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Answer the following questions for each chapter section and then answer the Central Question.
How do climate and biodiversity influence terrestrial primary production?
How is soil formed?
What types of agricultural systems are built on natural biomes?
How do farming, grazing, and forestry practices affect soil?
In what ways does irrigation alter the quality of soil?
What are the problematic consequences of intensive agriculture?
In what ways are genetically modified (GM) crops a source of controversy and potential?
What are the benefits of increasing genetic and crop diversity?
How can sustainable farming, forestry, and ranching practices reduce soil losses and improve soil fertility?
What factors must be managed to irrigate sustainably?
What is Integrated Pest Management and what are its benefits?
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Terrestrial resources provide us with food, fuel, and building material. Because these resources are so central to our lives, there are many opportunities to use them more sustainably in everyday life.
□Keep informed.
Learn about the sources of food in your community. In addition to large grocery stores, are there farmer’s markets where you can buy directly from local growers? (Check out localharvest.org to find markets near you.) What water resources are available for agriculture in your area? If there are forestlands in your area, learn how they are managed.
□Eat lower on the food chain.
In Chapter 6, we considered ways to reduce the amount of water we use in our daily lives for sanitation and other uses. However, as we have seen, the largest user of water around the world is agriculture. Despite that, not all agricultural products require the same amount of water for their production. Among the largest users of water is the production of animal products, especially beef. Recent estimates indicate that shifting to a vegetarian diet would reduce water consumption related to food production by 36%. Even if you are not a vegetarian, one of the most effective ways to reduce the amount of water used to produce the food you eat is to eat fewer animal products. Even one meat-
□Grow some of your own food.
Consider planting a garden, if you have sufficient space, or growing herbs and vegetables in a small raised bed planter or in pots. Many communities offer the opportunity to garden through community gardens. Growing even a small amount of your own food connects you to the process of food production and helps you understand the problems faced by farmers.
□Buy and consume sustainably produced terrestrial resources.
As a consumer, you have the power to influence the way the products you purchase are produced. In respect to terrestrial resources, you can choose to purchase products that are certified to have been produced using sustainable agricultural and forestry practices. For example, the Rainforest Alliance certifies consumer goods ranging from agricultural and forestry products to home and office supplies. You can find information on where to purchase sustainably produced foods from a variety of sources, such as the online Eat Well Guide. When purchasing animal products, such as meat, eggs, or milk, consider products endorsed by an organization such as Animal Welfare Approved.