Essay On Intensive Farming

876 Words2 Pages

What are the ecological implications of intensive farming? Intensive farming is an agricultural idea that aims to get maximum yield from as little land as possible, effectively producing masses of food in the cheapest way. Intensive crop farming is a modern form of intensive farming that refers to the industrialized production of crops. Food is made in large quantities with the help of pesticides and chemical fertilizers that are used to protect agricultural land from crop diseases and pests. This farming technique is also used in the supply of livestock, and the product of foods that derive from animals, such as milk and eggs etc. As well as the high crop yield, there are many other benefits of farming this way, it assists the farmer to farm, monitor and protect his land and livestock. Intensive farming also brings down the price of fruit and vegetables making it more affordable for families, and due to food being less expensive can help in solving worldwide hunger. The Environment Protection Agency regulates how livestock, pesticides and animal manure are obtained, so farmers help to provide healthy produce. Another great advantage is that large productivity of food is possible with the least amount of land. Studies have revealed that intensive farming can alter the environment in lots of ways. To create large open fields to farm on, trees and forests are often destroyed and this can lead to soil erosion. It also hinders and can destroy the natural habitat of wild animals and birds. The use of chemicals on crops can also contaminate the soil and get into water supplies, such as lakes and rivers from which wild animals feed. Pesticides and chemical fertilizers that are meant to kill pests, do so, but also destroy insects that a... ... middle of paper ... ...on is another alternative; this involves growing different crops on the same land during different seasons. This method prevents the build up of unwanted pests that can happen when one species is continuously cropped. Soils structure and fertility is improved by this method. It is difficult to pick a side in the debate regarding intensive farming. While it is true that intensive farming is necessary to meet the ever-increasing population growth, it is also true that intensive use of chemical fertilizers can be responsible for the ill- health of human beings, plants, birds, fish, and livestock. There will always be a war between the animal rights activists and farmers of intensive farming. What we do know is that with the ever growing population and the rising demand for affordable food is encouraging the progression of farming in this way, but can it be sustainable?

Open Document