Unit 2 Part 2: BC Dairy System

Question 1

what is the impact of climate on soil management

Answer 1

soils are subject to wetness for most of the year, either due to excessive precipitation or flooding of low-lying land.

solution subsurface drainage

Question 2

how does soil drainage increase the efficiency of the dairy system?

Answer 2

• reduces the amount of manure storage capacity since the application of manure in spring can occur at an earlier date.(not according to the rainy season
• allows fields to dry out and soil temperatures to rise more quickly in the spring so that grass growth commences early. Cows can be allowed out to pasture early not only because of the availability of grass but also because of the reduced risk of trampling damage due to wet soils.
• enables cows to remain on pasture longer in the fall without causing damage. By extending the grazing season both in the spring and fall, = decreases the amount of conserved feed needed for the winter.
• improves early access to fields for spring cultivation and seeding
• improves access to the same fields for fall harvesting.