Farming practices are closely linked to the environment in which they are carried out, and the choice of farming method often depends on ecological conditions such as climate, soil type, water availability, and vegetation. The relationship between farming and the environment gives rise to different types of farming based on ecological systems, each with distinct characteristics and impacts. Understanding these farming types is essential for promoting sustainable agriculture and minimizing negative environmental effects. In this post, we will explore the major types of farming on ecological systems and their effects on both the land and surrounding ecosystems.
Table Of Contents
- What is farming?
- Types of farming on ecological system.
- Mono cropping
- Continuous cropping
- Shifting cultivation
- Crop rotation
- Mixed farming
WHAT IS FARMING
Farming is the deliberate practice of cultivating the land, growing crops, and raising animals to produce food, raw materials, and other agricultural products essential for human survival and economic development. It is one of the oldest and most fundamental human activities, forming the foundation of civilization and modern society. Farming includes a wide range of activities such as soil preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, harvesting, storage, and the rearing of animals for meat, milk, eggs, wool, and other products. Beyond just food production, farming also supplies raw materials for industries, supports livelihoods, and contributes significantly to national economies. The method and scale of farming may vary—from small subsistence farms to large commercial operations—and are often influenced by environmental, technological, and economic factors.
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TYPES OF FARMING OF ECOLOGICAL SYSTEM
1. MONO CROPPING: Mono cropping is a system of Farming in which one crop is cultivated every year.
EFFECTS OF MONO CROPPING
- Mono cropping provide abundant food for pests of the vastly cultivated crop.
- It greatly increases the population of pests.
- Mono cropping therefore increases the menace of the pests.
- Such pests reduce the food and population of other animals
- Mono cropping depletes the soil of its nutrients.
2. CONTINUOUS CROPPING: It is the repeated and continuous cultivation of crops in one area of land.
EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS CROPPING
- Continuous cropping reduces the mineral/nutrient content of the soil.
- Continuous cropping ensures the multiplication of pests and parasites.
- It ensures the spread or multiplication of germs.
- It results in yield of crops.
3. SHIFTING CULTIVATION: Shifting cultivation involves the cultivation of a piece of land for one or two years after which it is abandoned for another.
EFFECTS OF SHIFTING CULTIVATION
- Shifting cultivation wastes valuable lands.
- It destroy valuable plants and animals in the area
- It depletes the mineral nutrient of the soil.
- Shifting cultivation decreases the activities of useful Micro-organisms.
4. CROP ROTATION: Crop rotation is define as a system or types of farming whereby different crops are grown on the same piece of land year after year in a definite manner so as to maintain the fertility of the soil.
EFFECTS OF CROP ROTATION
- Crop rotation adds nutrients to the soil through the incorporation of leguminous crops in the rotation.
- Crop rotation maximizes the use of available land.
- crop rotation controls the growth of weeds.
- Crop rotation helps to control pests associated with soil.
- It also helps to control diseases.
- Crop rotation control erosion.
5. MIXED FARMING: Mixed farming is one of the types of farming in which the Farmer cultivate his crops and rears animals on the same piece of land.
EFFECTS OF MIXED FARMING
- Mixed farming adds nutrients to the soil through Dom’s produced by animals.
- It can cause pollution of the environment from the odour of animal dung.
- Mixed farming maximizes the use of available land.
- Pests may be built up in the land.
- Diseases may also build up in the land.
- Cultivated crops may be eaten up by animals.
6. Organic Farming: Organic farming is a method of agriculture that relies on natural processes, organic inputs, and ecological balance rather than synthetic chemicals. It avoids the use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and growth enhancers. The focus is on maintaining soil health, conserving biodiversity, and producing food in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Effects of Organic Farming:
- Enhances soil fertility and biodiversity
- Reduces pollution from chemical inputs
- Promotes healthier food production
- Supports long-term ecological balance
7. Agroforestry: Agroforestry is an integrated approach to farming that combines the cultivation of crops and/or rearing of animals with the planting of trees and shrubs on the same land. This system mimics natural ecosystems and promotes mutual benefits among plants, animals, and trees, making it suitable for sustainable land management.
Effects of Agroforestry:
- Prevents soil erosion and improves soil structure
- Increases biodiversity and provides habitats for wildlife
- Enhances carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change
- Provides both food and timber, supporting diverse income sources
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Conclusion
Sustainable farming practices play a vital role in preserving the environment, enhancing soil health, and supporting long-term agricultural productivity. By adopting various types of farming based on ecological systems, farmers can reduce environmental degradation, conserve natural resources, and adapt to changing climate conditions. These eco-friendly approaches not only ensure food and fiber production for present and future generations but also contribute to the overall balance of ecosystems and global sustainability efforts.
Revision Questions
- What is farming?
- List and explain 5 types of farming
- State the effects of crop rotation