Rural Unit

Question 1

What are the advantages of new technology in developed countries

Answer 1

1. Large computerised tractors that have GPS and also combine harvesters with GPS allow the farmland to be mapped. This makes ploughing, planting and harvesting easier and more efficient as the larger machines have greater coverage. The GPS detects dips and rises in the fields and computers onboard the combine harvester adjust the blades ensuring that as much crop as possible is harvested. The GPS also means that ploughing and harvesting can now be done in the dark. This gives farmers more time to do those jobs
2. Drones with video cameras allow farmers to check their fields without physically having to go to them. This saves them a great deal of time and money. The images can tell the farmer how well the crops are growing and if any areas need to be targeted with fertilisers and/or pesticides, another drone can go to the field and spray
   those areas with pesticides and fertilisers, this again saves the farmer time and money as he does not have to physically travel to the field, which would take more time. As the drone flies over the field, crops are not being damaged by machinery.
3. Modern farm machinery is much more efficient than manual labour. The machinery can do the work of labourers in a fraction of the time
4. Fertilizers increase crop yield and pesticides prevents bugs from eating the crops which reduces spoilage

Question 2

What are the disadvantages of new technology in developed countries

Answer 2

1. Pesticides and fertilizers are associated with the loss of many invertebrate and song-bird species disappearing from the countryside
2. The reliance on equipment has meant that over the years more and more farm workers have found themselves out of jobs. This leads to rural depopulation because many people leave the countryside as they cannot find a job. This causes local services to shut down. And those who are left behind suffer from a lack of services
3. Animal habitats are lost as hedgerows and trees are removed to increase field sizes to accommodate large machinery. This has caused a loss of biodiversity in the countryside.

Question 3

What are the advantages of diversification

Answer 3

1. As a result of diversification farmers income increases and their standard of living improves
2. When farmers income increases more money is taxed which is then invested in rural areas to improve local services
3. When farmers diversify there are more job opportunities as people are needed to help run adventure activities and serve in cafes. This helps to prevent rural depopulation which also helps to keep local services such as post offices and primary schools open.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of diversification

Answer 4

1. An increase in tourists leads to traffic congestion as well as air pollution which is harmful for the environment
2. Tourists will often leave litter which is harmful for animals as they could consume it which would make them very ill
3. Tourists erode footpaths which ruins the natural scenery
4. Tourists damage dry stone walls when climbing over them; this means farmers have to use some of their valuable time to repair the wall.
5. As well sometimes tourists walk on farmers fields which can damage their crops

Question 5

What are the advantages of organic farming

Answer 5

1. As a result of organic farming not using artificial chemicals on crops water pollution is reduced and aquatic wildlife is protected from harmful run-off from farm chemicals
2. Organic produce often sells for a higher price which can give farmers a larger income

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of organic farming

Answer 6

1. Organic farming is more intensive as it takes more time and effort to grow crops
2. It takes many years for a farmer to officially become an organic farmer. This means for the first few years they may struggle to make an income as there yields drop due to the fact that they cannot use artificial pesticides and fertilisers, but until certified they cannot sell their crops for the higher prices that organic produce fetches

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of GM in developed countries

Answer 7

• Some conservationists believe that GM crops are harmful to the environment and could damage ecosystems. They can also require more fertilisers and pesticides.
• There has not been a lot of research into the impact that GM foods have on people’s health. This has caused consumers to be opposed to genetically modified foods as they do not want to develop any health issues. This can affect farmers income.

Question 8

What are the advantages of GM in developed countries

Answer 8

1. GM crops have been made to survive pests, diseases, weeds, drought and frost. This stops crops from being wasted
2. GM crops do not need as much pesticides which is less harmful for insects and bees
3. As GM crops are more tolerant they can be grown in areas where they could not previously grow crops

Question 9

Can you relate some of those changes to a case study

Answer 9

1. Drones are used on a farm in Scotland
2. GPS guided combine harvesters and tractors on arable farms in SE England,
3. Wynford Farm - Organic farming
4. Mackies has diversified