Explore key concepts and examples of how new techniques and technologies are shaping modern agriculture. Understand basic innovations that help improve crop yields, conserve resources, and support sustainable farming.
Which technology allows farmers to apply water, fertilizer, and pesticides only where needed in their fields, improving efficiency and reducing waste?
Explanation: Precision agriculture uses GPS, sensors, and data analysis to target inputs exactly where needed, saving resources. Crop rotation is a method for reducing soil depletion, manual weeding is labor-intensive and less targeted, and organic labeling refers to product certification rather than on-field practices.
How are drones most commonly used in modern agriculture to benefit crop management?
Explanation: Drones provide aerial imagery that helps farmers assess crop health and spot issues early. Plowing fields and harvesting require ground-level equipment, while feeding livestock is not a typical drone application.
What is the main feature of hydroponic farming compared to traditional soil-based farming?
Explanation: Hydroponics involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil. Using only rainwater or restricting planting to winter are not unique to hydroponics; reliance on wild pollinators isn't a defining trait either.
Which process involves altering the genetic makeup of crops to improve traits like drought tolerance or pest resistance?
Explanation: Genetic engineering modifies DNA to enhance desirable crop traits. Composting improves soil, irrigation supplies water, and grazing is related to animal husbandry, not crop genetics.
Why do many farmers adopt conservation tillage instead of traditional plowing?
Explanation: Conservation tillage helps preserve soil structure and reduce erosion by minimizing soil disturbance. It does not aim to increase pesticide use, speed up harvests, or consume more water.