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This module explores the impact of geographical factors on farming practices and ecosystem dynamics. Participants learn to integrate topographical analysis into design decisions. It explores topography's role in water management, studying how landforms affect water movement and drainage. Practical skills include obtaining topographical maps from Google Earth, mapping landscapes with drones, and creating virtual terrains in VectorWorks. The focus is on informed decision-making for water catchment and conservation, tailored to the farm's unique topography. The module provides hands-on experience in spatial analysis and design, offering practical skills for participants. |
Understanding Farm Geography and Climate:
Topography's Role in Water Management:
Farm Mapping:
- Analyse how geographical factors influence farming practices.
- Explore the dynamics of ecosystem interactions shaped by geography
- Understand how to incorporate topographical analysis into design decisions.
Topography's Role in Water Management:
- Study how landforms and topography affect water movement and drainage patterns.
- Utilize topographical analysis to make informed decisions on water catchment and conservation.
- Implement strategies for efficient water use based on the farm's topographical characteristics.
Farm Mapping:
- Obtaining topographical maps from Google Earth
- Mapping landscapes with a drone
- Creating a virtual terrain in VectorWorks
The Impact of Topography
Topography is a crucial factor in the suitability of a site for farming and determines the type of farming practices that can be adopted. A gentle north-facing slope is considered ideal for farming in temperate southern hemisphere climates as it receives the most sunlight that fuels the growth of productive plants through photosynthesis. These slopes also allow water to drain away from the site, store water, and enable frost to flow off the site, making it suitable for agriculture. Steeper slopes, on the other hand, are suitable for tree crops that stabilize the soil in such terrains and are useful for production. Flat or gentle slopes can also be productive for intensive crops or high-yield animals, but they are at risk of flooding.
Topography influences the quality of the soil, with gentle slopes having deep, fertile soils that are suitable for growing crops, while steep slopes may have shallow soils prone to erosion. Drainage patterns on a site determine where to plant crops and how to manage water, as steep slopes experience erosion due to runoff, while gentle slopes are more prone to waterlogging. The availability of water for crops is also influenced by the topography of a site, with gentle slopes able to retain water for longer periods than steep slopes, which may have less water available for crops.
Farming practices are also influenced by topography, with steep slopes being suitable for terracing and contour farming to prevent erosion, while gentle slopes are suitable for traditional farming practices. Understanding the topography of a site helps farmers make informed decisions about how to manage their land for optimal crop production. Additionally, the shape of the land and how topographic features like mountain ranges are oriented in relation to the sun and bodies of water provide valuable information about where to farm and how to manage the farming landscape.
Topography influences the quality of the soil, with gentle slopes having deep, fertile soils that are suitable for growing crops, while steep slopes may have shallow soils prone to erosion. Drainage patterns on a site determine where to plant crops and how to manage water, as steep slopes experience erosion due to runoff, while gentle slopes are more prone to waterlogging. The availability of water for crops is also influenced by the topography of a site, with gentle slopes able to retain water for longer periods than steep slopes, which may have less water available for crops.
Farming practices are also influenced by topography, with steep slopes being suitable for terracing and contour farming to prevent erosion, while gentle slopes are suitable for traditional farming practices. Understanding the topography of a site helps farmers make informed decisions about how to manage their land for optimal crop production. Additionally, the shape of the land and how topographic features like mountain ranges are oriented in relation to the sun and bodies of water provide valuable information about where to farm and how to manage the farming landscape.