Which agricultural system requires the lowest input of labor and energy?(1 point)
industrial agriculture
intensive farming
genetically modified crops
nomadic pastoralism
Genetically modified crops require the lowest input of labor and energy.
Nomadic pastoralism requires the lowest input of labor and energy.
To determine which agricultural system requires the lowest input of labor and energy, we can analyze each option:
1. Industrial Agriculture: This type of agriculture involves large-scale mechanized farming practices using modern technology and synthetic inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides. While industrial agriculture aims to maximize productivity, it typically requires a substantial input of labor and energy to operate machinery, apply chemicals, and manage large-scale operations. Therefore, it is unlikely that industrial agriculture requires the lowest input of labor and energy.
2. Intensive Farming: Intensive farming focuses on achieving high yields by maximizing the use of resources within smaller areas. It typically involves significant labor and energy inputs, as farmers need to closely manage crops or livestock, control pests and diseases, and provide ample nutrients and water. Hence, intensive farming is unlikely to require the lowest input of labor and energy.
3. Genetically Modified Crops: Genetically modified (GM) crops are engineered to possess specific traits, such as resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides. While GM crops can reduce the need for certain inputs like pesticides or herbicides, they do not eliminate the need for labor and energy in farming practices. For instance, planting, managing, and harvesting GM crops still require significant labor and energy, making it unlikely that genetically modified crops require the lowest input of labor and energy.
4. Nomadic Pastoralism: Nomadic pastoralism is an agricultural system primarily associated with herding animals. It typically involves moving livestock across different grazing areas in search of fresh pasture and water. Compared to other forms of agriculture, nomadic pastoralism generally requires less labor and energy inputs in terms of infrastructure development, mechanization, and crop management. The herders depend on natural grazing patterns and do not need to invest in extensive inputs like machinery or synthetic fertilizers. Therefore, nomadic pastoralism is the agricultural system that likely requires the lowest input of labor and energy.
Hence, the answer is nomadic pastoralism.