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Assess the impact of farming practices on the carbon budget - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 1
Assess the impact of farming practices on the carbon budget. [20 marks]
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Assess the impact of farming practices on the carbon budget - AQA - A-Level Geography - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Understanding the impact of farming practices on the carbon budget
Answer
Farming practices significantly influence the carbon budget, which encompasses the transfers of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, and land. Key factors include the methods of cultivation, livestock management, and the use of fertilizers. For instance, traditional farming practices may lead to increased carbon emissions through deforestation and soil degradation, while sustainable practices can enhance carbon sequestration.
The global distribution and storage of carbon in various reservoirs—such as the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere—play a crucial role in understanding these impacts.
Step 2
Evaluating specific farming practices
Answer
Several specific farming practices can impact the carbon budget:
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Deforestation for agriculture: The conversion of forests into agricultural land releases stored carbon into the atmosphere. Notably, cattle ranching in Brazil has been a major contributor to deforestation and, consequently, carbon emissions.
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Soil management: Over-cultivation and soil degradation reduce the soil's ability to act as a carbon sink. Practices that promote soil health, like crop rotation and cover cropping, can enhance carbon storage.
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Livestock management: Cattle farming produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which impacts the carbon budget significantly. Strategies such as rotational grazing can mitigate these emissions.
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Sustainable agricultural practices: Agroforestry and conservation agriculture can improve the carbon footprint by enhancing carbon storage in biomass and soils.
Step 3
Exploring feedback systems
Answer
Farming practices also interact with feedback systems that can alter the effectiveness of the carbon budget. For example, increased emissions from agriculture may influence climate patterns, leading to drier conditions that further stress crop production. Adopting practices that contribute to carbon sequestration can help mitigate some of these adverse effects and enhance resilience against climate change.
Step 4
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while some farming practices can detrimentally affect the carbon budget through emissions and deforestation, others can play a significant role in enhancing carbon sequestration. Transitioning toward more sustainable practices is essential for improving the overall impact of agriculture on the carbon budget, addressing both environmental and food security concerns.