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AP®Environmental ScienceCollege BoardExam QuestionsUnit 5: Land & Water UseImpacts of Agricultural Practices

Impacts of Agricultural Practices (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

6 mins6 questions
11 mark

Which of the following describes an advantage of organic fertilizers over synthetic fertilizers?

  • Organic fertilizers provide nutrients that are immediately available to plants.

  • Organic fertilizers improve soil structure and promote beneficial microbial activity.

  • Organic fertilizers have a higher nutrient concentration per unit weight.

  • Organic fertilizers have a great chance of causing eutrophication

Choose your answer

21 mark

Which of the following describes an environmental impact of slash-and-burn agriculture?

  • Slash-and-burn agriculture improves soil fertility due to ash deposition

  • Slash-and-burn agriculture increases biodiversity in cleared areas

  • Slash-and-burn agriculture releases carbon dioxide contributing to climate change

  • Slash-and-burn agriculture enhances water retention in soil

Choose your answer

31 mark

Which of the following is an environmental disadvantage of genetically modified (GMO) crops?

  • GMO crops are subject to wind erosion and heavy soil loss.

  • GMO crops develop herbicide resistant weeds.

  • GMO crops increase crop yields

  • GMO crops can have added nutritional value. 

Choose your answer

41 mark

Which of the following best describes the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture?

  • A sustainable farming method that involves rotating crops and using natural fertilizers.

  • A technique where forests are cleared by cutting and burning vegetation to make way for farming.

  • A method of farming that uses advanced irrigation systems to conserve water.

  • A practice of planting crops in rows to reduce soil erosion and improve soil fertility.

Choose your answer

51 mark

Which of the following locations is most impacted by desertification?

  • South America

  • Southeast Asia

  • Western Europe

  • North Africa 

Choose your answer

61 mark

Which of the following describes an environmental problem associated with farm mechanization?

  • Decreased crop yields due to soil compaction and erosion.

  • Reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers, leading to healthier ecosystems.

  • Increased soil fertility through the use of organic farming methods.

  • Greater reliance on manual labor, reducing the carbon footprint of farming.

Choose your answer