Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Flashcards
6 cards from real Agronomy practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation flashcards as text
What is precision agriculture primarily designed to do?
Answer: Apply inputs variably across a field based on spatial variability to optimize efficiency and reduce waste
Precision agriculture uses GPS, sensors, and data analytics to apply fertilizers, pesticides, and water at variable rates matching the needs of different zones within a field.
What is the main purpose of a grassed waterway in a crop field?
Answer: Safely convey concentrated surface runoff without causing erosion
Grassed waterways are channels planted with grass that carry concentrated runoff from sloping fields to an outlet without eroding the channel bottom or sides.
Which soil carbon sequestration practice stores the most carbon long-term in agricultural soils?
Answer: Continuous no-till with diverse cover crops and minimal soil disturbance
Continuous no-till combined with diverse cover crops maximizes organic matter inputs while minimizing decomposition from tillage, building stable soil carbon over time.
What is agroforestry in sustainable agriculture?
Answer: Integrating trees and shrubs with crops or livestock to create multi-layered, sustainable systems
Agroforestry intentionally integrates trees or shrubs into crop and livestock systems to improve biodiversity, soil health, carbon sequestration, and farm income diversity.
What does 'nutrient management planning' require farmers to document?
Answer: Soil test results, nutrient sources, application rates, timing, and methods to match crop needs while protecting water quality
A nutrient management plan documents soil testing, planned nutrient applications, timing, placement, and quantities to optimize crop production and protect the environment.
Which federal legislation requires farmers receiving certain USDA program benefits to implement conservation measures on highly erodible lands and wetlands?
Answer: Sodbuster and Swampbuster provisions of the Farm Bill
The Sodbuster and Swampbuster provisions of the Farm Bill deny USDA benefits to producers who convert highly erodible land or wetlands to crop production without conservation measures.