R2113 Exam questions Flashcards
List FIVE factors to be considered when selecting a site for outdoor food production. For EACH factor, state TWO ways in which cropping is affected by completing the table below. (10 marks)
Soil depth – i) important for carrots and parsnips which have long tap roots; ii) enables good root establishment of fruit trees and bushes.
Soil texture: i) sandy soil warms up quickly so crops have an early start in the growing season; ii) clay soils tend to be cold which means a slow start t the growing season. They are not suitable for root crops because they may restrict root growth, but they are nutrient rich.
Soil pH: i) a soil with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5 is acid and ideal for crops such as blueberries. ii) A soil with a pH of 7.0 – 7.5 is alkaline and ideal for brassicas.
Frost: i) Avoid planting crops in a frost pocket (for example in a dip) as this may damage crops. ii) Avoid planting fruit trees and bushes in frost prone sites as blossom/fruitlets are prone to damage.
Wind: i) even light winds can reduce crop yields by 20 – 30%; ii) wind can cause physical damage to crops, e.g. fruit trees.
Examples of other factors that could be mentioned here include:
Aspect: i) A south-facing slope warms quickly and allows crops to get an early start to the growing season. Most fruit and vegetables thrive in a sunny position. ii) Avoid a steeply sloping site if possible as this may be both difficult to work and susceptible to soil erosion.
Shelter: i) Select an open but sheltered site if possible to ensure crops receive plenty of sunlight. ii) Avoid sites with avoiding overhanging trees or tall hedges, and sites overshadowed by buildings for much of the day.
Accessibility: i) An accessible site is one that is easy to reach with wheelbarrows and other equipment. ii) A good location will also be easy to reach with a hose or not too far from an outdoor water source.
Protection: i) It is important to select a site that is sheltered from the wind – especially when growing tall crops and those requiring support. ii) Individual crops can be protected from bad weather using a variety of methods, including cloches, low tunnels and fleece.
a. State two benefits & two limitations of living windbreaks for fruits & veg crops.
b. Name two plant species suitable for living windbreak.
a. Benefits = 1. Aesthetically pleasing. 2. Beneficial to wildlife. other eg. Long lived compared to fence, low maintenance.
Limitations = 1. Takes time to become established. 2. Root competition with adjacent crop. other eg. Take up more space than fence. May harbour P&D.
b. Fagus sylivatica, Carpinus betulus, Taxus baccata, Thuja plicata
a. Describe two named methods used to extend the productive season of outdoor crops.
b. Name one veg. & one fruit which would benefit from these methods.
a. Cloche - solid frame with glass/plastic/perspex/twin wall poly cladding. Glass cloches are usually heavy enough to withstand wind but plastic will need anchoring. Cloches protect late crops from early frost & heavy/damaging wind. Cloches can also over winter crops.
Cold frame - Solid framed structure constructed from brick or wood with glass/plastic/perspex/twin wall poly lights. Can be located directly on the soil or on a solid base. Crops are protected from early frost & and able to over winter.
Green house and poly tunnel not accepted this is ‘indoor’ crop production.
b. Veg Lettuce, carrot, salad, beetroot.
Fruit - Strawberry
Describe how the quality and yield of veg. crops are affected by EACH of the following factors.
i) weed control
ii) irrigation
iii) thinning
i) 1. Weeds compete for water, light and nutrients which will reduce the quality and yield of veg. crop. 2. Weeds can act as a host host for disease eg. club root.
ii) 1. Veg. crops need regular, even watering to swell the crop, to produce high quality and max yield. 2. irregular or overwatering may cause roots or fruits to split, reducing quality of yield.
iii) Thinning prevents overcrowding and allows for good aeration which reduces the possibility of fungal disease eg botrytis. This will ensure that the quality and yield is not affected.
Describe the production of winter cabbage under each of the following headings.
i) soil pH
ii) sowing
iii) transplanting
i) winter cabbage require pH of 6.5 and above to avoid club root. Low pH can be raised with Lime or calcified seaweed.
ii) Seed sown in April to May in prepared seedbed. Sown thinly in drills 15cm apart at 1-2cm deep, covered, labelled and watered. Can also be sown in modules which are left outside.
iii) young plants are transplanted to final positions when they have approx. 5-6 true leaves in June/July. they are well watered the day prior to transplanting. A trowel or dibber is used to make a hole 30-60cm apart. Lowest leaves at ground level and firmed in.
Name one distinct host fruit and one control measure for each of the following pests.
Codling moth. Winter moth. Blackbird. Big bud mite. Slug.
Codling moth = Apple. Pheromone traps.
Winter moth = Plum, Pear, Cherry. Grease bands around trunk. encourage birds.
Blackbird = Raspberry. Netting, fruit cage.
Big bud mite = Blackcurrant. Dig up and burn heavy infestation. Resistant cultivar ‘Ben hope’
Slug = Strawberry. Nematodes, hand pick, encourage predators.
a. Name one dessert and one culinary apple cultivar.
b. List 6 factors to be considered when choosing an apple tree for a small garden.
c. Name two training systems used for growing apple trees.
a. ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’ & Bramley’s Seedling’
b. Dessert or culinary variety req., Early or late variety, Pollination compatibility, P&D resistance, Rootstock choice, Ultimate size, Potential yield.
c. Espalier, Step over.
a. Name one non-living windbreak.
b. Name one living plant species suitable for use as a windbreak.
c. State two distinct benefits and two distinct limitations of non-living and living permeable windbreaks.
a. Hazel hurdle, trellis, hit n miss fence
b. Fagus sylvatica, Taxus baccata, Thuja plicata.
c. Non-living +ve Take up little space, with no root competition, quick and easy to put up. -ve No benefit for wildlife, needs regular maintenance. Living +ve Looks more attractive and long living, Beneficial for wildlife. -ve Take time to establish and requires maintenance. Root competition with crop.
a. Explain the ‘no dog’ system of managing raised beds.
i) soil structure ii) weed control iii) soil borne pests
b. State typical length and width of raised bed
a. i) Soil structure maintained as it’s not walked on therefore avoids soil compaction. Addition of large amounts of organic matter enables worms and other soil organisms to incorporate this into the soil without digging in.
ii) Perennial woody weeds should be removed before starting. Use of cardboard and organic matter layers help reduce weed growth. Weeds that do appear can be hand pulled or hoed.
iii) A good soil ecosystem may enhance the pest versus predator balance and suppress some pests.
b. 1.2-1.6m width x 2.5-3m long
Describe the production of crop of carrots (excluding soil prep)
i) sowing ii) thinning iii) harvesting
i) Carrots sown thinly in a line from Feb to June in drills 0.5-1.5cm deep and 15-30cm between rows. Drills can be watered prior to sowing seed or following them being covered and labelled.
ii) Thin to 3-7cm to enable crop to reach full potential at maturity. Carry out in evening to reduce damage from carrot root fly when less active. Any removed seedling should be disposed of promptly. Remaining crop watered to firm in.
iii) Harvested 12-16 weeks after sowing. Water soil first to reduce roots breaking. Carefully lift by pulling foliage and with fork from underneath.
Describe how each of the following may be successfully stored after harvest.
i) Onions ii) potatoes
i) Onions need to be dried before storage. Drying is carried out in the sun on racks or dry location like greenhouse if raining. Drying take approx 2 weeks when skin is paper dry. Only healthy undamaged onions are selected and stored in cool light, well ventilated, vermin free area in nets or plaits.
ii) Only maincrop potatoes are suitable for storage, and only undamaged ones. Harvested potatoes are left in the sun to dry, and excess soil removed. Store in hessian or heavy paper sack in dark, cool 4-10o, dry frost and vermin free shed or garage.
Describe how quality and yield of an apple tree can be determined by each of the following.
i) base dressing ii) weed control iii) mulch iv) two named training systems
i) Base dressing high in phosphorus, eg Bonemeal can be added to planting hole at the time of planting. This aids establishment and healthy root growth, ultimately resulting in improved quality and yield of crop.
ii) Weeds compete for nutrients and water and may harbour pest and disease which is of determent to the tree. Apple trees require moisture to swell the fruit, therefore essential to ensure quality a yield.
iii) Apple trees benefit from a mulch of well rotted manure or compost to a depth of 5-10cm around base, but not touching the trunk. This will conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
iv) Apple tree can be trained using a step over, cordon or espalier systems for apple where trees should be spur fruiting to maximise yield. Horizontal training of these systems encourage more flowers and fruit.
Describe production of strawberries under each of the following headings.
i) One named cultivar ii) ground prep iii) planting iv) harvesting
i) Cambridge favourite
ii) Primary cultivation is carried out in spring. Weeds removed and well rotted manure or compost can be added to soil. Secondary cultivation is carried which includes raking area roughly level, and applying general fertiliser.
iii) Strawberries can planted in May with 30-40cm spacing and 60-70cm between rows. Root are spread out into planting hole and the crown of the plant must rest on the soil to avoid crown rot. Soil back filled and firmed gently, and watered in well.
iv) Strawberries are harvested on a dry day in the morning when they are most juicy. Picked carefully to avoid bruising when pink/red all over with calyx intact. Discard any damaged mouldy fruit, and avoid piling up too many.
State two distinct benefits of each of the following factors for vegetable and fruit production for the following factors.
Deep top soil, Sandy soil, South facing slope, Neutral pH, Sheltered site.
Deep top soil, unimpeded root growth, good anchorage for trees.
Sandy soil, free draining, warms up in early spring.
South facing slope, higher light levels, warmest aspect/warms up quickly.
Neutral pH, greatest range of veg can be grown, widest range of nutrients available.
Sheltered site. better conditions for pollinators, less physical damage to fruit trees.
Describe the sowing of courgette seed into modules under each of the following headings.
i) choice of growing media, ii) filling module. iii) sowing. iv) aftercare.
i) choice of growing media, John Innes 1
ii) filling module. overfilled, ensuring corners filled, modules tapped to remove air gaps, excess struck off level, firmed so compost just below level of tray for watering.
iii) sowing. 1-2 per module, on sides to avoid rotting, 2-3cm deep, pushed or with dibber, labelled and watered.
iv) aftercare. kept frost free, light position, propagator 18-21o moist but not water logged, high humidity, monitor for pests, remove weaker seedling.
a. for the top fruit diagram
i) name the training system ii) name an appropriate fruit iii) name one suitable root stock.
b. describe the timing and method of pruning for the establishment training system named in a.
a. i) Step over ii) Apple iii) M27 or M9
b. Main period for pruning is late summer when side shoots more than 22cm are cut back to three leaves above the basal cluster, any regrowth is pruned in September to one leaf above previous cut, Leaders are only cut when they reach full length, spur thinning takes place in winter when 3D’s can also be pruned.
