1. Know The Importance Of Site Selection For Outdoor Food Production In A Garden Or Allotment Flashcards
State the factors to be considered when selecting a site -
Soil depth, texture and structure - light and easily worked soil. Different crops like different soil types.
Drainage - adequate free drainage for aeration for good root growth.
pH - will effect what can be grown. Acidic soils can have lime added to grow most crops.
Aspect - choose a southerly aspect for warmer soil for a longer time. Maximum light levels.
Slope - can create frost pockets at the bottom. Can be difficult to work on if steep. A slight slope allows for water to drain easily. Steep sites should b terraced to prevent soil erosion from water run off. A small slope facing south is best. A level site is also ideal.
Susceptibility to frost and wind - frost pockets occur in valley hollows and also walls and hedges that can trap cold air at the bottom of hills.
Area of land available - select site of appropriate size for crops to be grown.
Availability of water - water available effects how much labour is needed to bring water to the site.
Describe the reasons for providing shelter for an outdoor food production area
Wind reduction reduce damage from strong winds. When wind speed is reduced, overall yield is increased as the temperature increases.
Frost potential - Frost pockets are created through trapped cold air, so air circulation is important to stop frost pockets appearing by wind breaks, especially at the bottom of a slope.
Influences upon pollination - excessive wind reduces the activity of pollinators and reduce the amount of fruit set. Appropriate wind breaks ensure that pollinators are unhindered in the activity.
State the benefits and limitations of living and non-living windbreaks
The characteristics of effective living windbreaks - Can filter winds effectively but take up space, encourage beneficial organisms but can also harbour pests and diseases, require time to establish and need to be maintained.
Non living windbreaks - take less space but require more frequent replacement.
Name 4 plant soecies suitable for a living windbreak
Fagus sylvatica
Carpinus betulus
Pinus nigra
X Cuprocyparis leylandii
Crataegus monogyna
Name 4 types of non-living permeable windbreak
Plastic mesh
Webbing
Fencing
Trellis
Hurdles