Farming

Types of Farming:

- Intensive Farming

- Organic Farming

- Hydroponics

- Biological Control

INTENSIVE FARMING: 

• Used because of the demand of more food by the growing population
• Chemicals and fertilizers are used 
• Pesticides, insectides, fungicides, and herbicides are used 
• Machinery is used
• Fast and effective
• Produce a higher yield of food at a lower cost
• Animals are kept at controlled conditions (temperature/movement). This raises immoral and ethical issues.
• It is used to produce as much food as possible from available land, plants and animals. 
• Pests, insects and weeds are killed of by chemicals because they reduce the intake of water and nutrients for the farming plants , and therefore are in competition with the yield. 

ORGANIC FARMING: 

• Used because of the growing concern for the environment and animals
• Minimizes impact on environment
• Maintains the welfare of animals and plants
• Ensuring good quality food

Methods of Organic Farming: 

• Avoid chemical pesticides
• Varying seed planting times to avoid pests
• Animal manure/compost is used instead of chemical pesticides
• Rotating crops to maintain soil fertility 
• Growing nitrogen-fixing crops (peas) to trap nitrogen 

Advantages: 

• Food is not contaminated with artificial fertilizers
• Livestock live a more natural life
• Soil fertility is maintained
• Biodiversity is promoted

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