Agricultural changes are associated with croplands (seeding, growth, harvesting, ploughing or irrigating) or use (cutting, grazing, fertilising).
Agriculture
Ploughing
The breaking of ground with into furrows for planting, with this undertaken using a plough Level 3: CTV (P1) to CTV (P2) with vegetation to non-vegetation (Level 1). Time period (days or weeks)
Crop rotation
Alternating between types of crops on a seasonal basis on the same ground to limit soil degradation and to help control weeds, diseases, and pests. Level 3: CTV or CAV (P1) to CTV or CAV (P2). Remains as vegetation (at Level 1); primarily indicated by changes in crop type. Time (typically months)
Land abandonment
Land where a previous pattern of agriculture may be observed but which is not currently under production. Can remain vegetated, or can become non-vegetated (level 1). Level 3: from CTV (P1) to NTV, AS or NS (P2). Time period: years to decades.
Irrigated land abandonment
Land where a previous pattern of irrigated agriculture may be observed but which is not currently under production. Can remain vegetated or become non-vegetated (level 1). Level 3: From CAV (P1) to NAV, AW or NW (P2).
Grazing
A method of animal husbandry whereby domestic livestock are used to convert grass and other forage into meat, milk, wool and other products, often on land unsuitable for arable farming. Level 3 CTV (P1) to CTV (P2) but lower amounts of herbaceous biomass following introduction of livestock to pastures. Time period (days but typically weeks or months).
Overgrazing
Grazing by livestock is used to convert grassland to land used for meat, dairy, or other animal products. Excessive grazing for extended periods of time without rest can lead to land degradation by overgrazing. Level 3: CTV (P1) to CTV (P2) or NS (P2). Level 4: Reductions in canopy cover (%). Time period: months to…
Tillage
The preparation of soil for agricultural use through mechanical intervention such as digging, stirring, and overturning. Tillage disrupts the soil structure in a way that increases porosity and accelerates soil erosion. Remains as non-vegetated land (level 1). Level 3: from NS (P1) to AS (P2).
Agricultural expansion
The growth of arable lands and pasture used for agricultural food production. Level 3: NTV or NAV (P1) to CTV or CAV (P2).
Pasture degradation
The inability of pasture to grow on agricultural land due to overgrazing, degradation, or other poor land management practices. Level 3: CTV or CAV (P1) to NTV or NAV (P2).
Plantation forests
Land on which plantations of trees or shrubs (native or exotic species) have been established for production, or environmental and resource protection purposes. This includes farm forestry. At level 1, remains vegetation. At level 3, moves from NTV to CTV. Time period: years to decades.
Fallow land
The cultivated land that is not seeded for one or more growing seasons. The maximum idle period is usually less than five years. From vegetated to non-vegetated (level 1). Level 3: from CTV (P1) to NS or AS (P2). Time period: months to years.