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21 - Agriculture and the Green Revolution

from Part VII - Agriculture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 July 2018

Chadwick Dearing Oliver
Affiliation:
Yale University, Connecticut
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Summary

Food domestication began in several places independently. Now, most crops can be found worldwide. A “Green Revolution” was declared in 1968 when world food production had outpaced need. Different crops grow at different efficiencies (Calories or protein grams per ha), but food production has become increasingly efficient with breeding, machineries, fertilizers, better techniques, and sharing knowledge. Increased food production is generally caused by increases in crop production per ha more than increases in cultivated ha’s. Equipment for cultivating and irrigating have become more effective. Irrigation has increased partly to counteract the pesticides and fertilizers used. Pesticides are used for pests, and graduated pest controls (Integrated Pest Management) has developed. Nitrogen fertilizer is used, and requires much fossil fuel. Soil organic amendments, and frost management are now sophisticated. Organic farming is becoming more water efficient and cost-effective, and possibly equally productive. Some or all organic farming techniques may be adopted. Organic farming may employ more, technical people instead of heavy equipment and become a rural social driver.
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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2018

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