5.3.10 The Effect of Farming

Increasing Efficiency in Farming:

1. Reducing Respiratory Losses in Livestock:

• Animals are often kept in controlled environments, such as heated barns, to reduce the energy lost as heat.
• Restricted movement minimises energy expenditure.
• High-energy diets ensure rapid growth and increased biomass.

2. Improving Crop Yield:

• Fertilisers provide essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to enhance plant growth.
• Pesticides reduce the loss of crops to pests.
• Herbicides minimise competition from weeds.
• Irrigation systems maintain water availability.

Environmental Impacts of Farming:

1. Loss of Biodiversity:

• Monoculture farming (growing one crop species) reduces habitat variety.
• Use of herbicides and pesticides harms non-target species, including pollinators like bees.

2. Soil Degradation:

• Overuse of land can lead to soil erosion and loss of fertility.
• Excessive irrigation may cause soil salinisation.

3. Eutrophication:

• Runoff from fertilisers containing nitrates and phosphates enters water bodies, leading to algal blooms.
• Algal blooms reduce oxygen levels, harming aquatic life.

4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

• Livestock farming produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Intensive farming techniques often rely on fossil fuels.

Balancing Productivity with Conservation:

• Sustainable Farming Practices:
  • Crop rotation to maintain soil fertility.
  • Use of natural pest controls and reduced chemical input.
  • Maintaining hedgerows to enhance biodiversity.
• Agri-environment schemes encourage farmers to manage their land to conserve wildlife.