Ag

Question 1

How can crops be classified (3 answers)

Answer 1

What the produce is used for (Fibre, or food oil, legume or cereal)
What season the plant grows in: Summer/Winter
How it is produced: Extensive/Intensive

Question 2

What is cotton classified as?

Answer 2

Used for: Fibre, oilseed
Season it’s grown in: Summer
Production method: Extensive (broad acre)

Question 3

What is Fibre?

Answer 3

Fine hair-like structure in plants used to make textiles. May be soft ‘hairs’ found on seeds (cotton) or tough fibres found on the stem of plants (hemp)

Question 4

What does Annual mean?

Answer 4

A plant that completes its lifecycle within 12 months (germinates, grows, flowers, sets seed, dies) Eg. Wheat

Question 5

What is an Oilseed?

Answer 5

Seeds that are used to produce vegetable oils Eg. Sunflower seeds

Question 6

What does Biennial mean?

Answer 6

Plants that grow from seed in the first year and flowers in the second year Eg. Onion

Question 7

What does Broadacre mean?

Answer 7

Synonym of Extensive
Large areas of the crop are grown by individual farmers (typically over 100 hectares). Crop is cultivated, sprayed and harvested mechanically

Question 8

What does Perennial mean?

Answer 8

A plant that continues to grow from year to year and may flower several times during its life Eg. fruit trees

Question 9

What are Cereals?

Answer 9

Grains used for food from grass-like plants Eg. Wheat

Question 10

What are Legumes?

Answer 10

Group of plants that are able to capture nitrogen from the air, by means of bacteria living on their roots. Legume seed is always in a pod. Legumes include clover, beans, peas, lupins and wattles. Grain legumes are also called ‘pulses’
produces a seed contained within a pod

Question 11

What does Intensive means?

Answer 11

Small areas of crop are grown by individual farmers (typically less than 50 hectares) Some operations are performed manually

Question 12

What classifies Broadacre/Extensive crop production?

Answer 12

Size: More than 100 hectares per farm
Labour: Less than 1 hour per hectare spent from sowing to harvest
Mechanisation: Fully Mechanised
Income: Less than $5000 per hectare
Example: Cotton, wheat, canola

Question 13

What classifies Intensive crop production?

Answer 13

Size: Less than 50 hectares per farm
Labour: 5-10 hours per hectare spent from sowing to harvest
Mechanisation: There is a combination of both manual labour and mechanisation
Income: Over $10k per hectare
Example: Strawberry, watermelon, onions

Question 14

List the different climate factors that affect crop production

Answer 14

• Precipitation
• Temperature
• UV
• Humidity
• Air quality
• Wind (speed, Direction)
• Sunrise/Sunset time
• Air pressure

Question 15

What are the most likely limiting soil nutrients in NSW?

Answer 15

• Nitrogen (N)
• Phosphorus (P)

Question 16

What are 4 example of pests for crops in Australia?

Answer 16

Kangaroo, rabbit, cockatoo and mice

Question 17

Explain the limiting factor theory

Answer 17

The yield potential of a crop is like a barrel with staves of unequal length
The capacity of the barrel is limited by the the shortest stave and can only be increased by lengthening that stave.
When that stave is lengthened, another one becomes the limiting factor.
Lengthening a stave that is not limiting doesn’t increase the capacity of the barrel.
When making a stave longer, it should be fixed at least to the hight of the next longest stave
If money is limited, then a stave may not be able to be fixed to full length.

Question 18

How many people do cotton farms in Australia normally employ?

Answer 18

Over or around 9 people

Question 19

How much does a bale of cotton weigh?

Answer 19

Around 227 kg

Question 20

what is plant propagation?

Answer 20

Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. This can be achieved through various methods, including using seeds, cuttings, division, layering, grafting, or tissue culture.

Question 21

What is sexual reproduction in plants?

Answer 21

In plants, sexual reproduction occurs when a pollen grain joins with an ovule to form an embryo
A seed then develops around the embryo
When the seed germinates a new plant is formed.
In sexual reproduction, genetic material from different plants is combined
This gives rise to diversity in plant populations.

Question 22

What is asexual (vegetative) reproduction in plants?

Answer 22

A single parent plant generating new offspring that are genetically identical to it.

Question 23

What is Emergence?

Answer 23

The process of a seedling, or young plant, appearing above the soil surface and becoming visible

Question 24

What is Germination?

Answer 24

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It marks the beginning of growth, starting with the seed absorbing water and then developing roots and shoots.

Question 25

How does Precipitation affect crop production?

Answer 25

Too much: Leads to waterlogging, root rot, and disease spread. Too little: Causes drought, poor germination, and reduced yields.

Question 26

How does Temperature affect crop production?

Answer 26

Extreme heat: Accelerates evaporation, wilts plants, and reduces pollination rates. Extreme cold: Causes frost damage, slows growth, and affects seed germination.

Question 27

How does UV Radiation affect crop production?

Answer 27

High UV: Can damage plant cells, reduce photosynthesis, and impact fruit quality. Low UV: Slows growth by reducing light availability for photosynthesis.

Question 28

How does Humidity affect crop production?

Answer 28

High humidity: Promotes fungal diseases like mildew and affects transpiration. Low humidity: Increases water loss, leading to drought stress.

Question 29

How does Air Quality affect crop production?

Answer 29

Pollution: Can block sunlight, reduce photosynthesis, and introduce toxic elements. Clean air: Supports healthy plant respiration and optimal growth.

Question 30

How does Wind affect crop production?

Answer 30

Strong winds: Cause physical damage, disrupt pollination, and increase water loss. Gentle winds: Aid in seed dispersal and prevent fungal disease buildup.

Question 31

How does Sunrise/Sunset Timing affect crop production?

Answer 31

Longer daylight: Boosts photosynthesis and plant productivity. Shorter daylight: Slows growth and affects flowering cycles.

Question 32

How does Air Pressure affect crop production?

Answer 32

Low pressure: Often linked to storms, strong winds, and excess moisture. High pressure: Brings stable, dry conditions that may lead to drought stress.

Question 33

The two types of cotton cultivation are?

Answer 33

Irrigated Cotton – Uses controlled irrigation (rivers, dams, bore water) for higher yields but requires careful water management. Dryland Cotton – Relies on rainfall, making it more sustainable but riskier due to unpredictable water supply.

Question 34

What are the ideal temperature ranges for growing cotton during the day and night?

Answer 34

Day: 25–32°C → Optimal for photosynthesis. Night: Above 12°C → Prevents chilling stress

Question 35

Why is rainfall on open bolls an issue?

Answer 35

Lint discoloration – Cotton fibers turn grey or yellow, lowering market value. Sooty mold contamination – Rain + humidity encourages fungal growth, reducing fiber quality. Fiber weathering – Excess moisture weakens fibers, making them prone to breakage. Hardlock bolls – Rain can cause bolls to fail to fully open, making them unharvestable. Seed germination inside the boll – High moisture levels can cause cotton seeds to sprout, making them unusable

Question 36

Why do farmers leave cotton stubble in the field after harvesting?

Answer 36

Erosion control – Protects soil from wind and water erosion. Moisture retention – Reduces evaporation, keeping soil moisture stable. Organic matter – Adds nutrients to the soil, improving fertility. Weed suppression – Blocks sunlight, reducing weed growth. Pest and disease management – Helps disrupt pest cycles but must be managed carefully.

Question 37

Explain why irrigated cotton fields need to be leveled and graded before planting.

Answer 37

Ensures uniform water distribution, preventing waterlogging or dry patches. Improves drainage, reducing disease risk

Question 38

What is the most common soil type used for growing cotton in Australia?

Answer 38

Cracking clay soils (Vertosols) – Found on floodplains, expand and contract with moisture. Black Clay Loam – Nutrient-rich, holds moisture well. Red Sandy Loam – Drains well, warms quickly but needs organic matter

Question 39

Why is crop rotation important for cotton farming? Provide an example of a common rotation.

Answer 39

Prevents soil depletion, reduces disease risk, improves nitrogen balance. Common rotation: Cotton → Wheat → Legumes (soybeans, chickpeas)

Question 40

When is cotton typically planted in northern NSW and central Queensland?

Answer 40

Northern NSW: October–November. Central Queensland: September–October.

Question 41

What is 'skip row' planting, and why is it used?

Answer 41

Leaves empty rows between plants → Improves airflow, reduces disease, increases yield potential.

Question 42

What are two main water sources for irrigated cotton farming?

Answer 42

Surface water – Rivers, dams, reservoirs. Groundwater – Bore water, underground aquifers.

Question 43

Irrigation Methods for Cotton – Pros & Cons

Answer 43

Flood Irrigation Positive: Efficient for large fields, distributes water evenly. Negative: Requires land grading, can cause waterlogging if poorly managed. Drip Irrigation Positive: Precise water delivery directly to roots, minimizes waste. Negative: High setup cost and requires maintenance. Sprinkler Irrigation Positive: Covers large areas, can be adjusted for different conditions. Negative: Can lead to high evaporation losses, especially in hot climates.

Question 44

List three key nutrients required for a cotton crop to grow successfully.

Answer 44

Nitrogen (N) – Supports plant growth and boll development. Phosphorus (P) – Essential for root development and energy transfer. Potassium (K) – Improves fiber quality and disease resistance.

Question 45

How can weeds impact the productivity of a cotton crop? Identify 4 methods of weed control in cotton crops.

Answer 45

Impact: Compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight, reducing yield. Control Methods: Herbicides – Chemical weed control. Crop rotation – Disrupts weed cycles. Mulching – Blocks sunlight, preventing weed growth. Manual removal – Physically removing weeds

Question 46

Name two common diseases that affect cotton plants in Australia.

Answer 46

Bacterial blight – Managed with resistant varieties. Fusarium wilt – Crop rotation helps prevent spread.

Question 47

Define IPM and explain why IPM is a useful strategy in managing crop pests.

Answer 47

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – Uses natural predators, crop rotation, and minimal pesticides to control pests efficiently. Benefits: Reduces chemical use, prevents resistance, protects beneficial insects

Question 48

What is a defoliant and why are they used before harvesting cotton?

Answer 48

Defoliants remove leaves before harvest → Improves cotton quality, speeds up drying, prevents contamination.

Question 49

What are the types of asexual plant propagation?

Answer 49

Cuttings – Using plant parts (stems, leaves, roots) to grow new plants. Grafting – Joining two plant parts to grow as one. Layering – Encouraging roots to form while still attached to the parent plant. Division – Splitting a plant into multiple sections, each growing independently. Tissue Culture – Growing plants from cells in a lab.

Question 50

What are the benefits of asexual plant propagation?

Answer 50

Fast reproduction – No need for seeds, speeds up plant production. Genetic consistency – Offspring are identical to the parent, ensuring desirable traits. Reliable yield – Produces uniform crops with predictable characteristics. Bypasses pollination – Useful for plants that struggle to reproduce sexually.

Question 51

What are the disadvantages of asexual plant propagation?

Answer 51

Lack of genetic diversity – Plants are clones, making them vulnerable to disease. Higher disease risk – If one plant is susceptible, all clones are at risk. Limited adaptability – Plants may struggle in changing environments. Requires skill & resources – Some methods (grafting, tissue culture) need expertise and equipment.

Question 52

What are the key stages in cotton development in order?

Answer 52

1. Germination 2. Emergence 3. First squares (first flower buds) 4. First flowers open (yellow/white petals) 5. Pollination/fertilisation 6. Petals change colour (pink/red) 7. Petals begin to fall 8. Boll (fruit) begins to develop 9. Bolls reach full size 10. Bolls burst open (mature) 11. Picking (harvest)

Question 53

What are the uses of chemical sprays in cotton production?

Answer 53

Defoliants – Remove leaves before harvest for cleaner cotton. Herbicides – Control weeds competing for nutrients. Insecticides – Protect plants from pests like Helicoverpa caterpillars. Fungicides – Prevent diseases like Fusarium wilt.

Question 54

What is GM cotton, and why is it used?

Answer 54

Genetically Modified (GM) cotton is engineered to resist pests and herbicides. Reduces pesticide use, improves yield, enhances fiber quality.

Question 55

What is gross margin analysis in cotton farming?

Answer 55

Evaluates profitability by comparing production costs to income. Helps farmers decide on crop rotation and input investments.

Question 56

What makes a good experimental design in agriculture?

Answer 56

Controlled variables – Only one factor should change. Replication – Multiple trials ensure reliable results. Randomization – Prevents bias in testing.

Question 57

What are the characteristics of asexual (vegetative) reproduction in plants?

Answer 57

Asexual reproduction: - Produces plants that are clones of the parent plant - Can be used to combine the best part of two plants together (standard roses, grafted fruit trees) - Can produce crops faster than from seed (sexual production - Useful for reproducing endangered species

Question 58

What are the different types of asexual plant propagation?

Answer 58

Cuttings – A piece of the plant (stem, leaf, or root) is removed and placed in soil or water to grow new roots. Grafting – A section of one plant (scion) is attached to another plant (rootstock) to combine their traits. Budding – Similar to grafting, but uses a single bud instead of a larger plant section. Layering – A branch is bent and covered with soil while still attached to the parent plant, encouraging root growth. Division – A plant is split into multiple sections, each capable of growing independently. Tissue Culture (Micropropagation) – Cells from a plant are grown in a lab to produce new plants rapidly.