Exam 1 (sections 1, 2 and 3) Flashcards
Discuss in detail steps that mitigate or reduce climate change on farm 15/20m :
This here refers to the 12 steps (uploaded on moodle) know 6 below is how you should answer:
- Apply Lime – Lime will increase the soils pH this will make the nutrients more available in the soil. Ideally, soil pH should be around 6.3 – 6.5 on mineral soils. Spreading 2 tonne per acre (7.5 T per hectare) will help the soil. Lime should be spread in the back end of the year to give it time to develop in the soil.
- Using Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) - Using LESS will allow less of the gases to be lost in the atmosphere like they are when using the splash plate.
The best time of year to get the full value of the slurry is in spring. Spreading slurry on a dull day with light rain forecasted will be best for the environment. - Better Grassland management – By having a paddock system set up you are utilising all grass allowing for no waste. Completing weekly farm walk, and grazing at correct covers will allow for less waste. This will also help extend the grazing season and allow you to leave the cattle out longer
Discuss in detail steps that mitigate or reduce climate change on farm 15/20m :
This here refers to the 12 steps (uploaded on moodle) know 6 below is how you should answer:
Discuss in detail steps that mitigate or reduce climate change on farm 15/20m :
This here refers to the 12 steps (uploaded on moodle) know 6 below is how you should answer:
Go through your previous exams and copy and paste relevant answers here
List the Green House Gases (GHG) in Irish Agriculture. State the main source of each gas. 5 marks each
Methane – by product of ruminant digestion. Livestock manure storage and spreading.
Carbon Dioxide - when people and animals breathe. Use of fossil fuels. Cutting down forests.
Ammonia- An air pollutant not a GHG. Comes from animal and chemical manures.
Hydrogen Sulphide- comes from mix of silage effluent and slurry.
Nitrous Oxide- chemical and organic fertiliser spreading.
Nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and methane are main 3 in ireland
Discuss measures that a farmer should take into consideration when managing watercourses
The Establishment of buffer strips along water
courses.
Notes on managing watercourses on your farm
1. Fence off bovines (1.5m)/no drinking rom water courses: Avoid livestock using the waterways as a source for drinking as this can cause erosion and pollution. If possible, pipe water to nearby troughs and fence off the damaged areas.
- Buffer zones (5m then 10m closer to the deadlines) never spread slurry close to a watercourse, be aware of the slope of land to the watercourse. When spraying Do not clean tanks beside any watercourse, stream or a river; Do not allow washings to enter any rainwater gull
- Manage slurry correctly. Ensure that farms have adequate slurry storage and possible extra storage needed if animas can’t be turned out early in spring. Farms should also have adequate manure storage to prevent leaching onto land. Slurry should only be spread during the open period and taking weather conditions into account. Use low emission slurry spreading.
- Manage silage storage correctly: Silage operations are ongoing all summer and silage effluent has the potential to cause devastating pollution in streams and rivers, it added. Silage effluent is a significant polluting substance, starving fish and invertebrate life of oxygen, resulting in potentially massive fish kills if it enters a watercourse, the organisation warned. If a silage pit is being used, ensure it is properly sealed to prevent leakage from under the slab
- Keep soiled water to a minimum on farms: it is important to minimise the amount of soiled water to be dealt with by diverting water that falls as rain away cleanly to a suitable out fall. All gutters & downpipes should be kept in good working order. Soiled water may also be minimised by roofing the collection areas there by reducing the volume to be collected.
- Plant trees along the river bank: Planting native trees along a watercourse will help stabilise banks and provide shade – though care should be taken to avoid excessive shade as this will inhibit the growth of aquatic vegetation. Plant on the northside of the watercourse, if possible, to allow for sufficient light to get through. Trees will also help control stream temperature and weed growth as well as providing a habitat for wildlife. Suitable native trees include willow, oak, alder and birch.
Actions for an eco scheme payment
What is the Eco-Scheme?
Agri-Environmental Scheme that rewards
Farmers for undertaking actions that are
beneficial to climate, biodiversity, water
quality and the environment.
Farmer must successfully deliver two agricultural practices to qualify for an Eco-Scheme
payment.
Depending on uptake, payment rate is approx. €77/ha/yr.
Solution to emissions- suite of mitigation measures
Measure watercourses
What are eco schemes agricultural practices 2 and 3
What are eco schemes agricultural practices agricultural practices 4 and 5?
Two tiers a farmer can be eligible for to participate in the Agri-Climate Rural Environmental Schemes(ACRES) under the general measure?
Tier 1 - Private Natura sites Grassland
If an applicant has at least 0.5 ha of land within the Natura (SAC/SPA) mapped area in 2021, they may be eligible for Tier 1 priority entry to the General scheme. To be considered for priority access, one of the actions a. or b. must be selected on an area intersecting the Natura mapped area.
a. Low input grassland
b. Extensively grazed pasture
Vulnerable Water Area
(The vulnerable areas are defined as catchment areas to waterbodies identified as Areas for Action which have significant agricultural pressures.)
If a participant has at least 0.5 ha of land within the Vulnerable Water mapped area in 2021, they may be eligible for Tier 2 priority entry to the General scheme.
To be considered for priority access, at least one of the actions a. to h. (which are deemed appropriate as identified in the Farm Sustainability Plan) must be selected on an area intersecting the Vulnerable Water mapped area.
a. Riparian buffer strips or zones - grassland
b. Riparian buffer strips or zones - arable
c. Management of intensive grassland next to watercourse
d. Planting trees in riparian buffer zones
e. Planting new hedgerow
f. Low input grassland (results-based)
g. Extensively grazed pasture
h. Environmental management of arable fallow
Tier 3 - If the Tier 1 actions are not relevant to your farm, and you do not wish to carry out the Tier 2 actions, you may choose any of the following actions and be considered for Tier 3
All potential Tier 1 and Tier 2 applicants can also choose to carry out General actions, where appropriate:
barn owl nest box
low emissions slurry spreading
tree planting
Understanding of the term biodiversity?
Discuss giving max 5 examples measures that a farmer can do to protect and improve farm biodiversity and wildlife habitats on a farm of your choice?
Things you can do on farm – explain benefits refer to biodiversity audit lots of detail –
ie Hedgerows- wildlife corridor, feed for wildlife, provide shelter for cattle and wildlife, good to stop leaching of nutrients into waterways, barrier how would you improve these on your farm etc –
Farmyard, Silage and grazing areas, Wetland and Bogs, Woodlands, Hedgerows, Water quality and watercourses, Stone walls, Monuments or other man-made features
Examples:
1: Hedgerows planted/maintained fixed:
Hedgerows are the dominant habitat feature on Irish farms with the average dairy farm (56 ha) having over 6 km of hedges. However, the quality of many of the hedgerows is low. High quality hedgerows provide multiple benefits, including providing shelter for stock and improving biosecurity; improving water quality; sequestering carbon; and acting as a refuge for biodiversity* The sides of hedges should be trimmed, with the top allowed to grow taller. This provides greater shelter and stock-proofing for animals, and improves the diversity and quality for wildlife. * Replant escaped or ‘gappy’ hedgerows with native species (e.g. hawthorn).
Native species support a greater abundance and diversity than non-native species.
* Leave occasional trees or bushes to mature, thus providing greater feeding and nesting habitats for a variety of species.
Ensure that appropriate management is undertaken outside the closed period from March 1st to August 31st.
Leave areas uncut:
Awkward field corners could be left uncut following silage removal. This temporary measure provides food and cover for a variety of species such as farmland birds and small mammals. Corners could be grazed-off when animals are re-introduced to the field.
2: Manage drainage effectively
Regularly waterlogged areas of a field and wet, compacted, poached areas deter organisms of all kinds, earthworms, beetles, birds, microbes.
Effective drainage systems maintain habitats for a range of species so that they can carry out their natural function. In addition, this increases grass growth, improves soil aeration, reduces soil compaction and attracts organisms to the area.
If soil air spaces are full of water due to a blockage, over time, this detracts organisms and soil fertility.
3: Leave small, grassy areas unfertilised
Similarly, leaving unfertilised, unsprayed grassy corners or zones encourage the competitive growth of nettles, thistles, and docks.
These plants attract butterflies, bank voles, mice, shrews, linnet and meadow pipit. Plant these areas with a seed mix of grass, clover, herbs and wildflowers to make the most of awkward corners
4: Leave areas uncut:
Awkward field corners could be left uncut following silage removal. This temporary measure provides food and cover for a variety of species such as farmland birds and small mammals. Corners could be grazed-off when animals are re-introduced to the field.
5: Farmyard:
Never interfere with existing birds’ nests or bat roots any rejuvenation should be completed outside of the breeding season. Don’t block entrances to buildings where birds are nesting and try make areas as attractive as possible to wildlife make new entrances to the buildings. Put up bird boxes and bat boxes on the farm.
Planting catch crops
6:Catch crops are sown between two main crops when land would otherwise lie idle, also known as fodder crops.
They provide animal fodder, grow quickly, and fill the gap between autumn harvest time and spring.
Kale, oilseed rape, vetches and stubble turnip are suitable crops that provide dry matter grazing, high in crude protein.
Also, they prevent nitrogen leaching, reduce winter feed costs, and provide winter soil cover for microorganisms and small mammals.
Agricultural practices change farm biodiversity. Discuss in detail (max 5) the potential impacts of changing farm practices on biodiversity.
Discuss in detail the three types of grassland habitats?
1:Improved grassland- pastureland that is intensely managed or highly modified through re-seeding, heavy grazing, silage making and regular fertilisation. It includes regularly re-seeded monoculture grasslands and ryegrass leys that are part of an arable rotation. These pastures differ significantly from areas of permanent pastures.
It is widely assumed that improved grassland is of low value from the point of view of conversation and wildlife but the opposite is true. It is home to many common species of bird and wildlife and has huge impact on river and lake systems.
Typically composed of a small number of grass species and are not species rich.
Agricultural practices change farm biodiversity. Discuss in detail (max 5) the potential impacts of changing farm practices on biodiversity.
Discuss in detail, what a farmer needs to do when planting a new hedgerow from site preparation to ongoing maintenance.
Steps involved in planting a new hedgerow
1. Picking the site – choosing where the hedge will be planted to encourage more biodiversity on the farm.
2. Mark out the area to be planted with either wire, or lime.
3. Pick the plants – stock proof hedge will have white thorn, black thorn, holly and some hazel plants.
4. Weather: Avoid waterlogged soils and very wet and frosty weather
5. Choose plants/quicks that are 2-3 years old are best suited for the hedge.
6. Best time to plant the hedge in the dormant season from September to February.
7. Heavy soils (February) reduce the threat of rabbits and hare damage in the winter. It is too late to plant when the buds have burst – this can be in March depending on the weather. Free draining soils (October)
8. Buy black plastic (biodegradable plastic)
9. Cultivate the ground- either with mini digger, shovel or plough- the ridge must be at least 1 meter wide.
10. Plants: Keep plant roots moist before and during planting to avoid drying out and dying.
11. Plant the quicks – planting 6-7 plants per meter in a zig zag (staggered row)
12. 8. with the spacing 330mm apart (1 foot)
13. Every 5/6 plants we will plant holly or hazel or blackthorn for diversity in the hedge
14. Every 20 meters we will leave a W.T plant and put a tree cover on it to let it grow as a mature tree
15. Digging in FYM helps to increase soil nutrient content and organic matter helping the hedge to grow
16. Prune back the white thorn plants – inch above the ground to encourage a denser hedge from the base
17. Weed control – cover with either used silage plastic or biodegradable plastic it is also a good way to keep the heat in the soil
18. Put up a stock proof fence – 2 rows of fence 2.5 foot and 4ft above the ground. Fence needs to be far enough out from the hedge for future use of hedge cutter.
19. Pruning back the hedge each year an inch above the previous year
20. Weed Prevention: The most effective weed control is to lay a strip of used silage plastic over a newly planted hedge, prising the pruned stumps through the plastic. The plastic must be retained in place by weighing down with inert material such as gravel or by pressing the edges of the strip into the clay with a spade.
21. The plastic has additional benefits of warming the soil which encourages rapid root development and retaining moisture as well as weed control.
22. Hedge cutting – in an A shape to get the light to the bottom of the hedge encouraging growth and habitats for wildlife.
23. Hedge should be cut every 2-3 years and try to avoid cutting all the hedges on the farm at the one time.
Discuss in detail five ways that hedgerows add value or benefit to a drystock or dairy Farm.
High quality hedgerows provide multiple benefits, including (1)
(2)providing shelter for stock
(3) improving biosecurity; (4)improving water quality; (5)sequestering carbon; and acting as a refuge for biodiversity.
Discuss in detail, ‘’Coppicing’’ in relation to hedgerow rejuvenation.
A farmer has asked your advice on planting a new hedgerow. Discuss in detail, what the farmer needs to do when planting a new hedgerow from site preparation to ongoing maintenance.
Steps involved in planting a new hedgerow
1. Picking the site – choosing where the hedge will be planted to encourage more biodiversity on the farm.
2. Mark out the area to be planted with either wire, or lime.
3. Pick the plants – stock proof hedge will have white thorn, black thorn, holly and some hazel plants.
4. Weather: Avoid waterlogged soils and very wet and frosty weather
5. Choose plants/quicks that are 2-3 years old are best suited for the hedge.
6. Best time to plant the hedge in the dormant season from September to February.
7. Heavy soils (February) reduce the threat of rabbits and hare damage in the winter. It is too late to plant when the buds have burst – this can be in March depending on the weather. Free draining soils (October)
8. Buy black plastic (biodegradable plastic)
9. Cultivate the ground- either with mini digger, shovel or plough- the ridge must be at least 1 meter wide.
10. Plants: Keep plant roots moist before and during planting to avoid drying out and dying.
11. Plant the quicks – planting 6-7 plants per meter in a zig zag (staggered row)
12. 8. with the spacing 330mm apart (1 foot)
13. Every 5/6 plants we will plant holly or hazel or blackthorn for diversity in the hedge
14. Every 20 meters we will leave a W.T plant and put a tree cover on it to let it grow as a mature tree
15. Digging in FYM helps to increase soil nutrient content and organic matter helping the hedge to grow
16. Prune back the white thorn plants – inch above the ground to encourage a denser hedge from the base
17. Weed control – cover with either used silage plastic or biodegradable plastic it is also a good way to keep the heat in the soil
18. Put up a stock proof fence – 2 rows of fence 2.5 foot and 4ft above the ground. Fence needs to be far enough out from the hedge for future use of hedge cutter.
19. Pruning back the hedge each year an inch above the previous year
20. Weed Prevention: The most effective weed control is to lay a strip of used silage plastic over a newly planted hedge, prising the pruned stumps through the plastic. The plastic must be retained in place by weighing down with inert material such as gravel or by pressing the edges of the strip into the clay with a spade.
21. The plastic has additional benefits of warming the soil which encourages rapid root development and retaining moisture as well as weed control.
22. Hedge cutting – in an A shape to get the light to the bottom of the hedge encouraging growth and habitats for wildlife.
23. Hedge should be cut every 2-3 years and try to avoid cutting all the hedges on the farm at the one time.
3 (a) Discuss in detail, five (5) elements in developing a new hedgerow
- Picking the site – choosing where the hedge will be planted to encourage more biodiversity on the farm.
- Mark out the area to be planted with either wire, or lime.
- Pick the plants – stock proof hedge will have white thorn, black thorn, holly and some hazel plants.
- Weather: Avoid waterlogged soils and very wet and frosty weather
- Choose plants/quicks that are 2-3 years old are best suited for the hedge.
