Portal:Agriculture

Agriculture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture dates back thousands of years, and its development has been driven and defined by vastly different climates, cultures, and technologies.

History of Agriculture

The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep, and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world. Industrial agriculture based on large-scale monoculture in the twentieth century came to dominate agricultural output, though about 2 billion people still depended on subsistence agriculture.

Ancient Agriculture

In the Fertile Crescent, the first evidence of agriculture comes from the Natufian culture around 12,000 years ago. The domestication of plants and animals allowed for the development of permanent settlements and the rise of complex societies.

Medieval Agriculture

During the medieval period, agriculture in Europe underwent significant changes. The introduction of the three-field system and the heavy plow increased productivity. Crop rotation and the use of animal manure as fertilizer improved soil fertility.

Modern Agriculture

The Agricultural Revolution of the 18th century paved the way for the Industrial Revolution. Innovations such as the seed drill, mechanical reaper, and threshing machine increased efficiency and productivity. The 20th century saw the Green Revolution, which introduced high-yield crop varieties and chemical fertilizers, significantly boosting food production.

Types of Agriculture

Agriculture can be classified into several types based on the methods and purposes of farming.

Subsistence Agriculture

This type of agriculture is practiced to meet the needs of the farmer's family. It involves small-scale farming with traditional methods and is prevalent in developing countries.

Commercial Agriculture

Commercial agriculture is aimed at producing crops and livestock for sale in the market. It involves large-scale farming and the use of modern technology and inputs.

Organic Agriculture

Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. It focuses on maintaining ecological balance and conserving biodiversity.

Agricultural Practices

Agricultural practices vary widely across the world and are influenced by climate, culture, and technology.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation involves growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons. It helps in maintaining soil fertility and reducing soil erosion.

Irrigation

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil. It is essential in regions with insufficient rainfall to support crop growth.

Pest Control

Pest control involves managing pests that affect crop production. It includes biological, chemical, and cultural methods.

Challenges in Agriculture

Agriculture faces numerous challenges in the modern world, including climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity.

Climate Change

Climate change affects agriculture through changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events.

Soil Degradation

Soil degradation is caused by factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, and improper agricultural practices. It leads to reduced soil fertility and productivity.

Water Scarcity

Water scarcity is a major challenge for agriculture, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Efficient water management practices are essential to ensure sustainable agriculture.

Also see

• Sustainable agriculture
• Agroecology
• Permaculture
• Food security
• Agricultural economics