Farming

Farming is the process of producing food by cultivation of certain plants and the raising of domesticated animals. See also agriculture.

History

Farming has a long history, and it is thought to begin at the end of the neolithic era, when humans first domesticated wheat?. The history of farming is obscure because it pre-dates writing, but it is clear that farming was invented at least twice, probably more often: once in the [Fertile Crescent]?, once in [Central America]?, and probably once in east Asia. Most likely, there was a gradual transition from a hunter-gatherer economy to an agricultural one, via a lengthy period when some crops were deliberately planted, and other foods were gathered from the wild ...please fill in, my ancient history is somewhat lacking :-)

Methods

Irrigation

Fertilizers

Crop rotation

Weed removal

Breeding

Domesticated plants

Domestication of plants is made in order to increase yield and improve the taste and nutritional value. In recent times, genetic engineering has begun to be employed to enhance certain aspects of the natural plants.

• Wheat?. Has a very long history of domestication, and is thought to be one of the first plants used for farming...
• Rice?. The chief crop in eastern Asia, and an important foodstuff around the world.
• Corn. Old domesticated plant, found in countless variations throughout the Americas.
• Apple.
• Potato
• Soybean?

Perhaps this section and Vegetable farming ought to be merged?

Domesticated animals

Environmental effects

Nitrogen surplus in rivers and lakes...

Detrimental effects of herbicide?s, fungicide?s, pesticide?s and biocide?s...

Conversion of wetland?s into arable land...

Erosion

/Talk