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Agriculture in a Continental / Sub-Continental Region Explain how any two of the following influence the development of agriculture in a Continental / Sub-Continental Region (not in Europe) that you have studied: - Relief and soils - Climate - Markets. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B - 2012
Question B
Agriculture in a Continental / Sub-Continental Region Explain how any two of the following influence the development of agriculture in a Continental / Sub-Continent... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Agriculture in a Continental / Sub-Continental Region Explain how any two of the following influence the development of agriculture in a Continental / Sub-Continental Region (not in Europe) that you have studied: - Relief and soils - Climate - Markets. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B - 2012
Step 1
Explain how Relief and soils influence agriculture
Answer
Relief and soils play a crucial role in agriculture by determining the types of crops that can be grown and the methods used for farming.
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Topography: The landscape's features, such as mountains, plains, and valleys, affect which crops can be cultivated. For instance, in mountainous regions, terracing may be necessary to utilize steep slopes effectively.
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Soil Quality: The fertility of the soil directly impacts agricultural productivity. Regions with rich, loamy soil support a wider variety of crops compared to sandy or acidic soils. For example, the alluvial plains of the Ganges River in India are highly fertile, supporting extensive rice and wheat cultivation.
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Drainage: Proper drainage is essential for healthy crop production. Areas with poor drainage can lead to waterlogging, inhibiting root growth and promoting disease.
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Soil Conservation Practices: Farmers in areas prone to erosion may adopt practices such as contour plowing and crop rotation to maintain soil health and productivity, thereby influencing agricultural methods and outputs.
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Biodiversity: The biodiversity of soils, including the presence of beneficial microorganisms, contributes to soil health, affecting nutrient cycling and crop yields.
Step 2
Explain how Climate influences agriculture
Answer
Climate is another essential factor that significantly influences agricultural development, as it dictates the growing season and types of crops that can be successfully cultivated.
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Temperature: Different crops have specific temperature ranges for optimal growth, influencing which agricultural products can be cultivated in a region. For example, rice thrives in warm, humid climates, whereas barley prefers cooler temperatures.
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Precipitation Patterns: The amount and timing of rainfall impact irrigation needs. Regions with adequate rainfall can support dryland farming, while those with less precipitation may rely on irrigation systems, influencing the cost and accessibility of farming.
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Growing Season Length: Regions with longer growing seasons can produce multiple harvests, enhancing food security and farmer income. For instance, tropical regions with consistently warm temperatures allow for year-round cultivation.
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Extreme Weather Events: Increasing occurrences of droughts, floods, or storms, attributed to climate change, can devastate agricultural production, necessitating adaptive practices or crop diversification for resilience.
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Climate Zones: Distinct climate zones, such as tropical, temperate, or arid, support varied agricultural systems. Understanding these climates helps farmers make informed decisions about crop selection and management practices.