America's Agricultural Industry: Chemical Consequences and Sustainable Alternatives

Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Lowman, Margaret

Keywords

American Agriculture Industry, Fertilizer, Pesticides, Sustainability

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Due to a number of historical factors such as a constant influx of immigrants, new technology, and sociopolitical and environmental circumstances, America faced a number of agricultural challenges from the 18th to the 20th century. These problems were met with innovative technological and scientific solutions, which, while producing initial bountiful yields, ultimately resulted in the simplification of land management. This simplification was largely centered on chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The environmental and anthropogenic consequences resulting from widespread use of these substances has resulted in an economically and ecologically unsustainable method of food production in the United States. This thesis discusses such historical factors, examines the negative consequences, and presents three sustainable agricultural alternatives.

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