Extensive Agriculture

Definition

Extensive agriculture is a farming system that uses larger areas of land to produce relatively low yields per unit area, often relying on natural resources rather than intensive methods. This approach is typically characterized by lower labor input and less capital investment, as it often involves grazing livestock or growing crops in less populated regions. Extensive agriculture is commonly practiced in areas with vast land availability and can have significant implications for land use and environmental sustainability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Extensive agriculture often includes practices such as ranching and shifting cultivation, which are adapted to environments where intensive farming is less feasible.
2. This agricultural method is prevalent in regions like the American West, parts of Africa, and Australia, where land is abundant but the climate may limit crop production.
3. Yields from extensive agriculture are generally lower compared to intensive farming, which can impact food security in areas reliant on this method.
4. Environmental concerns arise from extensive agriculture due to potential overgrazing and deforestation, leading to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.
5. Extensive agriculture is closely linked to traditional practices and local knowledge, often reflecting cultural identities and lifestyles of rural communities.

Review Questions

• How does extensive agriculture differ from intensive agriculture in terms of land use and yield?
  • Extensive agriculture uses larger areas of land to produce crops or raise livestock but achieves relatively low yields per unit area. In contrast, intensive agriculture maximizes productivity on smaller plots through higher labor input, advanced technology, and the use of chemical inputs. This distinction affects not only agricultural output but also land management practices and environmental impacts associated with each system.
• Discuss the role of extensive agriculture in global food systems and its potential challenges.
  • Extensive agriculture plays a significant role in global food systems, especially in regions where intensive farming isn't practical due to environmental constraints. However, it faces challenges such as fluctuating market demands and the need for sustainable practices. As populations grow and urbanize, the reliance on extensive methods may lead to increased pressure on land resources, potentially resulting in conflicts over land use and sustainability issues.
• Evaluate the impact of extensive agriculture on biodiversity and ecosystems in the areas where it is practiced.
  • The practice of extensive agriculture can have both positive and negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems. On one hand, traditional extensive systems may support a range of plant and animal species by maintaining diverse habitats. On the other hand, if mismanaged, extensive practices can lead to overgrazing, habitat destruction, and soil degradation. Evaluating these impacts involves understanding local ecosystems and finding a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.

Related terms

Intensive Agriculture:

A farming practice that aims to maximize yields from a given piece of land through higher levels of labor, capital, and inputs like fertilizers and irrigation.

Subsistence Farming: A type of farming where the primary goal is to produce enough food for the farmer's family, with little surplus for sale or trade.

Pastoralism: A form of agriculture focused on raising livestock and managing grazing lands, often practiced in arid or semi-arid regions.