Food Production - Site Selection Flashcards
Factors to be considered when selecting site
Soil depth Soil structure PH Aspect Slope Susceptibility to frost and wind Size Availability of water
What is ideal soil type and depth for food production
Fertile well drained loam with topsoil depth at least 30cm
Ideal pH for veg
6.5 -7 but can tolerate wider range
Ideal aspect for plot
Open but sheltered
Avoid frost pockets
Preferably not sloping - if is make terraces or level out. Or plant across the slope.
Avoid overhanging trees
Access for wheelbarrows, deliveries etc
Sunny - south sw se- warm soil best for quick germination
How do frost and wind (protection) affect food production site
Wind - not good for tall crops or ones requiring support. Also reduces activity of pollinating insects
Frost pockets mean significantly shorter growing season and frost will cause great damage particularly not good for fruit trees
Why provide shelter for food crops
Frost causes considerable damage, particularly to fruit trees. Cell contents freeze and contents rupture and die. Young shoots buds and flowers are particularly susceptible to a late frost in May. Crops can be ruined. Rapid thawing is also a problem.
Symptoms foliage is scorched, small plants killed, buds damaged and killed so no flowers or fruit can form. Blossom and fruitlets can drop off. Skin of fruit produced van be cracked or russeted.
Wind can directly break stems and branches, blow off fruit and blossom and flowers. It increases the rate of water loss.
Wind lowers temperatures around plants so slower to grow and can cause wind scorch. Pollinating insects are discouraged so lack of fruit.
Advantages and disadvantages of living wind breaks
Advantage Naturally has some permeability May already be growing there Compliments the garden Provides a habitat for beneficial wildlife/organisms Disadvantage Takes time to establish Requires maintenance May take water and nutrients from plot Take up space Harbour pests and diseases
Advantages and disadvantages of non living wind breaks
Advantage Take up less space Don't harbour pests and disease Relatively easy to erect Disadvantage Some (such as walls) are not semi permeable Need replacing
Four plant species suitable for living wind breaks
Fagus sylvatica
Taxus baccata
Forsythia x intermedia
Buxus sempervirens
Four types of non living permeable windbreaks
Plastic mesh
Picket fencing
Trellis
Hurdles
