Chapter Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

Explain how the invention of new farm machinery encouraged monoculture farming.

List the advantages and disadvantages of monoculture farming.

Explain why chemical fertilizers are used.

Understand how fertilizers alter soil characteristics.

Explain why modern agriculture makes extensive use of pesticides.

Differentiate between persistent pesticides and nonpersistent pesticides.

Explain how chemicals can be used to delay or accelerate the harvesting of a crop.

List four problems associated with pesticide use.

Define biomagnification.

Define organic farming.

Explain why integrated pest management depends upon a complete knowledge of the pest's life history.

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