Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

Which agricultural practice focuses on the natural production of goods without synthetics?

1. Conventional Farming

2. Organic Farming

3. Intensive Agriculture

4. Permaculture

The correct answer is: Organic Farming

Organic farming is characterized by its emphasis on cultivating crops and raising livestock using methods that do not involve synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides or fertilizers. This practice prioritizes natural processes and seeks to enhance biodiversity, health of the environment, and sustainability. Organic farming often incorporates techniques like crop rotation, composting, and biological pest control, allowing for a holistic approach to agriculture. The other agricultural practices mentioned, such as conventional farming, involve the use of synthetic inputs to maximize yield. Intensive agriculture focuses on increasing production through high inputs of labor and capital, often leading to monocultures that can rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Permaculture emphasizes creating sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural ecosystems but is not specifically defined by the exclusion of synthetics like organic farming is. Thus, the clear distinction for organic farming lies in its outright prohibition of synthetic substances, making it the correct choice in this context.