Extensive Farming

Definition

Extensive farming is an agricultural practice characterized by low input of labor and capital per unit of land area, typically involving large plots of land and less intensive cultivation methods. This approach often focuses on the production of crops or livestock with relatively low yields but can cover vast areas, making it particularly suitable for regions with abundant land but limited resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extensive farming is often found in regions with low population density, where large areas are available for cultivation, such as the American Midwest or parts of Australia.
2. This type of farming typically uses natural resources without heavy reliance on external inputs like fertilizers or machinery, making it more sustainable in certain contexts.
3. Livestock ranching is a common form of extensive farming, where animals graze over large pastures rather than being confined to smaller areas.
4. While extensive farming may yield lower overall productivity compared to intensive farming, it can be more environmentally friendly as it minimizes soil depletion and chemical usage.
5. The effectiveness of extensive farming can be influenced by climate and soil quality, as these factors determine what crops or livestock can be sustainably raised in those regions.

Review Questions

• How does extensive farming differ from intensive farming in terms of inputs and land use?
  • Extensive farming relies on low inputs of labor and capital per unit of land, utilizing larger areas for production with minimal cultivation intensity. In contrast, intensive farming employs high levels of inputs such as labor, capital, and technology to maximize yields on smaller plots. This fundamental difference shapes the sustainability practices, productivity levels, and environmental impacts associated with each farming type.
• Evaluate the environmental implications of extensive farming practices compared to more intensive methods.
  • Extensive farming generally has a lower environmental impact than intensive farming due to reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers and less soil degradation from overuse. Since extensive farmers often work larger areas with natural grazing or crop rotation, this method tends to preserve soil health and biodiversity. However, if not managed properly, extensive practices can still lead to overgrazing and habitat destruction, highlighting the importance of sustainable management regardless of farming intensity.
• Discuss the role extensive farming plays in food security and local economies in sparsely populated regions.
  • In sparsely populated regions, extensive farming is crucial for food security by allowing farmers to utilize vast tracts of land to produce essential crops and livestock. This approach supports local economies by providing jobs and producing food for both local consumption and export. However, the success of extensive farming depends on balancing land use with ecological sustainability to ensure that natural resources remain viable for future generations while meeting the immediate needs of communities.

Related terms

Intensive Farming:

A farming system that uses high levels of labor and capital to increase the yield per unit of land area, often involving practices such as irrigation, fertilizers, and mechanization.

Agricultural Density:

The ratio of the number of agricultural workers to the amount of arable land, reflecting how much labor is used in farming compared to the available land.

Subsistence Farming:

A type of farming where farmers grow enough food to feed themselves and their families, with little surplus for sale or trade.