Final answer:
Intensive agriculture is more intensive than horticulture as it involves repeated cultivation of a single plot with labor-intensive techniques like plowing and irrigation, resulting in higher yields and surplus for trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing the intensity of plant cultivation between horticulture and agriculture, it's important to understand the fundamental differences in their approaches to farming. Horticulture refers to the cultivation of gardens or orchards, including growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. This practice often involves small-scale cultivation with a variety of crops and may use techniques like slash-and-burn to clear land for farming.
In contrast, intensive agriculture is characterized by farming a single plot repeatedly using labor-intensive methods such as plowing, terracing, and irrigation. This practice focuses on higher yields through the cultivation of fewer crop types, typically grains or legumes. Intensive agriculture supports larger populations and generates a surplus that allows for trade and specialization in society.
Therefore, the cultivation practice that is more intensive in terms of labor, input, and yield generation is intensive agriculture. It necessitates a significant amount of work to prepare and maintain the land, involving advanced technology and techniques to maximize output and sustain large communities.