Final answer:
Modern agricultural methods include plowing with machines, irrigating with drip systems, and crop rotation which enhances soil fertility and reduces pesticide costs by disrupting the cycles of pests and nutrients.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to modern agricultural methods that enhance production and efficiency in farming. Plowing with machines and irrigating with drip systems are examples of such methods. Another modern agricultural practice that improves soil fertility, diversifies crops, and reduces pesticide costs by naturally interrupting the cycle of weeds, insects, and diseases is crop rotation. This practice involves changing the type of crop grown in a field each season or year to balance nutrient use and reduce pest populations. Modern agriculture has benefited greatly from mechanical innovations like the plow and advanced irrigation techniques, making it possible for a single farmer to manage large areas of land.
Crop rotation was discovered around 8000 BCE and is crucial for maintaining the long-term productivity and health of the land. Alongside other modern techniques like efficient irrigation systems, this practice is a key component of today's farming operations. Notably, these innovations, including mechanized equipment powered by fossil fuels, have increased the efficiency of conventional farming but also come with environmental considerations.