We should be looking to the past to solve problems of the future.
Agriculture has been a vital part of almost every society since the beginning of time. However, it has also been blamed for many problems and issues faced throughout history. When discussing current agricultural issues such as deforestation and over-farming land, we must realize that these issues have been being addressed for many years. Sometimes this is done successfully, and other times not so much.
The people of Easter Island are an example of misuse of resources. As described in the book A New Green History of the World by Clive Ponting, the people of Easter Island were not aware of the consequences associated with unsustainable usage of natural resources. They were advanced enough to build giant statues called ahu, with nothing more than obsidian stone tools. However, they lacked the agricultural advancement and knowledge to develop sustainable methods of harvesting crops and using trees. When these resources ran out, the society declined into a primitive and cannibalistic society.
Another people group that was affected by agricultural issues is the Mayans. There are many theories on why the Mayan people did not survive, ranging from peasant revolt to depletion of resources. The article “Prehistoric Intensive Agriculture in the Mayan Lowlands” by B.L. Turner II describes the agricultural methods used by the Mayan people. Turner states that the Mayans used methods such as terraces, raised fields and irrigation systems to maintain soil fertility while reducing fallow periods and controlling grass invasion. This indicates that, in contrast to the Easter Islanders, they did not lack the agricultural knowledge necessary to preserve resources. While the exact cause of the Mayan collapse is still debated, it is obvious that the Mayans did know how to manage their resources in a responsible manner.
In today’s society, more and more crops are being created to meet the needs of our rapidly growing population. The Eco Millennium Assessment predicts that 10-20% of grassland and forestland is going to be converted to agricultural croplands between 2000 and 2050. When converting these areas to crops, it is important that we remember to implement responsible farming techniques. Like the Mayans, we have significant know-how when it comes to agriculture. We must not throw away sustainable practices in order to turn over crops more quickly. By utilizing the land we have for the purposes they are best suited for, we can avoid depleting the soil. Diversification of crops is also important in maintaining a diverse and healthy ecosystem.
Beth, I agree that there is too much over farming especially with how much food gets wasted and thrown into the landfills. I think that we should monitor our waste and use the crops wisely. By keeping what trees we have and replanting trees, it will transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, something we all need, and the trees help the process of removing large quantities of the greenhouse gas that is changing the global climate. With a hot climate, we will no longer be able to grow crops the same as we can today no matter how good the soil. The Ecosystems and Human Well-Being state that with deforestation generally leads to decreased rainfall and both crops, forests and ourselves all need water to live.
ReplyDeleteGood point, Maegen. Even though many trees are being cut down, there are many trees now that were not around even as little as one hundred years ago. Oklahoma's landscape used to be dry and dusty prairie land, but now there are trees everywhere. Even here at Oklahoma State University, the landscape has changed drastically in just one hundred years.
DeleteHere is an image of Old Central around the year 1900:
http://www.library.okstate.edu/scua/exhibit/campusbeg/images/williams.gif
And another picture of Old Central currently:
http://landmarkhunter.com/photos/52/19/521962-L.jpg
I think that there is definitely hope for future trees!
Hi, Beth;
ReplyDeleteYour blog is well written and very organized. You do a nice job of leading the reader from thesis statement to conclusion. Your argument may be enhanced by being more descriptive with some of the impact discussed by the ESMA; the issues we are facing. But, generally, this is nice job!
Beth, I also agree with you on the over usage of farming. I have personal experience in the "farming" world because it is one of my dads hobbies. He refuses to cut down trees and wastes his crops. The majority of the crops are wheat and Bermuda grass, while some are corn and cotton. All of the trees on the land are also natural trees. The cedar trees are the only trees that are cut down and burned because the cedar trees take the water from the soil and the ponds leaving them dry. Cedar trees also have oil in them that pollutes the environment. Seeing this first hand, I completely agree with you when you say we need to stop depleting the soil and placing waste on the land.
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