Rice–fish systemA rice–fish system is a rice polyculture, a practice that integrates riceagriculture with aquaculture, most commonly with freshwater fish. It is based on a mutually beneficial relationship between rice and fish in the same agroecosystem. The system was recognized by the FAO in 2002 as one of the first Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.
PolycultureIn agriculture, polyculture is the practice of growing more than one crop species together in the same place at the same time, in contrast to monoculture, which had become the dominant approach in developed countries by 1950. Traditional examples include the intercropping of the Three Sisters, namely maize, beans, and squashes, by indigenous peoples of Central and North America, the rice-fish systems of Asia, and the complex mixed cropping systems of Nigeria.
Mosquito-borne diseaseMosquito-borne diseases or mosquito-borne illnesses are diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. Nearly 700 million people contract mosquito-borne illnesses each year, resulting in over a million deaths.
PesticideSubstance used to control pestsA self-propelled crop sprayer spraying pesticide on a fieldA crop-duster spraying pesticide on a fieldPesticides are substances that are used to controlpests. They include herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, fungicides, and many others (see table). The most common of these are herbicides, which account for approximately 50% of all pesticide use globally.
Methane emissionsIncreasing methane emissions are a major contributor to the rising concentration of greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere, and are responsible for up to one-third of near-term global heating. During 2019, about 60% (360 million tons) of methane released globally was from human activities, while natural sources contributed about 40% (230 million tons).
MalariaMosquito-borne diseaseMedical conditionMalaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that is transmitted by the bite of Anophelesmosquitoes. The symptoms of human malaria typically include fever, fatigue, vomiting and headaches. In severe cases, the disease can cause jaundice, seizures, coma, or death. Symptoms usually begin 10 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected Anopheles mosquito. If not properly treated, people may have recurrences of the disease months later.
TrematodaTrematoda is a class of flatworms known as trematodes, and commonly as flukes. They are obligateinternal parasites with a complex life cycle requiring at least two hosts. The intermediate host, in which asexual reproduction occurs, is a mollusk, usually a snail. The definitive host, where the flukes sexually reproduce, is a vertebrate. Infection by trematodes can cause disease in all five vertebrate groups: mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.
ParasitismParasitism is a close relationship between species, where one organism, the parasite, lives (at least some of the time) on or inside another organism, the host, causing it some harm, and is adapted structurally to this way of life.
BiodiversityVariety and variability of life formsAn example of the biodiversity of fungi in a forest in North Saskatchewan (in this photo, there are also leaf lichens and mosses).Biodiversity is the variability of life on Earth. It can be measured on various levels, for example, genetic variability, species diversity, ecosystem diversity, and phylogenetic diversity.
SchistosomiasisHuman disease caused by parasitic worms called schistosomesMedical conditionSchistosomiasis, also known as snail fever, bilharzia, and Katayama fever is a tropical disease, specifically a helminthiasis caused by the parasiticflatworm of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosomiasis affects humans as well as other animals. It affects the urinary tract or the intestines. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, or blood in the urine.
Dengue feverDengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease caused by dengue virus, prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. Most cases of dengue fever are either asymptomatic or manifest mild symptoms. Symptoms typically begin 3 to 14 days after infection. They may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin itching and skin rash. Recovery generally takes two to seven days.
FertilizerSubstance added to soil to enhance plant growthA farmer spreading manure to improve soil fertilityFertilizer use in kg per hectare of arable landA fertilizer or fertiliser is any material of natural or synthetic origin that is applied to soil or to plant tissues to supply plant nutrients. Fertilizers may be distinct from liming materials or other non-nutrient soil amendments. Many sources of fertilizer exist, both natural and industrially produced.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.