Agricultural Science: Temperature, Rainfalls, and Market - Report Example

Name Professor Course Date of submission Question 1 Temperature Temperature is critical for the growth of most plants. Every crop requires a minimum growing temperature. Moreover, temperatures below 60C do not support the growth of most members of the grass family including the cereals. With less grass production, other components of agriculture depending on grass such as animal farming are affected. Temperature conditions vary from one place to another, thus influencing the type of agriculture and profitability from the agricultural activities. Rainfall The amount of water received in an area determines the type of agricultural practice whether it would be based on trees, grass, crops, and irrigation. Few crops grow in areas receiving 250mm annually. With less amount of water supply, there little production and reduced profitability in all agricultural sectors. However, increased precipitation also increases surface run offs and erosional activities; therefore, there is decline in the nutrient of the soil. Market Commercial farmers tend to grow crops and rear animals depending on the level of demand in the market. Market structures vary from place to place; hence, there is need for farmers to adjust in accordance with the market requirements. Besides, the market is expanding and competition is becoming higher and unsustainable for some farmers who shift to other activities. Capital Farming requires resources in terms of money. However, the cost of practicing agricultural activities tend to vary from place to place depend on the availability and productivity of the land. Most agricultural activities require machinery, fencing, seeds, and fertilizers. These costs might affect the profitability of the activity considering the amount invested in the farm. Transport cost Upon production of the crops and animal products, there is need to ensure that the products reach market on time. Therefore, proximity to the market determines the cost used in transportation of these products. The further the farm from the market, the higher the transportation cost, thus reduced profitability. Dairy farming and pastoral beef Temperature: Both cattle and beef depend on grass. With changing temperatures, the productions of feeds have declines leading to reduction in dairy productions and pastoral beef. Rainfall: water is crucial for the survival of all plants and animals. With the changing climatic conditions, most feeds have become drier leading to reduced production in milk and meat supply. Market: with more people coming into agricultural sectors, the supply of milk and meat have increased leading to emergence of unstainable competitive advantages, which reduces profitability within the industry. Capital: acquisition of cattle for dairy and beef for meat is expensive; as a result, most farmers are shifting to growth of other agricultural products, which require lesser capital. Transport cost: most agricultural activities in Australia take place outside the market; therefore, there is need for transport systems. The cost of transporting milk and beef to the market is quite higher that most people tend to shift to other sustainable activities. Questions 2 During germination, in been seeds, the cotyledons (seed leaves) come above the ground while in corns, the cotyledon remains below the ground. In addition, the corns have shoot that is hooked for protecting the cotyledon from damage while beans are erected during growth. Beans cannot germinate without the penetration of water into the seed coat. Both the beans and corns require warm seasons, however, the beans take up to 10 days while corns take about four to seven days to emerge on the surface. Corn seeds have higher tolerance for wet soils while the seeds would split and fail to germinate in wet soils. During growth, the hypocotyl emerges on the soil and straightens due to red and blue lights absorbed by phytochrome and cryptocrome respectively (Malcolm, Makeham, and Wright 152). While developing, cotyledons spread apart and expose the epicotyl to form the primary leaves. The embryo in corns consumes endosperm during germination for food. In corns, the primary roots grow downwards while in beans the primary shoot first grows upwards on the surface and the dives again. Both the corns and beans have cotyledons but only beans use them for production of food during photosynthetic metabolism. Non-selective herbicides are chemical products used for eliminating all weeds. These herbicides have very wide control spectrum since they inhibit enzyme 5-enlopyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate (EPSP) synthase, which plays a fundamental role in similar plants. Moreover, fluazifob-p-butyl inhibits the development of enzyme Acetyl Coenzyme A Carboxylase (ACC-ase) which selectively controls crops with broad leaves. These enzymes also perform similar function in broadleaved weeds and do not affect the crops. Non-selective herbicide also helps in controlling aggressive perennial weeds. Question 3 Green plants make their own food in form of carbohydrates through the processes of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis uses simple inorganic products such as carbon dioxide, water, and energy from the sunlight in the presence of chlorophyll. Green plants use light energy to combine carbon dioxide and water to form glucose and oxygen. Upon the absorption of the light energy, the electrons gain energy and get ‘exited.’ As a result, there is transfer of energy to other molecules, which are the primary receptors. At this point, the chlorophyll becomes oxidized and acquires a positive charge. The photo activation of chlorophyll then causes the splitting of the water molecules and transfer the energy to Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADP). Chemical reactions involved include condensation, which is the splitting of the water molecules, and redox, which involves the transfer of electrons. Photosynthesis often take place in two phases: light dependent reactions which occur in grana and utilizes direct light energy while light independent reactions occur in stroma when the products of light reaction, ATP and NADPH, are used in the formation of carbohydrates. Light independent phase is also the Calvin Reaction and converts carbon dioxide into glucose. Since Calvin Cycle reaction utilizes chemical energy found in ATP and NADPH, it requires no sunlight. The cycle is complex, hence, it mostly involve phosphorylation, which involves addition or removal of phosphate, and oxidation, which is electron removal. These reactions involve conversion of the six molecules of carbon dioxide into a single molecule of glucose. Moreover, the cycle requires the high-energy releasing cleavage that has higher energy bond of 18 ATPs and 12 NADPHs, which later forms 18 ADPs and 12 NADP+. The light phase then restores the process into a higher energy form of ATP and NADPH reflecting a linkage in both processes. At the end, the plant utilizes energy from sunlight in producing glucose and oxygen from water and carbon dioxide. Question 4 C3 plants fix and reduce inorganic carbon dioxide into organic materials using C3 pathway in photosynthesis while C4 uses C3 and C4 cycles during photosynthesis. The leaves of C3 lack Krans Anatomy, their chloroplast lack peripheral reticulum and are of one type. Moreover, they perform photosynthesis only when the stomata are open. In C4, the chloroplasts are dimorphic and have the ability to perform when the stomata are close; hence, more efficient than C3 especially when light intensity is higher than C3 plants closes in order to reduce transpiration. C3 have larger air spaces than C4. At night, the stomata of C3 close and open at night while those of C4 opens during daytime and closes at night. Additionally, C3 plants are adapted for temperate regions while C4 could survive in both tropical, high light intensity areas, high temperatures, and drought conditions. The C3 plants also utilize Calvin cycles while fixing carbon dioxide from the air. Question 5 The supply of forages need to be adequate in order to meet the growing the growing demands. It is important to consider the forage species whose productivities vary with season. Growing forage species adapted to the prevailing climatic conditions would help ensure frequent supply of feeds. Moreover, there is need to improve soil fertility by applying fertilizers and manures. These practices would help increase the supply of forages. Controlling the number of livestock might also help balance demand and supply of forages or purchasing many forages, store, and utilize during dry season in order to prevent shortage. During seasons when the amount of rainfall is limited, irrigation would be crucial to help raise adequate forages. Besides, the less supply of the forage might be due to less pasture allocated for production, therefore, the management could increase pasture utilization portion and create more space for forage production. Uniform distribution of livestock and reduction in selective grazing might also reduce assist in successful management. Furthermore, the management must prevent any damage to the grazing lands whenever they are susceptible. Having alternative periods of grazing with periods of regrowth and maximization of livestock, gain per acre might also help in addressing the challenges associated with forage management. More importantly, the management should allow adequate ‘rest period’ for the forage within the pasture during active growth season in order to allow adequate regrowth for the following season. Question 6 The stomach of ruminants has four compartments, which allow them to digest forages as their primary food. Like any other vertebrate, ruminants have no enzymes to break down the cellulose directly during digestion. Digestions of the ruminants take place in the four chambers. Initially, the plant material is taken into the rumen where mechanical processing take place that later exposes to the bacterial that is able to break down cellulose through fermentation process. Rumen has many bacteria which attach to the feed particles. The simplest way of improving digestibility and energy value is through increasing the surface area of the feed. Digestion of both cellulose and hemicellulose produces high quality protein, detoxify toxic compounds, B vitamins, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) which is absorbed and utilized by the animal to produce energy. The protein is used in supporting microbial functions and growth. B vitamins would help meet the needs of the animal while breaking down the lipids into glycerol to produce VFA and fatty acids. Reticulum is attached to rumen to trap large feed particles. The trapped particles are then regurgitated, added to saliva, re-chewed, and re-swallowed. Omasum is folded severally to squeeze out water from the feed. Finally, the abomasum is similar to the stomach with low pH and enzymes for digesting proteins. The microbial proteins and undigested protein feeds are broken down into amino acids, which are absorbed by the small intestine. Mature feeds often have higher content of cellulose thus reflecting the reduced amount of energy produced during digestion. Question 7 Exclusion method The method involves taking quarantine measures in preventing the entry of disease causing pest in an area. It controls papaya fruit fly. Although the method might help in containing the pest, it does not offer long-term solutions in pest control. Eradication The method focusses on eliminating a pest completely within a smaller area. Mostly it is used with exotic species that have limited distribution. It controls fire ants. It involves activities, which makes the environment unfavorable for the pest, leading to deaths of identified pests within an area. Agronomic method The method involves modification of the environment where there are livestock and crops in order to make it unconducive for the pest to survive. Such practices might include ensuring adequate sanitation, rotations, and removal of alternative hosts. The method is used in controlling mainly the insects. Most used in reducing the number of pests attacking cultivated plants Chemical method It involves the use of chemicals in killing a specific target pest. The method encompasses the use of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. Pests controlled include cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, and rats. Pesticides could either attract or repel the pests Biological method The method involves using other organisms to control the pest. These organisms are introduced to prey on the pest causing destruction to both the crops and livestock. The pests controlled in this case are the parasites and pathogens. It involves releasing more of the pest enemies into the target area. However, the level of control fluctuates in this case. Question 8 Figure 2: Elastic curve for Milk Figure 2: Elastic curve for Wine i. When production increases, then there would be increase in supply from q1 to q2. In both cases, an increase in supply would result in reduced prices of both commodities, however, price margin in milk would be higher than wine. ii. If each product were advertised, then the demand would increase in both cases. With increased demand, the prices of both products would increase. The increment in the demand of milk would be lower than wine, nevertheless, the cost of milk would increase slightly higher than that of wine. iii. Decline in the price of beer would lead to reduced demand for wine from the law of demand. Question 9 Opportunity cost is the cost forgone for using an alternative resource. In opportunity cost, it important to consider cost-benefit analysis associated with utilization of different resources. If the costs associated with a particular resource are higher than the benefits, then an investor would the most preferable resources. In any investment, it is assumed that the value of a resource today would be greater in future and the effects associated with inflation are likely to increase the cost of the resources. Opportunity cost offers a platform of comparing the benefits associated with a particular investment from which the decision can be withdrawn. In most cases, the decisions made in agricultural investments depend on whether there is likely to be a net change in cash flows. Discount rates are one of the factors influencing the net present value of a resource. Continuous offering of the discounts rates might result in negative deviations. Question 10 There several method of optimizing disease control in hens, for example, applying the right method of raising the chicks considering climatic conditions, food, water, and beddings. Moreover, the management could disinfect, maintain the correct stocking density, using the best quality food, prevention of gases buildup through cleaning and ventilation, and having bird-proof houses that keep wild birds away from domesticated hens. The houses are worm during winter and cool in summer. Additionally, reduced dusts within the houses reduce respiratory diseases that cause irritation on animals. Animals are routinely dewormed and protected from salmonella. Chicken behavior relates to how it behaves while responding to stimulus. The management system optimizes the social behavior of the hens through ensuring adequate space for their communication, maintenance of contact with male counterparts, and adequate light. Chicken recognize each other’s appearance, communication, and pecking. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that chicken reared for a particular activity are in the same house. There is adequate place for nesting and dust bathing as well to optimize the behavior of the chicken. Chicken also respond to higher temperatures as well through drinking water, so adequate water should be in place. In order to gain live weight, sufficient supply of food, drinking water, and environmental condition that favors their growth. Chicken are prone to disease, therefore, routine check-up should be in place to ensure that there is no circulation of disease. Since animals undergo stress as well, measures are in place to offer safer and required resources for effective performance. Work Cited Malcolm, L R, J P. Makeham, and Vic Wright. The Farming Game: Agricultural Management and Marketing. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2005. Print. Read More

Question 3 Green plants make their own food in form of carbohydrates through the processes of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis uses simple inorganic products such as carbon dioxide, water, and energy from the sunlight in the presence of chlorophyll. Green plants use light energy to combine carbon dioxide and water to form glucose and oxygen. Upon the absorption of the light energy, the electrons gain energy and get ‘exited.’ As a result, there is transfer of energy to other molecules, which are the primary receptors.

At this point, the chlorophyll becomes oxidized and acquires a positive charge. The photo activation of chlorophyll then causes the splitting of the water molecules and transfer the energy to Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADP). Chemical reactions involved include condensation, which is the splitting of the water molecules, and redox, which involves the transfer of electrons. Photosynthesis often take place in two phases: light dependent reactions which occur in grana and utilizes direct light energy while light independent reactions occur in stroma when the products of light reaction, ATP and NADPH, are used in the formation of carbohydrates.

Light independent phase is also the Calvin Reaction and converts carbon dioxide into glucose. Since Calvin Cycle reaction utilizes chemical energy found in ATP and NADPH, it requires no sunlight. The cycle is complex, hence, it mostly involve phosphorylation, which involves addition or removal of phosphate, and oxidation, which is electron removal. These reactions involve conversion of the six molecules of carbon dioxide into a single molecule of glucose. Moreover, the cycle requires the high-energy releasing cleavage that has higher energy bond of 18 ATPs and 12 NADPHs, which later forms 18 ADPs and 12 NADP+.

The light phase then restores the process into a higher energy form of ATP and NADPH reflecting a linkage in both processes. At the end, the plant utilizes energy from sunlight in producing glucose and oxygen from water and carbon dioxide. Question 4 C3 plants fix and reduce inorganic carbon dioxide into organic materials using C3 pathway in photosynthesis while C4 uses C3 and C4 cycles during photosynthesis. The leaves of C3 lack Krans Anatomy, their chloroplast lack peripheral reticulum and are of one type.

Moreover, they perform photosynthesis only when the stomata are open. In C4, the chloroplasts are dimorphic and have the ability to perform when the stomata are close; hence, more efficient than C3 especially when light intensity is higher than C3 plants closes in order to reduce transpiration. C3 have larger air spaces than C4. At night, the stomata of C3 close and open at night while those of C4 opens during daytime and closes at night. Additionally, C3 plants are adapted for temperate regions while C4 could survive in both tropical, high light intensity areas, high temperatures, and drought conditions.

The C3 plants also utilize Calvin cycles while fixing carbon dioxide from the air. Question 5 The supply of forages need to be adequate in order to meet the growing the growing demands. It is important to consider the forage species whose productivities vary with season. Growing forage species adapted to the prevailing climatic conditions would help ensure frequent supply of feeds. Moreover, there is need to improve soil fertility by applying fertilizers and manures. These practices would help increase the supply of forages.

Controlling the number of livestock might also help balance demand and supply of forages or purchasing many forages, store, and utilize during dry season in order to prevent shortage. During seasons when the amount of rainfall is limited, irrigation would be crucial to help raise adequate forages. Besides, the less supply of the forage might be due to less pasture allocated for production, therefore, the management could increase pasture utilization portion and create more space for forage production.

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