Junior Cycle Geography CYCLONE Sustainability on Andrew’s Farm
Andrew adopts a number of practices to reduce the impact of his farming on the environment. He raises cattle from calves to beef in under 16 months. This reduces the amount of methane produced by his cattle, which is harmful to the ozone layer.
Andrew uses the manure produced by his cattle stock to fertilise the land for his crops. He also uses a particular type of grass which has lots of clover in it. More clover can increase grass growth. Both of these actions reduce the need for artificial fertiliser.
Andrew prevents soil poaching (soil breaking down due to heavy weight on top of it) by moving feeding troughs around the fields.
How Does the Physical Landscape Influence the Farm? Managing information and thinking
Examine the photo of Andrew’s farm. Identify fields you think may be used for each of the following: Growing barley
Growing grass for silage Cattle grazing.
Soil: The rock underlying the soil in most of Andrew’s farm is limestone. Limestone contains sediments deposited by glacial deposition, which help to keep the soil fertile. This supports good quality mixed farming.
Drainage: The River Barrow is a large river found in the north and east of Co. Laois. It flows eastwards through the county. The river helps to prevent flooding on the farm, which would destroy crops and prevent cattle from grazing the land.
Relief: The land on the farm is generally flat. This makes it easier to use farm machinery for planting and harvesting crops and for cutting grass for silage.
1. Briefly explain how a farm operates as an example of a system. 2. How is Andrew’s farm an example of a mixed farm? 3. Explain how the sustainable practices used on this farm may impact the local environment. 4. Explain two ways that the physical landscape influences Andrew’s farm.