What was a significant effect of the Green Revolution in the 1960s?

A significant effect of the Green Revolution in the 1960s was the increased use of fertilizers. This period was characterized by the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of staple crops such as rice and wheat, which were designed to produce greater yields under optimal conditions. To achieve these enhanced yields, the application of fertilizers became crucial. Fertilizers provided essential nutrients that helped plants grow more robustly and improved their productivity.

This widespread use of fertilizers aimed to maximize output and ensure food security in developing nations, which were facing population growth and food shortages. The Green Revolution also encouraged the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies, including improved irrigation techniques and the use of pesticides, all contributing under various forms to agricultural intensification. The integration of fertilizers into farming practices profoundly shaped agricultural productivity during this era, leading to significant increases in crop production and changes in agricultural ecosystems.