2.1 Describe how strong winds can influence crop production negatively - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1

The Act that provides for a safe workplace is the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993).

1. Always wash hands after using chemicals to prevent contamination.
2. Wear protective clothing like overalls with long sleeves, gloves, and masks to minimize chemical exposure.
3. Never eat or drink in areas where chemicals are used or stored.
4. Be properly trained to work with chemicals to ensure safety protocols are followed.

2.4.1 Seasonal worker 2.4.2 Permanent / full-time employee 2.4.3 Casual / occasional labour / contracted worker

1. Implementing additional organic material to reduce erosion and enhance fertility.
2. Employing better ground cover techniques to protect the soil.
3. Using reduced tillage methods to maintain soil structure and health.
4. Ensuring correct cultivation practices to minimize soil disruption.
5. Utilizing mulching to reduce erosion and retain moisture and nutrients in the soil.

2.6.1 Use of technology: Commercial farming typically utilizes advanced technology for efficient production, whereas subsistence farming relies more on traditional methods, often using manual labor.

2.6.2 Volume of output: Commercial farming focuses on producing large quantities for profit, while subsistence farming aims to produce enough food to sustain the household.

Some camps are larger based on the availability and quality of pasture. A farmer may need to fence off larger areas when natural veld is more palatable or when the type of veld has variable nutritional value, necessitating wider grazing zones to ensure livestock receive adequate nutrition.

1. The water trough located centrally in the wagon wheel layout allows for optimized accessibility for livestock.
2. This layout requires less labor input, focusing maintenance efforts in a single location.
3. It minimizes time and resources spent on maintaining grazing areas, enhancing overall efficiency.

The farmer can create a rotational grazing plan where the time spent in each camp is adjusted based on the size of the camp. Larger camps may need longer grazing times while smaller camps can have shorter durations to ensure that livestock are provided with adequate nutrition.

1. It allows for the maximum production of grazing material, benefiting overall pasture health.
2. Mature climax grasses can seed during this period to promote regrowth.
3. It allows young plants time to establish robust root systems, enhancing future grazing viability.

Soil with red or yellow hues often has good drainage, making it conducive for crop growth when sufficient water is present. On the other hand, dark or brown soils are rich in organic matter, promoting fertility, whereas grey soils may retain water but are less effective for crop production.

Sandy soils offer good drainage but may not retain enough water, which can limit crop growth in dry conditions. In contrast, clay soils have high water retention but may be less fertile, requiring additional fertilization to optimize crop production.

2.9.1 Soil degradation from excessive pesticide usage can lead to the death of soil organisms, disrupting the ecosystem, and causing barren areas with no vegetation. This can further result in contributing to the loss of local biodiversity.

2.9.2 Water pollution can arise when excess pesticides are washed into water sources, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems and possibly contaminating drinking water supplies.

1. Plowing fields to prepare the land for planting, allowing for effective soil aeration and preparation.
2. Pulling carts or equipment for transport, enhancing logistics within the agricultural process.