Food Production

• Why is improving crop yields crucial?

  To meet global food demand
• What are key methods to improve crop yields?

  • Fertilizers
  • Pest control
  • Greenhouses
  • Irrigation
• What do inorganic fertilizers supply?

  Essential minerals like NPK
• What role does nitrogen play in plant growth?

  Nitrogen promotes leaf growth
• What is the function of phosphorus in plants?

  Encourages root development
• How does potassium benefit plants?

  Enhances flowering and fruiting
• What are organic fertilizers made from?

  Natural sources like compost or manure
• What is a benefit of organic fertilizers?

  Improves soil fertility over time
• What are pesticides used for?

  To kill pests
• What types of pesticides exist?

  Insecticides, herbicides, fungicides
• What is a pro of using pesticides?

  Quick and effective pest control
• What is a con of using pesticides?

  Can cause environmental pollution
• What is biological control?

  Using natural predators to control pests
• What are the benefits of greenhouses?

  Higher yields and controlled water supply
• How do artificial light and CO₂ enrichment help crops?

  Maximizes crop growth during photosynthesis
• What is the purpose of irrigation systems?

  To supply water to crops
• What are two techniques of irrigation?

  Drip irrigation and flood irrigation
• What is fish farming also known as?

  Aquaculture
• What is a benefit of fish farming?

  Relieves pressure on wild fish populations
• What are enclosures in natural water used for?

  To keep fish in large pens or cages
• What is the purpose of tanks in fish farming?

  To control water quality and food supply
• What are advantages of fish farming?

  Controlled diet and lower mortality rates
• What are disadvantages of fish farming?

  Quick disease spread and waste buildup
• What are sustainable practices in fish farming?

  Using high-quality feed and monitoring water quality
• What is selective breeding?

  Producing plants and animals with desired traits
• What is the process of selective breeding?

  1. Select parents with desired traits
  2. Breed them together
  3. Select best offspring
  4. Repeat over generations
• What does biotechnology enable in food production?

  Genetic engineering and microorganism use
• What are GM crops?

  Crops genetically modified for improved traits
• What are Bt crops engineered to do?

  Produce a toxin that kills pests
• What does herbicide resistance allow crops to do?

  Survive specific herbicides
• How are microorganisms used in food production?

  In large-scale fermentation processes
• What role does yeast play in baking?

  Ferments sugars to produce carbon dioxide
• How is yeast used in brewing?

  Fermentation to produce alcohol
• What is the role of bacteria in yogurt production?

  Ferments lactose to produce lactic acid
• How is cheese produced?

  Bacteria and enzymes act on milk
• What is mycoprotein?

  Protein from Fusarium fungus
• What are the advantages of mycoprotein?

  Sustainable protein source and vegetarian alternative
• What are environmental impacts of food production?

  Deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution
• How does deforestation affect the environment?

  Reduces biodiversity and increases emissions
• What causes soil erosion and desertification?

  Over-farming and monoculture farming