Rock Gardening Practices and Challenges

The video explores the innovative agricultural techniques of the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island, focusing on rock gardening. Despite ecological challenges, they sustained a stable population using rocks to enhance soil conditions. The video also highlights similar practices worldwide and discusses the potential of rock gardening as a sustainable solution in modern agriculture.

What was one of the main environmental challenges faced by the Rapa Nui people?

• Abundant rainfall

• Rich soil nutrients

• Deforestation and soil erosion

• Excessive fresh water

What was the initial state of Rapa Nui's environment when humans first arrived?

• Covered in palm trees

• Barren and rocky

• Full of fresh water

• Rich in wildlife

What is rock gardening primarily about?

• Using plastic mulch

• Placing rocks in gardens

• Growing plants in water

• Building stone statues

What type of rock garden involves placing large stones on the ground?

• Veneer gardening

• Lithic mulching

• Terrace gardening

• Boulder gardens

How does rock gardening help with water management?

• Prevents rainfall

• Drains soil quickly

• Decreases water runoff

• Increases evaporation

What is one benefit of rock gardening related to wind?

• Increases evaporation

• Prevents plant growth

• Reduces soil erosion

• Increases wind speed

Which civilization used rock mounds to cultivate agave?

• Chinese

• Hohokam

• Rapa Nui

• Nabatean

What is a potential downside of rock gardening over time?

• Prevents plant growth

• Requires no labor

• Decreases organic content

• Increases soil nutrients

Which modern practice is compared to rock gardening for its benefits?

• Hydroponics

• Plastic mulch

• Vertical farming

• Aquaponics

What is a challenge of implementing rock gardening on a large scale?

• Requires minimal labor

• Labor-intensive rock transport

• No environmental benefits

• Easily scalable