Human and Physical Influences on Food Choices
Physical Factors: The Natural Foundations of Food Choices
1. Climate
Climate determines which crops can be grown and where.
- Tropical Climates: Ideal for rice, bananas, and sugarcane.
- Temperate Climates: Suitable for wheat, barley, and apples.
- Arid Climates: Favor drought-resistant crops like millet and sorghum.
Consider how climate change affects food choices. Rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall can disrupt traditional farming systems.
2. Soil Fertility
Soil fertility influences crop yields and quality.
- Rich, Loamy Soils: High productivity (e.g., the Great Plains in the USA or central and eastern Ukraine).
- Poor, Sandy Soils: Limited options without fertilizers (e.g., parts of Sub-Saharan Africa).
Think of soil as a bank account. Fertile soil is like a well-funded account, supporting growth, while poor soil is like an empty account, requiring "deposits" of nutrients through fertilizers.
3. Water Availability
Water is essential for agriculture, influencing both crop types and yields.
- Irrigated Regions: Grow water-intensive crops like rice.
- Rainfed Areas: Rely on drought-resistant crops.
Don’t assume irrigation is always a solution. Over-reliance can deplete water resources and cause long-term environmental damage.
4. Natural Hazards
Natural hazards like droughts, floods, and storms can disrupt food production.
