Two types of farming are conventional and organic. On a conventional farm, irrigation and chemical fertilizer may be used on fields that contain rows of only one type of crop. On an organic farm, multiple crops may be grown in one field. Pests may be removed by hand, and soil may be amended with fertilizer made from ground fish or animal manure,

Question

Part A

How could a conventional farm be more economically sustainable than an organic farm?

(3 points)

Part B

Which type of farm is more economically and environmentally sustainable in the long term? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

Part A: A conventional farm may be more economically sustainable than an organic farm because the use of irrigation and chemical fertilizers can lead to higher crop yields and lower production costs. Additionally, the use of machinery for planting and harvesting in conventional farming can increase efficiency and reduce labor costs compared to the labor-intensive practices used in organic farming.

Part B: In the long term, organic farming is generally considered to be more economically and environmentally sustainable than conventional farming. Organic farming practices focus on maintaining soil health and biodiversity, which can lead to improved soil fertility over time and reduce the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This can result in healthier crops, higher resilience to pests and diseases, and lower risks of soil degradation. Additionally, organic farming is better for the environment as it reduces pollution from chemical inputs, preserves natural habitats, and promotes biodiversity. While organic farming may have higher initial costs and lower yields compared to conventional farming, the long-term benefits of improved soil health, reduced environmental impacts, and potentially higher market prices for organic produce make it a more sustainable choice in the long run.