PLS Discussion Group 1 PDF

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Group Project 1
Melotto...

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Professor Melotto Organic Farming ○ Regulations in the application of cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that promote ecological balance focused on farm resources and conservation of biodiversity ○ Pros: lack of pesticides (preservation of biodiversity, soil conservation, non-target insect conservation) ○ Con: lower yields, more expensive, no proven data show less contamination ○ Overall: does not show any critical data on improving human health Group 2 Urban ag. 1. 2. 3. 4.

More recreation than profit City, high produce output Hard to keep sustainable b/c turnover rate: need local resources Waste as compost:soil tested regularly and low transport cost: fresher

Cons: low space, very expensive, pollution in cities higher, legal considerations (grants) , labor management, hard to be sustainable in developing countries due to turnover rate (deplete soil), soil contamination Green house farming: enclosure for retention, grow out of season produce, decreased pests, seasonal variation, microbiological control, used in urban agri. Cons: high investment cost, seasons have high contamination, need to regulate sterilization, lack of natural pollination, space limited Although some greenhouses can grow trees, but its a limitation cuz its not common Group 3: vertical farming 1. Practice of stacking plants up to increase yield: in controlled indoor environment a. Hydroponic, aeroponic, aeroponic and soilless i. Hydroponic: plant in nutrient rich water ii. Aeroponic: use less water and instead of soaking water, spray in water (nasa), optoponics: closed loop 2 component so crop and fish b. Pros and cons Pros: decreased water use, decrease yield, inc. food , no pesticides, use urban spaces , decreased travel distance for produce , max production in small space Cons: increased energy requirements Increased startup costs Can only grow certain crops , keep out pollinated bugs , not organic b/c no soil

Group 4: conventional farming 1. Used pesticides, GMO seeds and traditional breeding, no biotech, energy intensive ,grow for diverse markets , premium prices: use ID CRops 2. Pros: high yield, jobs, inexpensive food, uniform yield, consumer specific, lower risk of pathogen exposure, benefits for farms 3. Cons: soil health, consumer perception, genetic variance, stright control for cross breeding, water pollutants, competition with small farmers, Monoculture, Biodiversity 4. Food safety: factors: water source, pesticides cont. No major health concerns

5. Lack of conclusive evidence...