How Do You Spell INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE?

Pronunciation: [ɪntˈɛnsɪv ˈaɡɹɪkˌʌlt͡ʃə] (IPA)

Intensive agriculture is a farming technique characterized by the extensive use of inputs, such as fertilizer, pesticides, and irrigation, to maximize crop yields on a relatively small area of land. The word "intensive" is spelled /ɪnˈtɛnsɪv/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with emphasis on the second syllable. The "t" sound before the "s" is doubled to indicate that it is pronounced with a sharp, hissing sound. The spelling is intended to help convey the meaning of the word, which is the opposite of "extensive."

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INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE Meaning and Definition

  1. Intensive agriculture refers to a type of farming or agricultural practice that aims to maximize production and yield from a given area of land. It involves the intensified use of resources, including labor, capital, and technological advancements, in order to enhance productivity and efficiency.

    This agricultural approach generally involves practices such as the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery to cultivate crops and raise livestock. Intensive agriculture often utilizes larger-scale production systems, such as monocropping (growing a single crop on a large area of land) and industrialized animal farming. Additionally, this method commonly relies on high irrigation rates, extensive soil manipulation, and advanced breeding techniques to accelerate growth and boost harvests.

    The primary objective of intensive agriculture is to achieve higher agricultural outputs to meet the growing demand for food, fiber, and other agricultural products. By intensifying production within limited land areas, farmers can significantly increase yields and consequently contribute to improving food security and profitability. However, this method often has some negative environmental impacts, including soil degradation, water pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions.

    Overall, intensive agriculture is a production-focused agricultural system that aims to maximize output per unit of land through various means, such as increased input application, mechanization, and advanced technologies.

Etymology of INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE

The word "intensive" comes from the Latin word "intensivus", which means "stretching tight" or "straining". It is derived from the verb "intendere", meaning "to stretch" or "to strain towards". The term "agriculture" also has Latin origins, coming from the words "ager" (field) and "cultura" (cultivation). "Intensive agriculture" refers to a farming method that utilizes extensive labor, machinery, and inputs to maximize crop yields and productivity on a given area of land.