B6.3

• factors affecting food security:

  increasing human population

  changing diets

  climate change - droughts etc

  new pests and pathogens may evolve

  increasing agricultural costs
• how can we increase food production?

  • maximise photosynthesis (light levels, temperature and water supply control in industrial glasshouses)
  • using fertilisiers
  • removing competition and pests
  • planting varieties of crops that are pest resistant / produce a higher yield
• intensive farming

  aims to produce the maximum food product yield from the minium area of land. this is achieved by:

  • using fertilisers and pesticides to aid plant growth
  • maximising animal growth rates
  • minimising labour inputs by using machinery
• organic farming

  uses more natural methods of producing crops / animals

  • avoids use of artificial chemicals
  • yields are smaller
  • products are more expensive