Quiz on Hydroponics & Sustainability

Which of the following best describes hydroponics?

• A type of green revolution farming method for growing crops without soil, by using mineral nutrient solutions in water. 

• A type of conventional farming method of growing plants without soil, by using mineral nutrient solutions in water. 

• A type of horticulture, or farming method for growing crops without soil, by using mineral nutrient solutions in water. 

• A type of small scale organic farming method of growing crops, without soil, by using mineral nutrient solutions in water. 

What fact(s) would you use to support the idea that hydroponic farming is sustainable? Hydroponic farms generally ....

• utilize less water; produce lower yields & have greater harmful impacts on the environment less water

• utilize less water; produce lower yields & have less harmful impacts on the environment

• utilize less water; produce higher yields & have more harmful impacts on the environment

• utilize less water; produce higher yields & have less harmful impacts on the environment

How are hydroponic farming methods compared to conventional farming methods? Hydroponic farming methods .....

• are better than conventional farming in every way

• are more efficient in the use of water but less efficient in the use of energy

• produce higher yields and are better in their use of energy

• are less efficient in their use of water but more efficient in their use of energy compared to conventional farms

Which statement best represents the concept of sustainability? Sustainability means ....

• making sure that most of earth's limited resources are used to benefit a small percentage of people

• ensuring that the present generation prosper economically without considering the future

• ensuring that the environment is protected at all costs with no consideration for the economic prosperity of the present generation

• using just enough of earth's natural limited resources now; and leaving the rest for future generations

Which of the following is a goal of sustainability?

• one major goal for sustainability is increasing pollution levels around the world

• one major goal for sustainability is maintaining ecological imbalance

• sustainability broadly aims for humans to safely co-exist on planet Earth over a long time

• one major goal for sustainability is reducing renewable energy usage

Large scale conventional farming most likely uses which of the following?

• large acres of arable land

• advanced farming technology/machines

• large volumes of pesticides

• all of the above

One major benefit of large scale conventional farming brought about by the "green revolution" is that: ...

• large acres of arable land could be made by diverting lakes and rivers

• large acres of arable land could now be used by farmers by building less homes

• crops could now be produced on a larger scale with the same amount of arable land

• crops could now be produced on a smaller scale with less of arable land available to farmers

How might a closure of all conventional forms in the United States affect the population?

• About 80% of the crops grown would be lost which would lead to severe food shortages

• There would be no real consequences like food shortages because hydroponic farming will step in to make up for the crops lost

• About 20% of the crops grown would be lost which would lead to severe food shortages

• There would be no real consequences like food shortages because small scale organic farming will step in to make up for that loss

Which pair of factors has reduced the availability of arable land in NY City?

• large conventional and industrial farms

• large car and train manufacturing plants

• high population density and many apartments/buildings

• lack of water and sunlight resources

How can hydroponic farming benefit an urban population like NY City?

• increased availability of healthier; fresher food

• economic opportunities for building owners to rent roof top space

• opportunities for lower food prices due to lower transportation costs

• all of the above