Principles of Agricultural Science – Plant

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Plants in Our World

Unit 1 – Worlds of OpportunityLesson 1.1 A World without Enough Plants

Principles of Agricultural Science – Plant

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Crop Regions

Frost free periods (growing season)Mean average temperature (growing

degree days)Rainfall

Certain crops grow in specific regions of the United States.

Influencing environmental factors include:

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The Relationship between Plants and Animals

• Animals (including humans) eat plant material

• Plants restore oxygen to the air animals breathe

• Decaying animal products support plant life in the form of nutrients

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Harvesting the Sun

• Carbohydrates

• Fats

• Oils

Plants use the energy from sunlight to convert raw materials from the Earth into:

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Gas Exchange

Plants use carbon dioxide from the air and convert it into oxygen

The process of food production and gas conversion is called photosynthesis

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Human Value

• Food

• Feed for livestock

• Fiber

• Fuel

• Medicine

• Aesthetic value

What are some ways humans use plant material?

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Stresses on Plant Production

• Global human population• Demand for biofuels• Urban growth• Water resources

Future increase in demands for plant production will need to be met.

Current issues facing the supply of plant products:

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Outcomes?

What if the supply of plants cannot keep up with human demands?

What are some solutions?

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References

Parker, R. (2010). Plant and soil science: Fundamentals and applications. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.