Energy crops are plants grown specifically for fuel, divided into herbaceous (grasses) and woody (trees and shrubs) categories. Switchgrass is a popular choice due to high yields, low production costs, and resistance to pests and drought. Energy crops are used for electricity generation and biofuel production, with butanol, ethanol, and biodiesel being common products. Energy […]
Greenhouses protect crops from the elements and allow for longer growing periods, but can be expensive. Early greenhouses were attached to houses and used the sun for light and heat. Break-resistant plastic greenhouses were developed in the 20th century. Commercial greenhouse production became more affordable in the late 20th century, and water conservation techniques were […]
Transgenic crops are plants that have been artificially modified with genes from other plants or non-plant organisms to enhance their growth, resilience, and adaptability. The process involves locating and transferring the desired gene, and the resulting crops are highly regulated for safety. Genetically modified crops are commonly used to improve the health of existing plants […]
Around 11% of land is used for crops and 27% for livestock. 38% of the world’s land is agricultural, including arable land, fruit-growing and grazing. Irrigated land is more productive and represents 16% of cultivated land, producing 40% of the world’s food. The US has the most cultivated land, while Tuvalu has the highest percentage […]
Winter crops, including root vegetables, chicory, and cruciferous vegetables, can thrive in cooler temperatures. Fruits such as citrus, kiwis, and pears are also commonly grown in warm climates. Winter wheat is a commercial crop sown in the fall and harvested in the summer. Some crops, like celery and lettuce, can be grown year-round in temperate […]
Cash crops were originally small acreage crops sold on commodity markets, such as wheat and cotton. Now, cash crops also refer to crops grown in developing nations for foreign trade, and illegal crops like marijuana and opium. Most industrial-sized farms now grow crops solely for sale on the global commodity market, chosen based on climate […]
Drought-tolerant crops, such as sorghum, pearl millet, chickpeas, pigeon peas, and groundnuts, are being grown in areas where water is scarce. These crops are not cash crops but are used for subsistence and have high nutritional value. They are versatile and can be used for food, animal feed, building materials, and fuel. In areas of […]
Oil crops, including soybeans and canola, produce edible and non-edible oils, as well as biofuels. Other plants, such as avocados and almonds, also produce oil. Some crops, like cotton and corn, have other uses, but soybeans are primarily grown for oil. Biodiesel can be made from various crops, including waste cooking oil and alternative crops […]
Africa produces crops for both sustenance and export, including maize, cassava, fruits, vegetables, fish, goats, ostriches, wool, cotton, tobacco, tea, coffee, sugar cane, nuts, seeds, cut flowers, sunflowers, macadamia nuts, pecans, and rice. South Africa is a major producer of many crops. The different crops in Africa include both those for sustenance and those for […]
Food crops are intentionally grown for human or animal consumption, distinguishing them from wild edible vegetation and non-food crops. They must be intentionally planted and primarily used for food. Non-food crops are intentionally grown but not eaten, while wild plants cannot be intentionally grown or tended. Food crops are plants that are intentionally grown with […]
Tree crops are groves or orchards grown for economic or environmental benefits. Fruit and nut trees are common, but trees can also be grown for other purposes. Tree crops can be grown in large quantities or for small businesses and family farms. They can also be used for agricultural experimentation, hybridization, and environmental recovery. Different […]
Cereal crops are herbaceous plants with edible seeds, including rice, wheat, and corn. They are staple foods and a significant part of agriculture. All cereal crops belong to the grass family Poaceae and can be harvested by hand or machine. Corn is the most produced cereal, followed by rice and wheat. Rice is a daily […]
Perennial crops, which don’t need replanting, are cost-effective and eco-friendly. Fruits like berries, apples, and oranges are common, while kale, collard greens, and asparagus are some vegetables. Scientists are working on creating hybrid grains that return each year. Legumes like kudzu and runner beans are also available. Perennial crops, which produce food each year without […]
Genetically modified crops are plants that have had their DNA altered to give them specific traits such as disease or pest resistance. The debate surrounding GM crops is ongoing, with some arguing they will increase food production and others warning of unknown consequences. The use of GM seeds threatens agricultural biodiversity and gives companies control […]
Genetic modification has replaced traditional methods of plant modification. GMO crops have been developed to resist pests and herbicides, increase shelf life, and improve nutritional content. Soybeans and corn are the most widely grown GMO crops, and many processed foods contain GMO ingredients. The use of GMO food crops is controversial, with some arguing they […]
