Grains and the Environment - Assignment Example

Grains and the Environment al affiliation: Question Property management planning (PMP) refers to a process of supporting sustainable land management that considers the personal goals of the landowners, economic returns and environmental issues (Martin, 2006). It aims at making the control and use of properties such as farms, commercial buildings among others, as much beneficial as possible to the owner, for profit maximization. The idea of the use of time in planning and the detailed information that property planning provides are essential aspects, and the paper will focus on them. Time as a Reference Parameter in Property Planning Also encompassed in this field, is the essence of time that acts as an instrumental reference parameter. Due to its centrality in planning, it is vital for consideration. First, PMP emphasizes on the aspects of time consciousness for maximum benefits. For example, firm produce or return depends significantly on the time of supply and quality. Proper planning enables the concerned people know how much quantity of farm produce exist, where they are supposed to be delivered and when they are expected to be provided (Finch, 2011). Additionally, proper logistics concerning transports and arrangement for timely deliveries of other farm requirements is only possible in an environment that is time conscious. Nevertheless, demand and supply of most farm produce and conditions are usually seasonal hence only timely planned counteractions can help solve disasters in such cases. Without forgetting, some firms have many sections due to the range of activities they carry out; hence, PMP helps in easy identification of where things are on the farm. Through that, employees and other stakeholders know exactly where to find what they want hence reducing time wastage between moving from one section of the farm to another. Finch (2011) adds that time is one of the crucial key performance indicators that help in determining the profitability index of any venture. PMP acknowledges that fact, and that is why it stresses on time-saving to assist the concerned people drive production to the maximum value. Therefore, the idea of time remains significant in PMP. The Provision of Detailed information about an Enterprise PMP gives a summarized and updated information about an enterprise so that the managers and other key stakeholders have what it takes to run the firm smoothly and efficiently. The provision of these details is imperative in establishing the quantity of resources that is available for use. Since a farm may possess so many assets, PMP provides a clear record of all the assets and the asset and property values (Martin, 2006). Through that, the control of the assets and further expansion of capital base becomes an easy task. Problems such as pilferage of items and tools due to misuse or theft are some of the issues that PMP solves. As a manager, having clear record and view of the firm’s assets eases strategic decision making concerning the future direction the organization would take. Additionally, PMP enables the managers know the spending against the income they get from their properties hence improving the products that do not perform well in the market. Martin (2006) mentions that planning allows the company to develop sound policies concerning the usage of tools that minimize the rate of wear and tear. For example, PMP advocates for record keeping of those using the instruments to enhance easy and quick trace of the same if the item disappears or experience damage. Also, PMP enables firm managers to know how much they are spending on the corporate social responsibilities (CSR). That allows the business to determine if it is performing well in giving back to the society around it. A good CSR enhances the farm’s social standing, and acceptance and hence increases its chances of making profits. As Martin (2006) mentions, PMP evaluates the farm’s stand in environmental conservation in that through recording; the farm manager can identify the amount of assets spending on environmental preservation. In summary, PMP is a program that all managers need to embrace in their organizations due to its overwhelming benefits. Its core revolutionary ideas are to utilize time as a resource and provide a summary of detailed information concerning the company. Time is a critical factor in production in that the profitability of business depends on the time it spends in producing and making the item reach the end user. Similarly, managers as the accounting officers need to have information concerning their companies at the fingertips to enable them make quick and efficient decisions that steer the company in a forward direction. PMP provides a platform that offers the managers a quick summary of the organizations profile concerning assets, liabilities and the corporate social responsibilities. In other words, PMP is a problem solver to many internal managerial issues of an organization or enterprise such as an agricultural enterprise (Slaev, 2014). Question 2 Soil acidity is a soil constraint that develops naturally due to the process of weathering over many years. The acidity of soils differs as per the local climate, type of the rock of origin, and the length of time it has weathered. The rate of soil acidification increases with agricultural activities (Schumann, 1999). Thus, the primary causes of soil acidity are the removal of the products from the farm or paddock, nitrogen leaching beyond the plant root zone, unsuitable use of nitrogenous fertilizers, and build up in organic matter. The primary aim of agriculture is to produce saleable products. However, the soil remains slightly acidic after farmers remove products from the paddocks and farms since the products are mostly alkaline. The extent of alkalinity and the quantity of the products affects the level of the acidity in the remaining soil. Lucerne hay cutting is one of the most acidifying forms of agricultural production. Acidity also accelerates due to leaching of nitrogen in the form of nitrates. Atmospheric fixation of nitrogen by legumes and nitrogenous fertilizers supply nitrogen into the soil for plant use. When there are excessive amounts of nitrates, it may leach and leave the soil more acidic. According to Schumann (1999), inappropriate use of nitrogenous fertilizers, for example in intensive production or during the wrong stage of plant growth, increases leaching of nitrate. The examples of practices that may increase the risk of nitrate leaching include the use of long fallow in crop rotations, heavy applications of nitrogen fertilizers, and pastures based on annual species. Managing soil acidity is thus important to maintain agricultural production. One of the ways people can use to control acidity includes monitoring subsurface pH (Dang, Dalal, Routley, Schwenke, & Daniells, 2006). It is important to note that surface pH (CaCl2) has to be over 5.5 to achieve enough downward alkalinity into the subsurface. The most efficient and cheapest remedy for acidity is spreading lime. However, liming should be done as early as possible. Delaying the process will make it hard to rectify acidity and cause losses in terms of remedial treatments and lost earnings. Another strategy is adopting less acidifying rotations and less hay cutting to reduce the amount of Calcium removal. Plant materials should also be returned to the Paddock. Additionally, people should reduce nitrogen leaching by reducing the use of acidifying fertilizers, sow crops early, and include perennial pastures. They should also encourage maximum growth by planting crops immediately after the first rain and reduce long fallow (Naji, 2015). The increased release of carbon dioxide, Sulfur IV Oxide, and other gasses into the atmosphere is causing acid rains. When the acid rains fall, they tend to increase the acidity of the soil. In acid sensitive areas, the bedrock or soil cannot neutralize acid rain water since it lacks limestone (Air Quality, 2015). The forests, crops, and other vegetation become affected since the soil absorbs the acid rain and become unsuitable for the survival of plant species. Some plants become susceptible to attack by fungi, bacteria, viruses and insect pests. Acid rain can cause long-term alteration in the chemical nature of some sensitive soils. As the acid rains sips through the soils, it can react and carry with it vital plant nutrients beyond the reach of plant roots. Future forest and plant productivity may thus be impossible due to this problem. Under normal circumstances, Mercury, Aluminium, Cadmium and other poisonous metals are bound to the soil. The metals may react with acids and leach from soils because the added dissolving action of Hydrogen ions in the acids breaks down small-bound soil particles and rocks. Plant life in areas that experience acid rain may have retarded growth or die due to soil acidification. The leaching of soil nutrients due to acid rain is the reason behind the problem. Additionally, an increase in soil acidity inhibits the number of micro-organisms. Consequently, acid rains deplete the amount of nutrients available to plant life since micro-organisms have a crucial role in releasing nutrients from decomposing organic matters. Furthermore, acidic conditions weaken the roots of plants through corrosion. If the plant does not die from the extreme acidity, it may become weak and susceptible to diseases and other adverse environmental conditions such as high winds and cold winters. Question 3 Agricultural land classification system classifies land according to its suitability for general agricultural usage. It was developed to achieve the objectives of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, specifically 5(a) (i) ‘‘to encourage the proper management, conservation and development of man-made and natural resources for promoting economic and social welfare of the public and a better environment’ (Hulme, Grosskopf & Hindle, 2002). When determining land classification, the system considers biophysical, social and economic factors that influence agricultural suitability. Biophysical factors include: Environmental impact of vegetation clearing, siltation, wastes, erosion, salinization, pesticides, and fertilizers Topography such as altitude, slope, erosion hazard, aspect, exposure, flood liability, land slip, and surface drainage Soil physics: structure, texture, depth, erodibility, internal and surface drainage, water- holding capacity, color, surface crusting, aeration, density, trafficability, stability under irrigation, depth to water table, permeability, rockiness, stoniness, and clay type Soil chemistry: toxicity, fertility, organic matter, cations exchange capacity, sodicity, soil reaction, salinity, dispersibility, and rates of fixation Climate: temperatures, length of growing season, evaporation, rainfall, the wind, humidity, irrigation, frost occurrence, exposure, and hail Pests and diseases: noxious weeds, noxious pests, insects, pathogens Social factors include: Regulatory or legislative constraints Possible conflicts with other users of land due to odor, dust, and noise Availability of temporary or permanent, unskilled or skilled labor force Economic factors include: Regional and local infrastructure to support agriculture Accessibility and location when it comes to transport requirements and costs Geographic location Accessibility to local and export markets The presence of any comparative market advantage Land cost and availability, locally and elsewhere The structure of local farming and marketing, e.g. co-operatives and marketing bodies Costs of removing biophysical constraints Site contamination from the previous land use The above factors, which act as some of the constraints to use of land for agricultural purposes, are considered in classifying land into various classes. A land that experiences fewer constraints is deemed to be of greater value. Each type of agricultural enterprise consists of a particular set of constraints that affect production. It would be expensive to compile and unwieldy to use a comprehensive list of all the constraints influencing agricultural forms. Therefore, agricultural land classification considers only a set of constraints that are common to most agricultural industries (Hulme, Grosskopf, & Hindle, 2002). The land classification system does not include those agricultural enterprises that do not depend on land suitability. Glasshouses, nurseries, mushroom sheds, hydroponics, and intensive animal industries (pig, poultry, and cattle feedlots) are examples of these activities (Di & Jansen, 2000). Agricultural agencies such as NWS Agriculture give guidelines that address management and citing issues for these industries. However, a land classification system is still relevant to many of these industries and activities since they use agricultural land to provide a buffer zone and manage effluent. The land class can change since it is land classification maps have a limited life span depending on changes in the economic, biophysical and social factors. For example, an area that falls under Class 3 due to its capability to support occasional cropping may be influenced by salinity. The area will no longer be suitable for cropping and will become Class 4 agricultural land. Practically, agricultural land classification maps change only after a widespread and significant change of the factors because of the mapping scale and consideration of future trends at the time of map preparation. The agricultural land classification maps remain viable for several years since the changes are typically slow. References Air Quality. (2015). Effects of Acid Rain on Soils. Retrieved from http://www.air-quality.org.uk/16.php Dang, Y. P., Dalal, R. C., Routley, R., Schwenke, G. D., & Daniells, I. (2006). Subsoil constraints to grain production in the cropping soils of the north-eastern region of Australia: an overview. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 23(3), 30-31. Di, G. A., & Jansen, L. J. (2000). Land cover classification system: LCCS: classification concepts and user manual. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Finch, E. (2011). Facilities Change Management. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. Hulme, T., Grosskopf, T., & Hindle, J. (2002). Agricultural Land Classification (Agfact AC. 25). Retrieved from http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/189697/ag-land-classification.pdf Martin, D. (2006). The A-Z of facilities and property management. London: Thorogood Pub. Naji, R. (2015, January 31). DEPI - Managing acidic soils. Retrieved from http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/agriculture-and-food/dairy/pastures-management/managing-dryland-lucerne/managing-acidic-soils Schumann, B. (1999). The Causes of Soil Acidity (5). Retrieved from NSW Department of Primary Industries website: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/167175/acidity-causes.pdf Slaev, A. (2014). Types of planning and property rights. Planning Theory. Doi:10.1177/1473095214540651 Read More