Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2015
Last exams 2025
Comparing Terrestrial Food Production Systems
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Comparing Terrestrial Food Production Systems
Photo by Johny Goerend on Unsplash
Terrestrial food production systems can be compared and contrasted according to their inputs, outputs, system characteristics, environmental impacts and socioeconomic factors
Inputs
Land: Terrestrial food production systems require varying amounts of land, ranging from extensive grazing systems to highly intensive agricultural practices using relatively smaller areas of land
Water: Different systems have different water requirements, depending on factors such as irrigation methods, crop types, and livestock hydration needs
Energy: The energy inputs in food production systems can vary greatly - industrialised systems tend to rely heavily on fossil fuels for machinery, transportation, and synthetic inputs like fertilisers, while traditional systems may rely more on human labour and organic inputs
Inputs of fertilisers and pesticides: Conventional agricultural systems often rely on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides to enhance crop yields, whereas organic systems prioritise the use of natural fertilisers and pest control methods
Outputs
Food production: The quantity and quality of food produced vary among different systems - some systems prioritise high yields, while others focus on specialty or organic products
Waste and byproducts: Different systems generate varying amounts and types of waste, such as crop residues, animal manure, and packaging materials
System Characteristics
Scale: Systems can range from small-scale subsistence farming to large-scale industrialised agriculture
Diversity: Some systems promote crop diversity, while others may focus on monoculture practices
Livestock: Systems may involve the raising of livestock for meat, dairy, or manure
Technology and mechanisation: The level of technological advancement and mechanisation varies, with industrialised systems heavily relying on machinery
Environmental Impacts
Biodiversity: Different systems can have varying impacts on biodiversity, with intensive agriculture often associated with habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity
Soil degradation: Intensive agricultural practices can lead to soil erosion, degradation, and loss of fertility, while sustainable practices prioritise soil conservation and improvement
Water pollution: The use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides in conventional systems can contribute to water pollution through runoff and leaching
Greenhouse gas emissions: The carbon footprint of food production systems can vary significantly, with industrialised systems often associated with higher emissions due to fossil fuel use
Photo by Mark Stebnicki on Pexels
The use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides in conventional systems can contribute to water pollution through runoff and leaching
Socioeconomic Factors
Labor requirements: Different systems require varying levels of labour, with industrialised systems often characterised by fewer labour-intensive practices
Economic viability: Some systems prioritise high yields and profitability, while others focus on social and economic sustainability, fair trade, and local markets
Food accessibility and affordability: The cost and availability of food vary across systems, with industrialised systems often associated with higher production volumes and lower costs, but potential issues related to food access and distribution
Cultural and social values: Different food production systems align with cultural and social values, such as organic farming, traditional practices, or supporting local communities
Understanding and comparing these factors can provide insights into the strengths, limitations, and impacts of different terrestrial food production systems
It allows for informed decision-making and the development of more sustainable and resilient food systems that prioritise environmental conservation, socioeconomic well-being, and food security
Worked Example
Compare and contrast the inputs, outputs and system characteristics for two food production systems: conventional (non-organic) agriculture and organic agriculture.
Answer
Conventional and organic agriculture are two distinct farming approaches. While conventional agriculture relies on synthetic inputs and intensive methods, organic agriculture generally adopts a more natural, holistic and environmentally conscious approach.
Inputs:
In conventional agriculture, synthetic fertilisers and pesticides are commonly used, whereas in organic agriculture, organic fertilisers, such as compost and manure, are used. Conventional agriculture often relies on greater water inputs via large-scale irrigation systems, while organic agriculture tends to use limited irrigation and focuses on water conservation. Conventional agriculture requires high energy inputs for machinery operation and transportation, whereas organic agriculture generally relies on renewable resources and aims to reduce reliance on external inputs.
Outputs:
Conventional agriculture often achieves greater productivity outputs in terms of high crop yields, while organic agriculture typically has lower crop yields in comparison. Conventional agriculture aims for standardised crops with consistent quality and appearance, whereas organic agriculture emphasises producing high-quality, organic, and environmentally friendly products. The reliance on external inputs such as synthetic fertilisers in conventional agriculture may result in reduced resilience of the soil system, while organic agriculture focuses on building soil health and biodiversity.
System Characteristics:
Conventional agriculture emphasises maximum yield and productivity, often through large-scale monoculture, while organic agriculture promotes sustainable practices, biodiversity, and soil health. In addition, conventional agriculture may have limited crop rotation, whereas organic agriculture encourages crop rotation and diversification.
Worked Example
Evaluate the relative environmental impacts of two given food production systems: intensive monoculture farming and agroforestry.
Answer
Intensive monoculture farming and agroforestry systems differ in their inputs, outputs, and overall environmental implications. By looking at these distinct system characteristics, it is possible to assess their relative sustainability and also their potential for mitigating environmental challenges.
Intensive Monoculture Farming:
Intensive monoculture farming relies heavily on synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides to maximise crop yields. These inputs can contribute to water pollution and soil degradation. Additionally, large-scale irrigation systems require huge amounts of water. This farming method often leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and depletion of soil nutrients. The excessive use of synthetic chemicals can harm beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. Intensive monoculture farming also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through the use of fossil fuels for machinery, transportation, and the production of fertilisers.
Agroforestry:
Agroforestry systems promote diversity by integrating trees, crops, and sometimes livestock. They require fewer synthetic inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides due to the natural pest control provided by the diverse ecosystem. Water needs are often lower due to better water retention by the tree canopy and tree roots. Agroforestry systems have positive environmental impacts, as the presence of trees helps prevent soil erosion, improves soil health, and enhances biodiversity by providing habitat for various species. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, helping to mitigate climate change. The integration of livestock in some agroforestry systems can lead to the recycling of nutrients and reduced waste.
It is clear that intensive monoculture farming can have significant negative effects on soil health, biodiversity, water resources, and contributes to climate change. On the other hand, agroforestry systems promote sustainable practices, including biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and reduced dependency on synthetic inputs. Agroforestry demonstrates more environmentally friendly characteristics, making it a promising alternative for sustainable food production.
Photo by PROJETO CAFÉ GATO-MOURISCO on Unsplash
An example of coffee agroforestry - these coffee plants are being grown in between the trees that occur naturally as part of this forest ecosystem
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