Chapter 24 The Business of Farming
description
Transcript of Chapter 24 The Business of Farming
Chapter 24The Business of Farming
In Canada we are lucky in that we do not think about Food – We take it for granted.
Agriculture depends on 4 Natural Interactions:
1.Climate2.Soils3.Biology4.Topography
Climate: Two variables are looked at.
1. Solar Energy (Heat) – Canada cannot grow Bananas (outside at least) – Why?
Growing Degree Days (GDD) – Number of degrees the temperature exceeds 6 degrees.EG: If the average temperature on May 3 was 14 – then it would contribute 8 growing degree days (14-6=8). In the Toronto area we get on average 2200 growing degree days each year.
Once a farmer knows this he can determine what crops he/she may wish to grow. A farmer can also determine how to apply Fertilizer, Herbicide and Pesticide to his land by knowing the number of growing degree days.
Growing Season – average number of days the temperature stays above 6 degrees
Frost-Free Period – the number of days between the last frost in the spring and the first in the autumn.
2. Moisture – Precipitation and Evapotranspiration
Soil:Remember – Humus, mineral matter, water and air. Remember Calcified and Leached soils. Soil preparation is key.
Biology: Careful of insects and weeds, worms are good and so are bees
Topography: Ideally you want level, well drained land – Fertile Valleys and Deltas are best.
Correcting Deficiencies
Few areas in Canada have a perfect combination of rich soil, level land, good biological conditions, sufficient moisture, and a long growing season. Below are some Deficiencies – let’s try to Adjust for them.
1.Growing Season too short or too cool
2. Insufficient Moisture
3. Infertile Soil
4.Hilly Terrain
5. Low-lying, wet terrain
6.Shortage of beneficial insects
7.Excess of harmful insects
8.Excess of Weeds
What is the conditions are not right for Farming – Correcting Deficiencies
The Importance of Agriculture to Canada
Land: The Basic Resource
The Changing Farm:
Types of Farming:
Issues facing the modern day Canadian Farmer