6.3 Food production - problems and solutions
agriculture
uses 70% of freshwater from aquifers and surface waters
38% of the worlds land
25% of the worlds greenhouse gas
produces 60% of all water pollution
soil degradation: soil erosion especially topsoil by flowing waters which causes various problems
loss of soil fertility
water pollution
release of carbon
excessive irrigation
soil salinization
water logging
eroded topsoil ends up in bodies of water that can carry pesticides and too many nutrients that cause eutrophication
pesticides
cons
pros
increase food supply
reduces soil erosion
work fast
can be stored and shipped easily
harm wildlife
kill predators that control pests
stop working
dangerous to humans
expensive
alternatives
biological controls
ecological controls
cultivational controls
industrialized meat productions harms the environment
problems
habitat destruction
overgrazing
water consumption
water pollution
climate change
problems with fisheries and aquaculture
overexploitation
waste from fish damages ecosystems
fish can be contaminated from pesticides
important habitat is often destroyed
how can we produce food more sustainably?
conserve topsoil: implement terracing, intercropping, wind breaks, contour planting
restore soil fertility: use organic fertilizers, crop rotations
reduce soil salinizations and desertification: avoid overgrazing, deforestation plant plants to anchor top soil
eating fewer meats: organize meatless days
expand organic agriculture: builds soil organic matter
reduces erosion
reduces water pollution
uses less fossil fuel energy