POS monocultures - resource management -sustainability K3-Analyze plant environments, and identify impacts of specific factors and controls Describe methods used to increase yields, through modifying the environment and by creating artificial environments (e.g.,describe processes used in raising bedding plants or in vegetable production through hydroponics) POS contd investigate and identify intended and unintended consequences of environmental management practices (e.g.,identify problems arising from monocultural land use in agricultural and forestry practices, such as susceptibility to insect infestation or loss of diversity) K1 investigate the extent of natural and managed living resources in agricultural, horticultural, forest and grassland environments; and identify examples of local and global change (e.g., describe changes in the size of forested areas; describe changes in the characteristics of forested areas) investigate practical problems and issues in maintaining productive plants within sustainable environments, and identify questions for further study (e.g., investigate the long-term effects of irrigation practices or fertilizer use) Unit 2 Plants for Food and Fibre Topic 7 Human Impact via Agriculture and Forestry How are we going to meet the needs of this plant? -sunlight -optimal temperature -water -nutrients -sustainability -harvest/planting -resistance to disease and what are the effects of our agricultural improvements on the nearby ecosystems? #1- Issue Habitat Loss Most of the native prairie land in Alberta has been converted into farmland/ranchland. Forests Exception: National/provincial parks *birds/pheasants/deer like fields Irrigation Watering an area such as a field or a lawn to promote plant growth Most of the water evaporates Why do we have lawns? Alternatives? Restrictions Colorado River *read only The Colorado River is a river in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, approximately 1,450 mi (2,330 km) long, draining a part of the arid regions on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. The natural course of the river flows into the Gulf of California, but the heavy use of the river as an irrigation source for the Imperial Valley has desiccated the lower course of the river in Mexico such that it no longer consistently reaches the sea Hydrologic/Irrigation Dam Colorado River/Grand Canyon Fertilization Adding Nutrients to the soil Two types: Organic (manure, compost) Chemical (comes from fossil fuels) if we run out of fossil fuels = no fertilizer = no food N-P-K N-Nitrogen P-Phosphorus K-Potassium Ex. N P K Algae (phytoplankton) bloom Colorado River/Gulf of Mexico Chemical fertilizers that runoff from either residential or agricultural use (or car wash soap) will end up in rivers and lakes. This fertilizer will encourage algae growth, which blocks out sunlight. As the algae dies and decomposes, the bacteria use up the oxygen, causing fish to suffocate. Greenhouses Used for growing flowers, vegetables, fruits, and tobacco, that would not otherwise be able to grow in a particular climate or seasonrequires indoor irrigation, limits pests Hydroponics/Aquaponics a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil Hydro/Aqua-water Aquaponics: same thing, but fish add nutrients to the water Golf Courses Environmentally speaking, EVIL! The high amount of irrigation and fertilizer required to keep such short grass so green is not environmentally responsible Monoculture Growing an entire field or forest of the same species of plant, (trees included) or animal Simplifies planting, fertilization, harvesting Changes in Technology Hand Scythe vs. Combine Hay Baler Horse plow Hauling Fertilizer