Task 2.Write down the main idea of each paragraph using one sentence only



TEXT 4 GROWING POTATOES IN GREAT BRITAIN

Task 1. Read the text and choose the best title for it:

 

1. Potato Production in England

2. Seed Potato Production in England

3. Disease-Resistant Potato

Potato is widely cultivated in Great Britain. The potato production in England consists of two specialized branches, namely, the production of seed potatoes and the production of table potatoes. The seed potato areas are usually restricted to those localities where temperature, rainfall and soil conditions are favourable for the growing of potatoes of high quality, and free from disease.

The traditional areas of seed production are in the upland regions of England. It is widely known that this is because of greatly reduced risk of virus and other diseases.

In upland areas planting is usually done in such a time so that young plants are not damaged by late frost. For the production of good yield sufficient water supply is important, the most favourable conditions being those of moderate rainfall.

British selectionists carry out research to develop disease-resistant plants to give the highest possible yield.

The experiments show that the best depth of planting potatoes is about 4 inches. This depth of planting usually gives higher yields than shallower or deeper planting.

Weather conditions are very important in determining time of harvesting potatoes. The best eating quality is obtained when the last phase of the growing season is dry enough. It is desirable to lift tubers during dry weather. In this case the keeping quality is high. Potatoes tubers keep better if they are allowed to remain on the ground after digging for two-four hours.

 

 

Task 2. Retell the above given text.

Start with “This text is about …” .


ТЕКСТЫ ДЛЯ ДОПОЛНИТЕЛЬНОГО ЧТЕНИЯ ПРОДУКТИВНОГО УРОВЕНЯ B

 

TEXT 5 ENVIRONMENTALSUSTAINABILITY

Task 1. Read the text and find the passages describing the main components of environmental sustainability.

The environmental sustainability of agriculture consists of three components: agricultural production, demand for agricultural products and food policy.

The key parameters of agricultural production that impact sustainability are (a) intensiveness of fossil fuel use; (b) application of excessive chemicals to the soil; (c) overharvesting that leaves insufficient residual plant material; (d) intensive water use; and (e) excessive compaction or erosion of topsoil.

Specific sustainability practices are found in the application of polycultural cultivation; steady state fishery production; use of grazing practices that minimize erosion and are compatible with native plant survival; rotational cropping and grazing practices that allow sustaining of carbon, nitrogen and other geochemical cycles

Significant adverse environmental impacts, such as soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and surface water runoff carrying sediment pollution may result from all forms of terrestrial agriculture. In addition, fossil fuel-intensive agriculture causes accumulation of agricultural chemicals in soils and their discharge to surface waters. The chief chemicals applied are nitrates and phosphates in fertilizers and a host of pesticides and herbicides, most of which have significant toxicity. When these chemicals enter the environment they alter biotic productivity cycles and can affect the metabolism of plants and animals. This metabolic change may induce stunted growth, impaired function and even mortality. As a consequence loading of extraneous chemicals into the environment is a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem function. There is a critical need to assess fossil energy limits, the sustainability of agriculture, biodiversity implications and the food needs of a rapidly growing world population.


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