What are the advantages and disadvantages of a subsistence economy based on farming?

Traditional farming methods: BENEFITS: Traditional farming grew many different crops per acre, which replenished the soil, and prevented a reliance on one type of 'staple' crop. Many people were needed to farm, so there was more people at work. The farmers and society in general were not reliant upon synthetically produced planting which was healthier. Natural. LIMITATIONS: Traditional farming was more reliant upon rainfall to water the plants, so dought was a common issue. The quantity of food produced was less per acre, which, when combined with drought, caused starvation. The quality of the food produced was lower than the quality of today...!!