Farming practices

Definition

Farming practices refer to the methods and techniques employed in agriculture to cultivate crops and raise livestock. These practices can vary widely based on geography, climate, technology, and cultural traditions, significantly impacting the environment and society. During the Dust Bowl era, unsustainable farming practices, such as deep plowing and monoculture, contributed to severe soil erosion and environmental degradation, leading to a devastating agricultural crisis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Unsustainable farming practices like deep plowing and overgrazing were widespread in the Great Plains before the Dust Bowl, contributing to the deterioration of soil quality.
2. The Dust Bowl led to the displacement of thousands of farming families, often referred to as 'Okies,' who migrated westward in search of better living conditions.
3. Conservation techniques such as contour farming and shelterbelts were promoted after the Dust Bowl to combat soil erosion and improve agricultural sustainability.
4. The federal government responded to the Dust Bowl by implementing programs like the Soil Conservation Service, which aimed to educate farmers on better farming practices.
5. The Dust Bowl not only impacted agriculture but also had social and economic consequences, leading to changes in migration patterns and shifts in population demographics.

Review Questions

• How did unsustainable farming practices contribute to the Dust Bowl crisis?
  • Unsustainable farming practices such as excessive plowing, monoculture cropping, and overgrazing stripped the topsoil of its nutrients and structure. This made the land highly susceptible to wind erosion, especially during periods of drought. As a result, dust storms became common, leading to significant agricultural decline and displacing many farming families from their homes in search of better opportunities.
• Discuss the impact of government initiatives aimed at improving farming practices after the Dust Bowl.
  • In response to the environmental disaster of the Dust Bowl, the U.S. government initiated programs like the Soil Conservation Service which aimed at educating farmers about sustainable agricultural methods. These initiatives promoted practices such as crop rotation, contour plowing, and building shelterbelts to reduce wind erosion. The emphasis on conservation led to improved soil health over time and changed how agriculture was approached in vulnerable regions.
• Evaluate how changes in farming practices influenced social dynamics in American society during and after the Dust Bowl.
  • Changes in farming practices during and after the Dust Bowl significantly influenced social dynamics in American society. The migration of displaced families seeking work altered population demographics, particularly as 'Okies' moved to California. This influx strained resources in receiving areas but also led to new cultural exchanges and adaptations. Additionally, discussions about sustainable farming began reshaping public attitudes toward environmental stewardship, impacting rural communities' relationships with agriculture for generations.

Related terms

Soil Erosion: The wearing away of the topsoil layer due to wind, water, and human activity, which can lead to decreased soil fertility and agricultural productivity.

Crop Rotation: An agricultural practice involving alternating the types of crops grown in a particular field across seasons to maintain soil health and reduce pest infestations.

Dust Bowl: A period in the 1930s characterized by severe drought and soil erosion in the Great Plains, leading to massive dust storms and agricultural failure.