Which term describes farming that requires relatively little energy input into the land for the calories extracted?

• A. Shifting Cultivation
• B. Extensive Farming
• C. Intensive Farming
• D. Sedentary Farming

Answer: (B)

Farming systems are being looked at in terms of how much energy you put into the land compared with the calories you get out. The term that describes farming that uses large areas with very low energy inputs to the land is extensive farming. It relies on natural soil fertility and rainfall, with little need for fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation. Because the inputs per unit area are small, the energy spent to produce a given amount of food is relatively low, even though the yield per hectare is often lower. This contrasts with intensive farming, which uses a lot of energy and inputs to achieve high yields, and with shifting or sedentary practices, which involve different land-use patterns and management.