Do you know what extensive farming is? It is a farming system that uses large areas of land but with low levels of inputs and technology. It is a model that is very common in different regions of the world, especially rural areas.

Although they are usually found on very large plots of land, they can also be used in controlled spaces and inside structures. For example, in a multitunnel greenhouse, Gothic greenhouse or multi wide span greenhouse. If you would like to learn more about this system, please continue reading.

1. What is extensive farming?
2. Characteristics of extensive farming
3. What are the advantages of extensive farming?
4. What is the difference between extensive and intensive farming?
5. Most common crops in extensive agriculture
6. Examples of extensive farming

What is extensive farming?

Extensive agriculture is a farming system in which large areas of land are cultivated while using few inputs and technology. It differs from intensive agriculture in that it does not seek to maximise production per square metre, but rather takes advantage of its size to have more productive crops.

Similarly, it is a model known for its dependence on natural resources such as water and fertile soil. For this reason, it is usually practised in areas with wide plains, where land is available and the use of machinery is limited to basic tasks such as sowing and harvesting.

Characteristics of extensive farming

We have already clarified what extensive agriculture is. However, let us discuss its main characteristics and what distinguishes it from other models:

• Use of large tracts of land: It is common to use plains or low-cost land. This allows cultivation without the need to maximise production per square metre.
• Low level of inputs: Fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides are used, but to a very limited extent.
• Dependence on nature: Artificial irrigation is rare here. Therefore, most crops depend on rainfall.
• Less technical production: Machinery may be used, but not to the same degree of automation as in other systems.
• Lower initial costs: It does not require a large investment in agricultural infrastructure, although it does require large areas of land.
• Moderate environmental impact: By not over-exploiting the soil with chemicals, it can be more sustainable, although extensive land use also has effects on ecosystems.

What are the advantages of extensive farming?

The main advantages of this agricultural system are:

• Lower initial investment: No need for complex irrigation systems or advanced structures.
• Take advantage of low-quality land: even soil that is unsuitable for intensive cultivation can be used in this system.
• Less soil overload: Erosion and nutrient loss problems are reduced because fertilisers and pesticides are not overused.
• Greater long-term sustainability: This system helps maintain ecological balance in some regions.
• Strategic importance: It is vital for supplying cereals, legumes, and fodder.

What is the difference between extensive and intensive farming?

Part of understanding what extensive farming is involves clearly understanding how it differs from intensive farming. We will explain this here.

Extensiva:

• Crops on very large plots of land.
• Low investment in inputs.
• Dependence on natural factors.
• Low yields per hectare.
• Greater sustainability in some areas.

Intensiva:

• Crops grown on small areas of land.
• Intensive use of fertilisers, irrigation and advanced machinery.
• High levels of productivity per square metre.
• Requires constant investment and higher maintenance costs.
• It may cause greater environmental impact in the short term.

Most common crops in extensive agriculture

The most common extensive crops are: 

• Cereals: Wheat, maize, oats, barley, and rice. All are essential in the diets of millions of people.
• Legumes: Such as lentils, chickpeas, and broad beans. They are staple foods and enrich the soil with nitrogen.
• Oilseeds: Such as sunflower, soybean, and rapeseed. They are widely used in the production of oils and biofuels.
• Fodder and pasture: These are mainly used for feeding livestock.
• Cotton and tobacco: These are part of this type of crop in some regions.

Examples of extensive farming

This model of agriculture is being developed in different parts of the world. Examples include:

• United States and Canada: It has vast fields of wheat and maize in the Great Plains.
• Argentina and Brazil: These countries are major producers of soybeans and maize. Part of their production is for domestic consumption and part is for export.
• Spain: It has extensive sunflower and cereal plantations in Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha and Andalusia.
• Eastern Europe: Countries such as Ukraine and Romania are notable for their extensive barley, maize and wheat crops.
• Australia: It has large areas dedicated to cereal and fodder production.

If you are just starting out in the world of agriculture and planting, you may be interested in learning a little about the structures that benefit your growing spaces. At Fertri, we have many options for you.

There are large spaces such as the multitunnel greenhouse, Gothic greenhouse or multi wide span greenhouse. Feel free to review each option and choose the best one for your project.