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