In ancient Mesopotamia, the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were first used to irrigate domesticated crops…and the world has never been the same.

The development of agriculture has created a whole new type of plant community unlike any community apt to be found in nature.

Nature is diverse and chaotic. Many plant species grow together in random patterns.

In croplands, humans have created monocultures – solid stands of a single species. And we have imposed order – planting many crops in long straight rows.

It takes hard work to maintain this new plant community we have created. Weeds attempt to fill the spaces between rows.

Nutrients used up by plants have to be replaced in the form of fertilizers.

And insufficient rainfall has to be supplemented by irrigation.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of growing crops are undeniable. Modern farming is highly efficient and provides us with an abundant, dependable, and delicious supply of food.

From the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service, I’m Zola Ryan.