Monocultures
Monocultures are used widely across the U.S. and even the world when it comes to farming. Monoculture is the agricultural practice of producing or growing genetically similar, or essentially identical plants, over a large area, year after year. Monocultures are used in modern industrial agriculture for one main reason.
This reason is because monocultures produce greater yields by utilizing their ability to maximize growth with little competition from other species and a more singular plant structure. The specific plants chosen are selected because they can grow really well under specific conditions of a particular place. For example, corn or maize may be a part of a monoculture.
Although we benefit from the yield, the environment has a big chance to be harmed. If the conditions of the land and area change, the plants/crops are at a greater risk of dying and failing than genetically diverse fields. This is because these mono-cultured plants are accustomed and grown to a very specific environment.
When crops are mono-cultured, they have less potential of maintaining their well being. This means that it is less sustainable for the environment. Studies have shown that when these crops die, the soil looses its nutrients, and the overall environment cant be used again.
Genetically diverse fields are less vulnerable to environmental changes than monocultures because some plants and crops can deal with changes that other plants and crops cant.
This reason is because monocultures produce greater yields by utilizing their ability to maximize growth with little competition from other species and a more singular plant structure. The specific plants chosen are selected because they can grow really well under specific conditions of a particular place. For example, corn or maize may be a part of a monoculture.
Although we benefit from the yield, the environment has a big chance to be harmed. If the conditions of the land and area change, the plants/crops are at a greater risk of dying and failing than genetically diverse fields. This is because these mono-cultured plants are accustomed and grown to a very specific environment.
When crops are mono-cultured, they have less potential of maintaining their well being. This means that it is less sustainable for the environment. Studies have shown that when these crops die, the soil looses its nutrients, and the overall environment cant be used again.
Genetically diverse fields are less vulnerable to environmental changes than monocultures because some plants and crops can deal with changes that other plants and crops cant.
Perspective On Obesity
Farmers use monocultures for their own benefit regardless of the impact on the environment. Businesses and other farmers also do this with other agricultural inputs. They use inputs of corn, soy, and wheat. These are all subsidized by federal tax so the prices are cheaper.
A French specialist named Dr Michel Montignac said-
“All studies have shown that the higher the yield of a variety, the higher its glycemic index (GI) and the lower its nutritional value”. When crops like corn, soy, and wheat are hybridized for a larger yield, the effects above take place. When these foods have lass nutritional value, preservatives fill in the gaps. This is more detrimental for the consumer but a boon to the producers.
A French specialist named Dr Michel Montignac said-
“All studies have shown that the higher the yield of a variety, the higher its glycemic index (GI) and the lower its nutritional value”. When crops like corn, soy, and wheat are hybridized for a larger yield, the effects above take place. When these foods have lass nutritional value, preservatives fill in the gaps. This is more detrimental for the consumer but a boon to the producers.