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AP Environmental Science: Examine the infographic. A soybean farming community has decided to dedicate half of its land to growing corn for ethanol. What are the most likely impacts of their decision? Select three options.

- a decrease in soybean revenue
- an increase in prices of other crops
- a decrease in fertilizer demands
- a reduction in carbon emissions
- an increase in carbon emissions

User JonMinton
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Answer: Decrease in soybean revenue, an increase in prices of other crops, and an increase in carbon emissions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A decrease in soybean revenue: By dedicating half of their land to growing corn for ethanol, the soybean farmers are likely to reduce the total amount of soybeans they produce. This may lead to a decrease in revenue for the farmers who rely on soybean sales.

An increase in prices of other crops: If the soybean farmers in the community switch to growing corn for ethanol, it may reduce the supply of soybeans in the market. This could lead to an increase in the prices of other crops that are commonly used as substitutes for soybeans, such as sunflowers or rapeseed.

An increase in carbon emissions: Although corn ethanol is often marketed as a "cleaner" fuel than gasoline, the production of corn ethanol is not without environmental impacts. Converting half of the soybean land to corn may lead to an increase in carbon emissions if more fossil fuels are used to power the machinery and transport the corn. Additionally, the corn may be grown using synthetic fertilizers, which can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

User JeffRegan
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