Resource-Intensive Practices

Definition

Resource-intensive practices refer to agricultural methods that require substantial amounts of inputs such as water, fertilizers, pesticides, and energy to increase crop yields. These practices are often associated with the Green Revolution, a period marked by significant advancements in agricultural technology and crop production, leading to increased food availability in many parts of the world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Resource-intensive practices became widespread during the Green Revolution, which aimed to combat hunger and food insecurity in developing nations.
2. These practices have led to increased productivity but also raised concerns about environmental degradation and the sustainability of agricultural systems.
3. The reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in resource-intensive farming can result in soil degradation and water pollution over time.
4. Irrigation is a critical component of resource-intensive practices, often requiring significant water resources that can strain local water supplies.
5. While resource-intensive practices can boost crop yields, they may disproportionately benefit wealthier farmers who can afford the necessary inputs, leading to economic inequality.

Review Questions

• How do resource-intensive practices impact both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability?
  • Resource-intensive practices greatly increase agricultural productivity by maximizing crop yields through the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced irrigation methods. However, these practices often have negative effects on environmental sustainability, as they can lead to soil depletion, water scarcity, and pollution. The challenge lies in balancing the need for increased food production with the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
• Evaluate the social implications of adopting resource-intensive practices in developing countries during the Green Revolution.
  • The adoption of resource-intensive practices during the Green Revolution has led to both positive and negative social implications. On one hand, increased food production helped reduce hunger and improve nutrition levels for many people. On the other hand, these practices often favored wealthier farmers who had access to capital for purchasing inputs, exacerbating economic disparities within rural communities. This created a divide between those who could benefit from technological advancements and those who could not, potentially leading to social tensions.
• Assess the long-term viability of resource-intensive agricultural methods in light of global challenges such as climate change and population growth.
  • The long-term viability of resource-intensive agricultural methods is increasingly questioned due to global challenges like climate change and rapid population growth. As climate change affects weather patterns and water availability, relying heavily on these practices may become unsustainable. Furthermore, with a growing global population needing more food, there is a pressing need to develop more sustainable agricultural methods that maintain productivity while minimizing environmental impact. This shift is essential for ensuring food security without compromising ecological health.

Related terms

Green Revolution:

A period from the 1940s to the 1960s when agriculture in many developing countries was transformed through the adoption of new technologies, including high-yielding varieties of crops and advanced farming techniques.

High-Yield Varieties (HYVs): Genetically improved crop varieties that produce more output per acre compared to traditional varieties, often requiring specific resource inputs for optimal growth.

Sustainable Agriculture:

Farming practices that focus on producing food in a way that is environmentally friendly and economically viable, often contrasting with resource-intensive methods.