Cultural Operations

Question 1

Pre cultivation tasks

Answer 1

Clear unwanted vegetation
Remove debris and unwanted features
Ensure there is adequate to soil
Contour site if necessary

Question 2

Advantages of digging

Answer 2

Prepares uncultivated areas for planting
Exposes clods to weather - good for heavy soil
Improves structure - improves access to air and water
Breaks up pans
Allows organic matter and fertilisers to be incorporated
Buries weeds and crop residue
Exposes pests to weather and predators

Question 3

Disadvantages of digging

Answer 3

Disturbs natural structure built up by organisms such as earth worms
Can damage soil structure if done when soil conditions are not right
Dormant weed seed may be brought to the surface where they will germinate
Leaving bare surface may cause erosion and leaching of nutrients
Moisture may be lost from soil
Hard work!

Question 4

Single Digging

Answer 4

Digging to depth of one split (30cm/spades depth)
Dig out first trench
Move soil to where last trench will be
Second trench is then dug and placed into first trench

Question 5

Double digging

Answer 5

Removing one split of soil
Work second split and incorporate organic matter.
Do not mix sub and top soil.

Question 6

When to dig.

Answer 6

When soil conditions are suitable: not wet,frozen or parched - soil should be friable.
Dig clay in autumn - benefits from overwintering to break up soil.
Light soils can be dug in autumn/spring

Question 7

Tilth production for sowing seed.

Answer 7

Good tilth essential (0.5 to 3mm)
Complete basic ground preparation
Rake to break up soil, remove stones, repeat raking in different directions until required tilth is achieved.
If necessary add general fertiliser eg. Grow more or Blood, Fish and Bone 25 to 50g/m2
Water bed if it is dry - allow to drain before sowing.

Question 8

Bed System

Answer 8

Garden is divided into a number of narrow beds separated by paths
Beds can be cultivated without the need to walk in the soil avoiding compaction.
Planting can be denser
Cultivation can take place in all weathers
Crop rotation is easier
Compost, manure etc. can be applied to cultivated areas only.

Question 9

Raised beds

Answer 9

Deeper, better draining soil.
Will warm up quicker in spring.
Beds are not so suitable for cultivation on a larger scale; use of machinery is difficult.

Question 10

Constructing a bed system

Answer 10

Beds 1 to 1.25m wide and no longer than 1.5m long.
If possible beds should run north/south so plants receive same amounts of sun.
Paths should be wide enough to take a wheelbarrow.
Paths could be from earth, grass, bark, bricks, paving slabs, concrete

Question 11

No-dig systems

Answer 11

Surface mulches are used to smother weeds.
Mulches include: black plastic sheeting, cardboard, Enviromesh.
Organic matter is spread on the surface only.

Question 12

Advantages of no-dig system

Answer 12

Natural structure of soil is preserved.
Soil organisms are not disturbed.
Raised beds improve drainage.
Harvesting possible in all weathers.
Weed seeds are not brought to surface.

Question 13

Disadvantages of no-dig system

Answer 13

Pests may build up in soil.
Difficult to maintain levels of organic matter in soil.
May reduce fertility and structure over time.

Question 14

Protected growing - advantages

Answer 14

Protection against weather
Air and soil temp. is raised
Crops can be sown/planted earlier -> harvested earlier
Growing season of some crops can be extended
Essential for some half-hardy crops eg. runner beans
Plants ‘get off to a good start’ and are more resilient.
Some winter crops will stay more tender
Some physical protection from pests and diseases

Question 15

Forms of protection

Answer 15

Greenhouse
Polytunnel
Cold frame
Cloche
Crop cover eg. Horticultural fleece