Barrons AP Environmental Science

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1
Less    spoilage. May   harm    beneficial  insects.

Faster  growth
which may mean
greater productivity,
resulting in lower
operating costs.

May pose    an  allergen    risk.

More    resistant   to
disease, drought,
frost, and insects.

May result  in  mutations   with    unknown
consequences.

May be  able    to
grow in saltier soils.

May cause   pesticide-resistant strains.

Less    exposure    to
pesticides and
herbicides for farm
workers.

Plants  are often   designed    to  produce sterile
seeds, requiring farmers to purchase new seeds
each year.

CASE STUDY

Golden  rice    is  produced    by  splicing    three   foreign genes,  two from    the daffodil
and one from a bacterium, into a variety of rice that supplies vitamin A to
populations that frequently suffer from vitamin A deficiency.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Sustainable agricultural practices emphasize production and food systems that
are profitable, environmentally sound, and energy efficient, and improve the
quality of life for both farmers and the public. Sustainable agriculture is based on
enhancing the health of the land and rural communities and concentrating on
long-term solutions rather than short-term treatment of symptoms. Examples of
sustainable agricultural practices include:


■ Use   water   and nutrients   efficiently.
■ Keep the soil covered throughout the year.
■ Reduce or eliminate tillage in a manner that is consistent with effective
weed control.
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