Topic 2 - Productive Growing Flashcards
Traditional Gardening - Key facts about this system
In the ground, in rows
Soil is prepared by digging
Pest control is companion planting, barriers, some pesticides
Crop rotation
Traditional Gardening - Advantages of this systems
Simplicity: Traditional gardening methods are straightforward and do not require complex technology or equipment.
Flexibility
Quick start up
Traditional Gardening - Dis Advantages of this systems
Labour-Intensive: can require significant manual labor for planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting.
Soil Degradation: Repeated tilling and certain chemical fertilizers can lead to soil degradation and loss of fertility over time.
Minimum cultivation - Key facts
Reduced Tilling: Minimizes soil disturbance, preserving soil structure and microorganisms.
Soil Health: Promotes the retention of organic matter and nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and moisture retention.
Erosion Prevention: Reduces soil erosion by maintaining a protective cover over the soil.
Labor Saving: Decreases the physical labor needed for traditional tilling and digging.
Minimum cultivation - Advantages
Soil Structure Preservation: Avoids disruption of the natural soil structure and layers, supporting a healthy soil ecosystem.
Weed Suppression: Uses mulches and compost layers to suppress weeds, reducing the need for weeding.
Water Conservation: Helps retain soil moisture through mulching, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Soil Fertility: Builds soil fertility over time by adding organic matter on the surface, which decomposes and enriches the soil below.
Minimum cultivation - Dis Advantages
Initial Setup: Establishing a no-dig garden can require substantial initial input of organic materials.
Pest Management: Can sometimes require more careful pest management strategies since soil pests are not disrupted by tilling.
Adapting Practices: Transitioning from traditional methods to no-dig practices may require a learning curve and adaptation period.
Raised beds - Key facts about this system
Elevated garden plots constructed above the native soil level, typically enclosed by a frame made of wood, stone, concrete, or other materials.
Raised beds - Advantages
Better Drainage: Elevated beds prevent waterlogging, reducing root rot and other moisture-related issues.
Soil Compaction Reduction: Minimizes soil compaction as gardeners do not walk on the planting area, preserving soil structure.
Extended Growing Season: Raised beds warm up faster in the spring and can be covered to protect plants from frost, extending the growing season.
Accessibility: Easier to maintain, especially for people with limited mobility, as the elevated height reduces the need for bending and kneeling.
Raised beds - disadvantages
Initial Cost: Building raised beds can be more expensive than traditional in-ground gardens due to materials and soil.
Watering Needs: Raised beds may dry out more quickly and need regular watering, especially in hot climates.
Soil Maintenance: Requires periodic addition of organic matter to maintain soil fertility and structure.
Certificated organic production as certified by the soil association - Key facts
Inorganic fertilisers are prohibited
Pesticides and Chemicals
GM Crops
Soil fertility built up slowly
Certificated organic production as certified by the soil association - Advantages
Lower impact on the environment
More sustainable
Climate-friendly (pollution or water quality)
Certificated organic production as certified by the soil association - Dis Advantages
Lots of paperwork
Lots of knowledge of soil required
Labour intensive
Difficult to acquire manure
Square foot gardening - Key facts
Developed in the 1970’s
Raised beds don’t have soil to prevent weeds
Squares one foot long and wide
Square foot gardening - Advantages
Can be installed even where there is no soil
Can be raised to an accessible height
Limited size and simplicity ideal for schools
High yields from small space
Rapid to install and set up
Square foot gardening - Dis Advantages
Time consuming
Limiting for experienced gardener
Beds will dry out quicker
Hydroponics - Key facts
Grows plants in water
Nutrients dissolved in water
Grown in inert medium (Perlite/rockwool)
Or nutrient film technique - water in a gutter
Aquaponics
Like hydroponics but uses fish i the water to provide the nutrients
Criteria for the selection of crops
Soil, aspect (sunny), Space available, Time available to look after, facilities (greenhouse)
What factors would affect the choice of crops for a Community Garden
Need to take into account the interests of the users
They may want unusual or educational choices
What is a catch crop
Plants that are quick maturing
Advantages of crop rotation
Increased soil fertility
Increased crop yield
Reduced soil erosion
Reduced pest and diseases
Reduced weeds
What is succession planting
Maximizes the use of space and time in a garden by continuously planting crops throughout the growing season.
This method ensures a steady supply of fresh produce and efficient use of garden space.
Examples of perennial crops
Rhubarb - Rheum rhabarbarum
Chives - Allium schoenoprasum
Disadvantages of using fleece
Made of single use plastic
Raising humidity raises chances of pests and diseases
Takes up space around the crop
How would you use bulky organic matter to improve soil to include where could it be used and how.
This practice enhances soil structure, fertility, moisture retention, and microbial activity.
How would bulky organic matter improve soil yields.
Improved Soil Structure: Enhances aeration, water infiltration, and root penetration.
Increased Soil Fertility: Supplies essential nutrients as the organic matter decomposes.
Enhanced Moisture Retention: Helps soil retain moisture, reducing irrigation needs.
Microbial Activity: Encourages beneficial microorganisms that support plant health.
Erosion Control: Organic matter helps bind soil particles, reducing erosion.
What are the limitations of bulky organic matter to improve soil yields
Decomposition Rate
Nutrient Imbalance
Volume and Weight/Labour requirements
Pest Attraction
How would you use Lime to improve soil and include where could it be used and how.
To improve soil quality by adjusting pH levels, enhancing nutrient availability
Test and then apply as required
How would Lime improve soil yields.
pH Adjustment
Neutralizes Acidity: Raises soil pH to optimal levels (6.0-7.0 for most plants).
Nutrient Availability
Improves Nutrient Uptake: Enhances the availability of essential nutrients like phosphorus and molybdenum.
Soil Structure
Enhances Aggregation: Improves soil texture and structure, promoting better root growth and water infiltration.
Microbial Activity
Stimulates Beneficial Microorganisms: Creates a more favorable environment for soil microbes that aid in nutrient cycling.
What are the limitations of using Lime to improve soil yields
Over application
Delayed effects or time taken to make an effect
Environmental issues
Handling concerns
Cost Benefits
How would you use Biochar to improve soil and include where could it be used and how.
Form of charcoal produced by heating organic material (such as wood, crop residues, or manure) in the absence of oxygen.
Tilling: Incorporate biochar into the top 6-12 inches of soil using a tiller or plow. This ensures even distribution and integration with the soil.
Mixing with Compost: Blend biochar with compost before application. This enhances nutrient availability and microbial activity.
Surface Application and Mulching: For perennial plants and trees, biochar can be applied to the soil surface and covered with mulch.
How would Biochar improve soil yields.
Improves Soil Structure: Enhances soil aeration, water retention, and drainage.
Increases Nutrient Retention: Reduces nutrient leaching and improves nutrient availability to plants.
Enhances Microbial Activity: Provides a habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms.
Reduces Soil Acidity: Acts as a liming agent, helping to raise soil pH.
Sequesters Carbon: Long-term carbon storage helps mitigate climate change.
What are the limitations of Biochar
Initial Cost: Biochar can be expensive to produce or purchase, especially in large quantities.
Nutrient Lock-Up: Uncharged biochar can temporarily lock up nutrients, making them unavailable to plants. Charging biochar before application is crucial.
Soil Type Variability: The benefits of biochar can vary depending on soil type and existing soil conditions. Conduct small-scale trials to determine its effectiveness in specific soils.
How would you use Vermicompost to improve soil and include where could it be used and how.
Worm output can be used to improve soil quality or to give it a boost
How would Vermiculture improve soil yields.
Nutrient-Rich: Vermicompost is rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Improves Soil Structure: It enhances soil aeration and water retention, improving the overall structure.
Increases Microbial Activity: Vermicompost boosts beneficial microbial activity, aiding in nutrient cycling and disease suppression.
Organic Matter: It adds organic matter to the soil, improving its texture and fertility.
What are the limitations of Vermiculture compost
Small production amounts
Variable quantity
Weather related
Initial set up costs
How would organic fertilisers improve soil yields.
Nutrient Supply, released slowly over time
Improved soil structure, aeration and water retention
Stimulates growth of soil microbes
Reduced chemical dependency (sustainability)
What are the limitations of organic fertilisers to improve soil yield
Lower Nutrient Concentrations
Higher initial costs
Slow release
Bulk and handling
Inconsistent
How would synthetic fertilisers improve soil yields.
Rapid uptake because of its soluble formulation
Accurate dosage
Reliable
Readily available and lower cost
What are the limitations of synthetic fertilisers to improve soil yields.
Can be overused
Leaching into groundwater
High cost to the environment