I spoke to a family member about why alternative methods to traditional intensive agriculture need to be explored in order to preserve the land. I consider this an important issue as traditional intensive agriculture may contribute to desertification and the socioeconomic consequences of this phenomenon. Given that I've visited the fields cultivated by my grandparents and have observed that they were vast swathes of rice monoculture, I thought this would have been a concern that my family would need to listen to. I told this family member that by replacing the native plants with crops, the soil becomes less stable as the shallower roots of the crops would not be able to retain the soil as well as the native plants. Not only does the soil become unstable and erode over time, the soil that does remain eventually becomes deprived of its nutrients since crops are constantly being grown in high density. I told them that this makes deserts expand more easily and this could bring problems to the economy, public health and biodiversity as the spreading of deserts destroy crops, damage buildings, reduce shade and thereby increasing risk of heatstroke, and destroys viable habitats for all kinds of organisms. I thought that with all the risks associated with traditional intensive agriculture, the family member would have agreed that we need a better farming system to prevent the aggressive spread of deserts, but they did not. They agreed with most of the aspects of the conversation, but also pointed out how alternatives to traditional intensive agriculture could potentially reduce crop yield. According to them, reduced crop yield has two problematic elements. First, given that farmers heavily depend on crops for income, if crop yield were to be even reduced by, for example, 10%, then the farmer with that yield would lose a significant portion of their income. The second problem was that food is always a high-demand resource, thus if crop yield was to be reduced, then many people may starve given the increased difficulty of procuring food. Thus, ultimately, we concluded together that despite the system needing change, we can't exactly afford to be burdened with the potential consequences of such changes. Although, this was not how I expected this discussion to go, I learned to consider the perspectives of other parties thanks to the concerns outlined by the family member.
A monoculture rice field in China. Credit: Colin W (Wikimedia Commons) Retrieved on October 5, 2023 from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Terrace_Rice_Fields,_Yunan_China_-_panoramio.jpg
The Fastest Ways to Earn Gold in ESO
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) offers a vast, immersive world where players can engage in quests, explore dungeons, and partake in various activities. Among the many elements that enhance gameplay, gold stands out as the essential currency, allowing players to ESO Gold purchase gear, materials, and other valuable items. If you’re looking to bolster your in-game wealth quickly, this article will explore some of the fastest methods to earn gold in ESO.
1. Questing and Daily Quests
Main and Side Quests
One of the most straightforward ways to earn gold is through completing quests. Main story quests and side quests often reward players with substantial amounts of gold upon completion. Prioritizing these tasks not only enriches your experience but also fills your coffers.
Daily Quests
Engaging in daily quests is another effective strategy. Many factions in ESO offer daily quests that provide gold rewards, experience, and valuable items. The more daily quests you complete, the more gold you’ll accumulate over time. Focusing on daily quests from the Undaunted, the Thieves Guild, and the Dark Brotherhood can yield significant returns.
2. Farming and Selling Valuable Materials
Resource Gathering
Gathering resources is a tried-and-true method for making gold quickly. Whether you’re mining ore, harvesting plants, or collecting wood, these materials can be sold for a decent profit. Focus on gathering rare materials that are in high demand, such as:
Ruby Ash: Used in crafting, it is often sought after by players looking to improve their gear.
Nirnroot: This plant is essential for alchemy and is frequently requested by crafters.
Crafting and Selling
Once you’ve gathered materials, you can either craft them into items or sell the raw materials directly. Items like potions, weapons, and armor can fetch a higher price if crafted well. Consider crafting items that are currently in demand in the marketplace. Keep an eye on trading guilds to understand what players are seeking.
3. Dungeon and Trial Runs
Group Dungeons
Participating in dungeons with a group can yield significant gold rewards. Many dungeons offer loot that can be sold for gold, and completing them efficiently can net you extra rewards from chests.
Trials and Hard Mode Dungeons
If you have a strong group, consider tackling trials and hard mode dungeons. These challenging encounters provide not only gold but also rare items and crafting materials that can be sold at a premium. Be prepared, as these require coordination and skill, but the rewards are often worth the effort.
4. Trading and the Guild Market
Joining Trading Guilds
Engaging in trading is one of the fastest methods to accumulate gold in ESO. Joining multiple trading guilds allows you to access a broader market and increase your sales potential. List items you’ve gathered or crafted in the guild stores, and make sure to price them competitively.
Market Flipping
Another approach is to engage in market flipping—buying items at a low price and reselling them for a profit. This requires an understanding of market trends and demand, but with practice, you can turn a tidy profit by capitalizing on underpriced items.
5. Participate in Events
In-Game Events
ESO frequently hosts special events that offer unique rewards, including gold. These events often feature limited-time quests, challenges, and other activities that can lead to increased earnings. Participating in these events not only provides an opportunity to earn gold but also allows you to engage with the community and experience new content.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal events, such as the Witches Festival or the New Life Festival, often include unique tasks that reward players with special items and gold. Make sure to keep an eye on the game calendar to maximize your earnings during these limited-time events.
6. Completing Public Dungeons and World Bosses
Public Dungeons
Public dungeons are a great source of gold and loot. Many of these dungeons contain chests that can be opened once per day, yielding valuable items and gold. Additionally, killing enemies in these areas can drop rare crafting materials and gear that can be sold for profit.
World Bosses
Defeating world bosses can be particularly lucrative cheap TESO Gold. These bosses drop valuable loot that can be sold or deconstructed for crafting materials. Joining groups that are farming these bosses can yield significant rewards, and the shared effort makes the process faster.