A young farmer purchases some land in a relatively arid area and is interested in earning a reasonable profit for many years. Which of the following strategies would best allow the farmer to achieve such a goal in a sustainable way?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Selecting crops adapted to arid areas is the best choice as it will allow the farmer to grow crops that require less water, reduce the risk of crop failure due to drought, and minimize the need for irrigation. This approach is sustainable as it avoids excessive water use and the depletion of groundwater resources, which can lead to long-term environmental and economic problems. The other options, such as establishing an extensive irrigation system or using plenty of the best fertilizers, may increase short-term yields but can be costly, resource-intensive, and may degrade soil quality over time, leading to diminishing returns. Likewise, growing high-value crops that require rich, moist soil may be profitable initially, but may not be compatible with the region's ecological conditions and may require costly inputs to maintain. Converting hillsides into fields can also lead to soil erosion and other environmental impacts if not done carefully and sustainably.

A Young Farmer Purchases Some Land in a Relatively Arid