Intensive and extensive agriculture
In this article we will provide you the difference between intensive and extensive agriculture Similarities and FAQs.
What does intensive agriculture mean
Intensive agriculture is a term used to describe agricultural production methods that are based on the extensive use and intensive application of technology, commercial inputs (fertilizers, pesticides), and labor. These systems generally require large amounts of external power for proper operation. Intensive agriculture is characterized by higher yields, which allows farmers to produce food in large quantities on relatively small areas. However, this practice can cause adverse environmental impacts due to excessive use of chemicals and natural resources.
What does extensive agriculture mean
Extensive agriculture refers to the use of a large amount of land to produce the necessary crops. This practice does not imply the intensive use of water, fertilizers or human resources and is commonly found in areas with warm climates and relatively flat terrain. The methods used are generally primitive as they require little equipment and labor, resulting in low levels of production per hectare. It is mainly long-term monoculture over large open areas without the typical annual rotation or diversification of the organic farmer . Extensive agriculture significantly reduces financial risk for farmers due to its low initial cost and limited soil maintenance requirements.
Similarities
The similarities between intensive agricultureand extensive agriculture are many. Firstly, both are based on the use of natural resources such as land, water and sun to produce food. Both types also require careful planning to increase productivity, using modern technology and advanced scientific knowledge. In addition, both take into account the health of the soil through the use of organic fertilizer and conservation practices to maintain high soil fertility. However, there are significant differences between these two forms of agriculture: while intensive agriculture involves a higher degree of environmental control (using chemical pesticides) and higher levels of investment (mechanized equipment), extensive agriculture is basically unmechanized and involves less impact on the environment.
Differences between intensive agriculture and extensive agriculture
Intensive agriculture is a style of agricultural production that is characterized by using modern techniques to increase production in fewer areas, such as the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery. It is a method that requires significant monetary resources for its implementation. On the other hand, extensive agriculture refers to traditional farming systems where practically only hand tools and native seeds are used to cultivate large tracts of land with low fertility or productivity. This form does not need much start-up capital or advanced technology to implement, but it produces limited results due to little control over weather conditions or other external factors.
Frequent questions
What is intensive agriculture?
Intensive agriculture is an agricultural production system that involves the extensive use of technology, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides to increase production in a limited area. This is done to meet the growing demand for food without further expanding arable land.
What is extensive and intensive agriculture?
Extensive agriculture: It is a method of agriculture in which fields are cultivated with little investment and labor. It is mainly used for large-scale production, such as the production of staple foods or livestock fodder. Farmers use traditional techniques and generally do not use chemicals or modern machinery. Intensive agriculture: It is a method of agriculture in which farmers invest large amounts of capital, labor and technology to maximize agricultural production in relatively small areas. This includes things like the massive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced mechanized tools. This form of agriculture is often expensive but produces higher yields per hectare compared to other types of farming systems.
What is extensive agriculture?
Extensive agriculture consists of the use of large land for agricultural production, where rudimentary methods and low production techniques are used. This form of farming is often dependent on the local climate and does not require constant or intensive maintenance. Extensive agriculture is commonly practiced in rural areas with scarce resources at labor and financial level.
