Agriculture Types » Arable, Pastoral and Mixed Farming

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

The key characteristics of arable, pastoral and mixed farming systems
How different environmental factors influence farming types
The advantages and disadvantages of each farming system
Global distribution patterns of different farming types
How farming systems impact the environment
Case studies of farming systems in different regions

Introduction to Agricultural Systems

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and raising livestock to produce food, fibre and other products. Different types of farming have developed around the world in response to various environmental, economic and social factors. In this session, we'll explore three major types of farming systems: arable, pastoral and mixed farming.

Key Definitions:

Agriculture: The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for growing crops and rearing animals to provide food and other products.
Arable farming: A farming system focused on growing crops in fields.
Pastoral farming: A farming system focused on raising livestock.
Mixed farming: A farming system that combines growing crops and raising livestock on the same farm.

⊕ Factors Influencing Farming Types

Several key factors determine which type of farming is practised in a region:

Climate: Temperature, rainfall and growing season length
Terrain: Slope, elevation and landforms
Soil quality: Fertility, structure and drainage
Water availability: Access to irrigation
Economic factors: Market access, technology and capital
Cultural traditions: Historical farming practices

⊕ Global Distribution

Farming types are distributed globally based on environmental conditions:

Arable farming: Common in temperate regions with fertile soils (North America, Europe, parts of Asia)
Pastoral farming: Prevalent in areas too dry, cold, or steep for crops (parts of Africa, Central Asia, Australia)
Mixed farming: Found in regions with moderate climate and good soils (Western Europe, Eastern USA, parts of India)

Arable Farming

Arable farming focuses on growing crops in fields. These crops can include cereals (like wheat, rice and maize), vegetables, fruits and other plants grown for food, fibre, or fuel.

Characteristics of Arable Farming

Arable farming systems vary greatly around the world, from small subsistence plots to massive industrial operations. However, they share some common features:

⊞ Inputs

Arable farming requires:

Seeds or seedlings
Fertilisers (organic or chemical)
Water (rainfall or irrigation)
Machinery (tractors, harvesters)
Pesticides and herbicides

⊞ Practices

Common arable farming practices:

Ploughing and tilling soil
Crop rotation
Irrigation management
Pest and disease control
Harvesting and storage

⊞ Environmental Impacts

Arable farming can lead to:

Soil erosion
Water pollution from fertilisers
Habitat loss
Reduced biodiversity
Greenhouse gas emissions

Case Study Focus: Arable Farming in East Anglia, UK

East Anglia is one of the UK's most productive arable farming regions, known as the "breadbasket of Britain". The area has:

Flat landscape ideal for mechanised farming
Fertile soils from ancient glacial deposits
Relatively dry climate (compared to western UK)
Main crops include wheat, barley, sugar beet and oilseed rape
Challenges include water scarcity and soil degradation
Many farms now implementing conservation measures like hedgerow restoration and reduced tillage

Pastoral Farming

Pastoral farming focuses on raising livestock for meat, milk, eggs, wool and other animal products. It can range from nomadic herding to intensive factory farming.

Types of Pastoral Farming

Pastoral farming varies based on intensity, mobility and the animals raised:

⊕ Extensive Pastoral Farming

Low-intensity systems with animals grazing over large areas:

Nomadic herding: Moving livestock seasonally to find pasture (e.g., Maasai in East Africa)
Transhumance: Seasonal movement between fixed locations (e.g., Alpine regions)
Ranching: Raising livestock on large properties (e.g., Australia, USA)
Benefits include low inputs and natural animal behaviour
Challenges include vulnerability to weather and predators

⊕ Intensive Pastoral Farming

High-input systems with animals in smaller spaces:

Dairy farming: Focused on milk production
Feedlots: Concentrated animal feeding operations
Poultry and pig units: Often indoors with controlled environments
Benefits include high productivity and controlled conditions
Challenges include high costs, waste management and animal welfare concerns

Case Study Focus: Pastoral Farming in Mongolia

Mongolia has one of the world's oldest pastoral traditions, with nomadic herding dating back thousands of years:

Approximately 30% of Mongolia's population are nomadic or semi-nomadic herders
The "five snouts" (tavan hoshuu mal) include sheep, goats, cattle, horses and camels
Herders move 3-4 times per year seeking fresh pasture
Animals are adapted to survive harsh winters with temperatures below -40°C
Challenges include overgrazing, climate change and desertification
Modern pressures include urbanisation and mining development

Mixed Farming

Mixed farming combines crop cultivation and livestock raising on the same farm. This traditional approach creates a more self-sufficient and potentially sustainable system.

Benefits of Mixed Farming

Mixed farming offers several advantages over specialised arable or pastoral systems:

⊞ Economic Benefits

Reduced risk through diversification
Multiple income streams
Lower external input costs
More efficient use of labour throughout the year
Potential for value-added products

⊞ Environmental Benefits

Improved nutrient cycling
Enhanced soil structure and fertility
Reduced pest problems
Greater biodiversity
Potential for reduced chemical use

⊞ Resource Integration

Crop residues feed livestock
Manure fertilises crops
Animals provide power for fieldwork
Crop rotation includes fodder crops
Complementary use of farm resources

Case Study Focus: Mixed Farming in the UK

Traditional British mixed farming combines arable and livestock production:

Historically common across the UK, especially in the Midlands
Typical combination includes cereals (wheat, barley) with sheep or cattle
Four-course crop rotation: wheat, turnips, barley and clover or grass
Animals graze on temporary pasture and provide manure for crops
Declined since WWII due to specialisation and mechanisation
Recent revival of interest due to sustainability concerns
Modern mixed farms often incorporate conservation measures and diversification

Comparing Farming Systems

⊕ Sustainability Considerations

When comparing farming systems, consider these sustainability factors:

Resource efficiency: Mixed farming often uses resources more efficiently
Biodiversity impact: Intensive systems typically reduce biodiversity
Soil health: Livestock integration can improve soil quality
Water use: Irrigation-dependent arable farming can deplete water resources
Climate impact: All systems produce greenhouse gases, but in different ways
Resilience: Diversified systems may better withstand environmental and economic shocks

⊕ Future Challenges

All farming systems face significant challenges:

Climate change: Changing rainfall patterns and temperatures
Population growth: Increasing demand for food
Land competition: Urbanisation and other land uses
Resource depletion: Soil degradation and water scarcity
Economic pressures: Market volatility and rising input costs
Policy changes: Shifting subsidies and environmental regulations

Summary

Agriculture takes many forms around the world, with arable, pastoral and mixed farming representing the main approaches. Each system has developed in response to environmental conditions, economic factors and cultural traditions. While specialisation has dominated modern agriculture, there's growing recognition of the benefits of integrated approaches like mixed farming for sustainability and resilience.

As you continue your studies, consider how these farming systems interact with the wider environment and how they might adapt to future challenges like climate change and population growth. Understanding the strengths and limitations of different agricultural approaches is essential for managing environmental impacts while ensuring food security.

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!