Author Question: Explain why some scholars contend that organic agriculture is not environmentally friendly. What ... (Read 67 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?

Blastomycosis is often misdiagnosed, resulting in tragic outcomes. It is caused by a fungus living in moist soil, in wooded areas of the United States and Canada. If inhaled, the fungus can cause mild breathing problems that may worsen and cause serious illness and even death.

Did you know?

The effects of organophosphate poisoning are referred to by using the abbreviations “SLUD” or “SLUDGE,” It stands for: salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, GI upset, and emesis.

Did you know?

In 1864, the first barbiturate (barbituric acid) was synthesized.

Did you know?

Fungal nail infections account for up to 30% of all skin infections. They affect 5% of the general population—mostly people over the age of 70.

Did you know?

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

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library