0005 Crop management and Production

Question 1

Explain the characteristics of Tillage

Answer 1

-It can negatively impact the soil quality characteristics
-Use to be used for seedbed preparation, weed suppression, soil aeration, turning cover crops and forages
-disrupts soil structure, accelerating surface runoff and soil erosion

Question 2

Explain Seedbed preparation

Answer 2

The ideal seedbed is uniformly firm, has soil moisture near the surface, free from competing vegetation and is well-packed underneath with small surface clods or a light mulch of residue to prevent osil erosion

Question 3

What is the ideal planting layout

Answer 3

Raised beds: the soil mixed, ensures the best growing conditions for gardening, helps soil drainage, weed infestation and soil comaction

Question 4

Explain “Furrows”

Answer 4

water - ridge - water —–> it allows easy irrigation and easy to distinguish plants vs. weeds

Question 5

Explain Strip Cropping

Answer 5

cultivating in which different crops are grown in alternate strips. This helps prevent soil erosion.

Question 6

Why are vineyards normally slopped?

Answer 6

It is ideal because they are less prone to frost and there is better drainage. It prevents the possibility of a vine sitting in moist soil. In the hills they have more exposure to sunlight and higher UV index.

Question 7

What are the cons/pros of transplants?

Answer 7

cons: cost more, root crops can’t be transplanted, you have to ensure it is the correct time/environment

pros: seedlings can be raised in nursery beds to be protected, it is important you get all the roots

Question 8

Describe the crop management methods and practices of tomatoes

Answer 8

Tomatoes prefer to be planted in deep, medium textured sandy loam or loamy, well fertile, well drained soils. It is important to avoid sites that tend to stay super wet. They prefer good air movement, proper tillage, a winter cover crop, and a raised bed. For irrigation, a trickle drip irrigation system is suggested.

Question 9

Describe the crop management methods and practices of rice

Answer 9

Rice is grown in constructed levees that follow the contour of the land and flood the field. They use a basin irrigation systmen.

Question 10

Describe the crop management methods and practices of strawberries

Answer 10

Strawberries prefer a sandy loam soil, well drained areas similar to tomatoes. They prefer a slightly acidic soil and are mostly harvested by hand

Question 11

Describe what IPM is

Answer 11

is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests and their damage through a combination of techniques

Question 12

Describe what Chemical pest controls are

Answer 12

Fungicides (destroy fungi and fungal spores), Insecticides (insect extermination), Nematicides (Kill nematodes), Rodenticides (Kill rodents

Question 13

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Chemical pest controls?

Answer 13

Advantages: effective, quick, precise targeting, easy application

Disadvantages: promote evolution, resurgence, persistent organic pollutants

Question 14

Descrive biological pest control

Answer 14

controlling pests such as insects, mites or weeds using other organisms

Question 15

What are the advantages and disadvantages of biological pest controls?

Answer 15

Advantages: specific to pests, cheap, self-sustaining

Disadvantages: slow process, doesn’t completely destroy pests, can fail sometimes

Question 16

Describe cultural pest controls

Answer 16

practices that reduce pest establishment, reproduction, dispersal and survival.

Question 17

What are some examples of cultural pest controls?

Answer 17

rotating crops, sanitizing and solarizing soil, changing irrigation practices or even using different varieties

Question 18

Describe physical/mechanical pest control

Answer 18

knocking pests off of plants, using barriers, traps or heat treatment. For example using a mesh screen is a physical control

Question 19

What should you know about safely handling, applying and disposing agriculture chemicals

Answer 19

Exposure to chemicals can lead to a variety of health effects. Manufacturers and importers are required to supply a Safety data Sheet that explains how to handle he chemical. Make sure everyone is trained , wear PPE and dispose of the chemical appropriately

Question 20

How are crops harvested?

Answer 20

Hand harvested or mechanically harvested

Question 21

Describe the post-harvest procedures and process

Answer 21

1. cleaning and disinfecting
2. sorting and grading (especially for fruit and veggies)
3. packaging
4. storage (refrigeration)
5. transportation

Question 22

Describe an understanding of contamination concerns with food safety

Answer 22

Food can be contaminated with physical objects such as wood, metal or glass or chemically. Each storage has the potential of contaminating food. It is important that the workers have good hygiene, there is a traceability system and use clean water

Question 23

Describe an understanding of pesticide residue concerns with food safety

Answer 23

residue of pesticides can cause health issues. Food must be washed properly and should comply with pesticide regulations, in particular with the maximum residue limits

Question 24

Describe the concerns of transgenic crops

Answer 24

contain a gene or genes that have been artificially inserted

Question 25

What are the differences between a GMO and a transgenic organism?

Answer 25

A transgenic organism is a GMO, but it carries DNA sequences or genes received from a different organism (foreign DNA)

Question 26

Describe what irradiated foods are and the concern around them

Answer 26

This is a food safety process that uses radiation to kill germs that can cause food-borne illness. Some concerns are the loss of nutrition and that the chemical composition can change.