Landwirtschaftsökosystemen

Landwirtschaft, or agriculture in English, is the practice of cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, fuel, and other products. It encompasses crop production, animal husbandry, horticulture, and related services such as agronomy, farm management, and food processing. Agriculture forms the foundation of food security and rural livelihoods in societies around the world.

Historically, agriculture emerged independently in several regions, enabling settled communities and civilizations. Innovations such as selective breeding, irrigation, fertilizer use, and the plow increased yields. The Industrial Revolution and mechanization transformed productivity and farm organization, leading to commercial farming, market specialization, and policy frameworks that shape land use and trade.

Today, agriculture faces environmental and social challenges. Sustainable practices aim to protect soil health, conserve water, and reduce chemical inputs through approaches like crop rotation, integrated pest management, and agroforestry. Precision agriculture uses sensors, drones, and data analytics to optimize inputs. Biotechnology and breeding programs seek higher yields and climate resilience. Policymaking, trade, and consumer demand influence prices and livelihoods, while climate change and biodiversity loss pose ongoing risks.