Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Listen carefully to the following passage:
Good morning, everyone! Today, we will discuss the topic of sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is a method of farming that focuses on producing food while also maintaining environmental health and promoting social equity. One key principle of sustainable farming is crop rotation, which helps to improve soil health and reduce pest populations. For instance, farmers might alternate planting legumes, which enrich the soil with nitrogen, followed by cereals, which require more nitrogen. This practice not only enhances soil fertility but also minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers.
Another important aspect of sustainable agriculture is water conservation. Farmers are learning to utilize rainwater harvesting systems and drip irrigation to optimize water use. This is especially vital in dry regions where water scarcity is a major issue. Additionally, many farmers are adopting organic farming practices, which avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, thus contributing to healthier ecosystems.
In summary, sustainable agriculture aims to build a resilient food system that safeguards natural resources while providing for current and future generations.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.