Explanation The key concept of the given section is food production can be decreased by soil erosion, desertification, soil pollution, climate change, irrigation, water shortage, and water pollution. The process of industrialized food production requires large inputs of energy because it requires fossil fuel for running machinery, water pumps for irrigation, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides. Food processing and transportation also require the use of fossil fuels. The large quantity of fuel consumption leads to air and water pollution. According to the studies, it is observed that 10 units of fossil fuel energy are used in manufacturing, transporting, and preserving the food, but human beings receive only 1 unit of food energy. So, industrialized food production results in net energy loss. Harmful effects of industrialized agriculture: The widespread of industrialized agriculture require cropland which causes loss of biodiversity. The use of pesticides and fertilizers cause air and water pollution. The chemicals present in synthetic fertilizers and pesticides cause soil erosion. The chemicals are retained by the crops which cause health problems to human beings. Topsoil: The most fertile top layer of the soil is called topsoil. It is the major component of the Earth because of terrestrial life depends on it. Topsoil provides nutrient to plants and also purifies water. It causes nutrient recycling and stores excessive carbon dioxide. Soil erosion: The movement of the topsoil from one place to the other using air and water causes soil erosion. Some of the soil erosion is natural which clears the forest. However, the increased level of soil erosion causes a reduction in nutrient level in the soil...

The key concept of the given section. The reason behind large inputs of energy for industrialized food production. The harmful environmental effects of industrialized agriculture on biodiversity, soil, water, air, human health, and resource use. The meaning of topsoil and the reason for it called the most important resource. The meaning of soil erosion and its three harmful environmental effects. The meaning of desertification and its harmful environmental effects. The way in which water used for irrigation by human beings. The meaning of soil salinization and waterlogging and their harmful effects. The meaning of soil pollution and its two causes.

Environmental Science (MindTap Course List)

16th Edition

ISBN: 9781337569613

Author: G. Tyler Miller, Scott Spoolman

Publisher: Cengage Learning

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Chapter 10, Problem 5CR

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The key concept of the given section. The reason behind large inputs of energy for industrialized food production. The harmful environmental effects of industrialized agriculture on biodiversity, soil, water, air, human health, and resource use. The meaning of topsoil and the reason for it called the most important resource. The meaning of soil erosion and its three harmful environmental effects. The meaning of desertification and its harmful environmental effects. The way in which water used for irrigation by human beings. The meaning of soil salinization and waterlogging and their harmful effects. The meaning of soil pollution and its two causes.

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