Author Question: Explain why some scholars contend that organic agriculture is not environmentally friendly. What ... (Read 55 times)

panfilo

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 572
Explain why some scholars contend that organic agriculture is not environmentally friendly.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain why organic food products may have natural toxins.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



randomguy133

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 310
Answer to Question 1

Some scholars contend that organic production requires more land and more labor to produce the same amount of products grown using conventional means. Any increase in food production will come about in either one of two methods. One is to clear new land and increase the number of acres under cultivation; or two, grow more food and fiber on the land currently under production. The concern raised over organic production is that the use of these practices will necessitate the clearing of more land. As more land is cleared, the loss of wildlife habitat will increase. Most of the new land being cleared is through the slash and burn methods used in the tropical areas. A large portion of the land cleared is poor quality and highly susceptible to erosion. However, through the use of more intensive farming, less new land will have to be put into production.

Answer to Question 2

Plants have self-defense mechanisms that produce natural toxins to help ward off insects. If attacked by pests, the plants release these substances as a result of the stress caused by the insects or disease. These natural toxins can be many times the amount contained in plants that were protected by pesticides.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Allergies play a major part in the health of children. The most prevalent childhood allergies are milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood.

Did you know?

The average office desk has 400 times more bacteria on it than a toilet.

Did you know?

The first documented use of surgical anesthesia in the United States was in Connecticut in 1844.

Did you know?

When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.

Did you know?

Street names for barbiturates include reds, red devils, yellow jackets, blue heavens, Christmas trees, and rainbows. They are commonly referred to as downers.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library