Agriculture: feeding the world
(Edited)
Agriculture is the set of techniques and activities that are carried out to cultivate the land and obtain products that serve as food for humans and animals. Simply put, it is the process of transforming nature to produce the food we consume on a daily basis. Agriculture is important because it is the basis of our food, providing us with fruits, vegetables, cereals and other essential products, it is also considered as a fundamental economic activity that generates employment and wealth in many regions of the world, agriculture has shaped cultures and societies throughout history and although it can also have negative impacts on the environment sustainable agriculture can contribute to the conservation of the environment.
Over time, a large number of food production models have begun to be generated, therefore, there are different types of agriculture, each with its own characteristics and approaches, we will mention some below.
- Traditional agriculture: Uses simpler methods and tools, often based on ancestral knowledge.
- Industrial agriculture: Uses machinery and advanced technologies to maximize production based on the use of synthetic products.
- Organic agriculture: Avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and seeks harmony with the environment., enhancing natural processes and using endogenous resources
- Precision agriculture: Uses technologies such as GPS and sensors to optimize the use of resources and improve productivity.
- Hydroponic agriculture: Grows plants without soil, using nutritious solutions in water.
Agricultural activity has its challenges because we are talking about establishing crops that must adapt to the conditions that surround them in order to express their maximum yields without altering the ecosystem. Among these challenges is climate change since it can be affected by rainfall patterns, temperatures and water availability, which can reduce crop yields, in addition, pests and diseases can cause significant losses in agricultural production, the lack of the water element due to the growing demand for water for agriculture, industry and human consumption puts pressure on water resources and of course intensive land use can lead to loss of soil fertility and erosion.
Despite the aforementioned, agriculture is currently oriented towards more sustainable and technological practices, with the aim of guaranteeing food security and protecting the environment. Some of the emerging trends include:
- Urban agriculture: Food production in cities, taking advantage of urban spaces such as rooftops and patios.
- Agroecological agriculture: Developing techniques or strategies for crop management without altering biodiversity and the balance of ecosystems to improve production.
- Precision agriculture: Greater use of data and technologies to optimize production and reduce environmental impact.
Dear readers, in summary agriculture is a fundamental activity for human life. Understanding its challenges and future trends is crucial to ensure sustainable food production and meet the needs of a constantly growing population.
Thank you for reading our articles, until a next installment.
| Bibliographic references |
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- Urbano, P. (2008). Phytotechnics. Plant production engineering. Mundi-Press. Madrid, Spain.
Sources
- Photography and images: All photographs and images are the property of the author @amestyj
- Agrotecnia banner: made by the author @amestyj with own images
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