
Local food shortages and dependency on imports.
Increases vulnerability to global market changes.
Causes of Soil Erosion
Removal of natural vegetation by over‑cultivation and over‑grazing.
Water erosion: heavy rainfall washes away topsoil.
Wind erosion: strong winds blow loose, dry soil.
Deforestation: exposes soil to rain and wind.
Poor farming methods: ploughing up‑and‑down slopes, monoculture.
Impacts of Soil Erosion
Terracing
Prevents the soil erosion of soil by rainwater on steep slopes.
Natural slope: Rainwater runs straight down, gaining speed and washing away topsoil.
Terraced slope: The hillside is cut into flat steps (terraces) separated by small walls.
Each terrace slows water flow, allowing it to soak into the soil instead of eroding it.
Common in mountainous regions (e.g. rice fields in Asia).
Terracing also makes steep land usable for farming and prevents nutrient loss.
Contour Ploughing
Ploughing is done along the natural contours of the land, not up and down the slope.
The furrows act like small barriers, slowing water movement and trapping soil.
Prevents rills and gullies from forming.
Helps conserve moisture and reduces fertilizer loss.
Bunds
Small earth walls built along contours or field edges.
Hold back water and soil during heavy rain.
Encourage infiltration and reduce runoff velocity.
Often used with terracing or contour ploughing for extra protection.
Wind Breaks
Rows of trees or shrubs planted around fields.
Reduce wind speed and prevent wind erosion of dry, loose soil.
Also provide shade and shelter for crops and animals.
Maintaining Vegetation Cover
Keeping land covered with grass, crops, or trees year‑round.
Roots bind soil particles, and leaves absorb raindrop impact.
Reduces both water and wind erosion.
Especially important after harvest or grazing.
Addition of Organic Matter
Adding manure or compost improves soil structure.
Increases water‑holding capacity and helps particles stick together.
Makes soil more resistant to erosion and nutrient loss.
Planting Trees, Mixed Cropping, Intercropping, and Crop Rotation
Trees: Anchor soil and reduce runoff.
Mixed cropping: Growing different plants together protects soil and balances nutrient use.
Intercropping: Alternating rows of crops (e.g. maize and beans) shields soil from wind and rain.
Crop rotation: Alternating crop types maintains fertility and prevents erosion from overuse.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse