Assess the impact of farming practices on the carbon budget
Assessing the impact of farming practices on the carbon budget requires an
understanding of their effects on the carbon cycle. While certain farming practices
such as slash and burn agriculture, soil erosion, and cattle ranching have been
predominantly associated with carbon emissions and ecosystem degradation, there
are also less negative impacts they can have.
Slash and burn agriculture, commonly practiced in regions like the Amazon rainforest,
indeed releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through
deforestation and burning. The resulting carbon emissions contribute to the
greenhouse effect, exacerbating climate change. In 2023, deforestation in the Brazilian
Amazon alone accounted for approximately 44% of the country's total CO2 emissions,
highlighting the magnitude of this impact. Furthermore, soil erosion stemming from
unsustainable farming practices leads to the release of stored carbon into the
atmosphere, further intensifying carbon emissions. However, it is essential to
recognise that certain traditional slash and burn techniques, when practiced
sustainably and in moderation, can also support the carbon cycle. Indigenous
communities in the Amazon have historically utilised slash and burn agriculture as a
means of land management, allowing for forest regeneration and the replenishment of
soil nutrients, which can, in turn, support carbon sequestration over time.
Similarly, while cattle ranching is often associated with deforestation and carbon
emissions, there are potential positive contributions to the carbon cycle as well. Well-
managed grazing systems can promote the growth of pastureland, which, if
sustainably maintained, can act as carbon sinks by sequestering carbon in soil organic
matter. Additionally, agroforestry practices that integrate trees with pastureland can
enhance carbon storage while simultaneously supporting biodiversity and ecosystem
resilience. For example, silvopastoral systems, which combine trees with livestock
grazing, have been shown to increase carbon sequestration compared to conventional
pastureland.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognise that the positive impacts of farming on the
carbon cycle are contingent upon sustainable land management practices.
Unsustainable agricultural expansion, characterised by deforestation, soil degradation,
and intensive land use, can outweigh any potential benefits and exacerbate carbon
emissions. The challenge lies in promoting sustainable farming methods that balance
the need for food production with environmental conservation. Efforts to support
agroecological approaches, conservation agriculture, and reforestation initiatives are
essential for mitigating the adverse effects of farming on the carbon cycle while
maximising its potential benefits for ecosystem health and climate resilience.
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