Maintain Sustainable Resource Use

Introduction

In previous unit standards, we defined planning, identified some of the different levels of planning, and considered the factors influencing planning. We also defined resources and made the distinction between fixed, or natural, resources and mobile resources.

We have also seen that resources and inputs are similar, though resources are generally viewed as start-up requirements, while inputs usually refer to ongoing operational requirements.

In this section, we bring together these concepts to assess the status and availability of resources for a production operation as the first step of using resources in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Resource Planning

Assume that the decision has been made to produce a certain crop for the first time, or to expand existing plantings or production.

The first question should be: Is there a market opportunity for the crop/animal product? Let us assume that the results of the market study are positive.

The second question is: Do I have the necessary resources to produce what the market wants? To answer this question, an inventory needs to be made of the quantity and quality of the resources and inputs that are available, compared to what is required for the production of specific cultivars/animals. One can then determine whether it makes financial and practical sense to undertake the enterprise.

An inventory of this kind would include the following:

• Climatic Features
• Land
• Soil
• Water
• Plant material
• Animal breeds
• Capital
• Labour
• Agrochemicals
• Veterinary medication
• Machinery and equipment

Climatic Features

Climate is viewed as a resource in the sense that temperature, humidity and sunshine are vital contributors to the productivity of the trees/ livestock and the marketability of the product. They are factors characteristic of a region or area that determine the suitability of that location for the purpose of high-quality production.

If produced in an unsuitable or marginal climate no selected agricultural commodity will be able to give a proper yield. The greater the need to manipulate or intervene, the more the long-term sustainability of production in that location is threatened, the greater the impact on the environment, and the higher the production costs.

The questions that need to be answered are the following:

• What are the long-term average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures of the area?
• When converted into heat units, how do these compare with other areas known to be suitable for the selected range of cultivars/breeds?
• Or conversely, what is the range of cultivars/ livestock breeds that could be produced given the climatic profile of the area?
• What are the dominant prevailing wind directions and strengths? Are windbreaks necessary and, if so, can they be accommodated?
• Will the climatic conditions, such as high temperatures and humidity, increase pest and disease pressure?

Factors limiting production in some areas are:

• High spring/summer temperatures.
• Low relative humidity.
• Water stress during critical growth periods due to poor availability.
• Hail.
• Wind, which causes external blemishing.
• Factors limiting livestock production in some areas are:
• Low rainfall and therefore low-quality grazing
• Extreme temperatures

Of these, the temperature is the most important factor. It is however difficult to separate the influence of temperature from that of other factors.

Land

Apart from the availability and cost of land, the following questions need to be answered regarding the qualities of the land:

• Is it sufficient in size and topography to support the required production units?
• Can the majority of tree rows be planted in the ideal north/south orientation?
• Does the orientation of the land create microclimates to favour the production of certain cultivars or cultivar selections?
• Is the land located near to suitable transport infrastructure?
• Is there adequate grazing and drinking water for livestock?

Soil

Generally speaking, crops require well-drained, deep, sandy loam soils with a clay content of below 30% and a neutral pH. The chemical and physical properties of the soil should be analysed before a decision is taken to establish the crop. By deep ripping and ridging, some marginal soils can be made more suitable. Although these actions will increase costs, they can also be of use in crop manipulation, such as for heating soil in cold climates.

Where livestock production is selected, the most important factor will again be the amount of rainfall. If livestock is kept on clay soils it must be regularly ripped in order to prevent the surface from compacting and forming an impenetrable surface for water etc.

Water

The peak water requirement of the envisaged planting must be calculated and compared with the available water resource. As a rule of thumb, provision should be made for between 50 litres per adult tree per day for high-density plantings (>1000 trees/hectare) and 100 litres per adult tree per day for widely spaced trees (<600 trees/hectare). Allowances should be made for evaporation if holding dams are to be used.

The water source should also be analysed to determine its chemical quality and the presence of any harmful fungal diseases.

Click here to view a video that explains the measuring of water.

The amount of water an animal requires per day may be as high as 80 litres per day for cattle and 3.5 litres for sheep and goats especially if summer temperatures are high. The quality of water has a direct influence on the quality and quantity of production of beef and other animal products.

Availability of Planting Material

Growers must remember that the material they will be planting must be of high quality to ensure the expected yield. This is envisaged even more when fruit trees and vines are planted which have to produce for up to 20 years and more. Fruit trees and vines may take up to 4 years before they come into full production.

When selecting a breed or new stud animals a stock farmer must always focus on the most important physical contributions of animals to ensure the best possible offspring. The stud registers of these animals must be studied in order to ensure that the animal is able to produce the desired product.

Capital

The cost of capital can be viewed as the annual interest payment on the sum required. A business plan is required, which set out the marketing plan, the production objectives and the capital required to fund the establishment and operation of the farming unit. Here, the cash flow projection is critical and should be based on conservative prices and constantly rising costs.

Capital can be borrowed from a number of financial institutions. The interest rates and repayment terms that are negotiated with the financial institution have a great impact of the viability and sustainability of the farming enterprise.

Labour

There must be a source of permanent and temporary labour available in the area. Experienced and skilled permanent workers bring a competitive advantage to a farming enterprise. Many farmers also continue to develop the skills of their permanent workforce through ongoing capacity building programs.

The industry average for fieldworkers is said to be one worker for every five hectares. In addition, lower, middle and upper management personnel are also employed, with the management structure and number of positions depending on the size of the farming enterprise, and the farming practices.

Harvesting and packing are highly labour-intensive activities, during which temporary workers are employed. The number of temporary workers required depends on the total crop yield and the time available for picking and packing.

Agrochemicals

Agrochemicals includes ameliorates for soil preparation, fertilisers and crop protection, and post-harvest chemicals.

The types and quantities of agrochemicals that are required depend on the size of the production operation and the farming practices that are employed. Agrochemicals are purchased from reputable firms or from farmer cooperatives.

Click here to view a video that explains the understanding of agrochemical labels

Machinery and Equipment

Machinery and equipment that are used on citrus farms include:

• Tractors.
• Spray machines are also referred to as mist-blowers.
• Herbicide carts.
• Flatbed and picking trailers.
• Grass slashers.
• Water carts.
• Harvesting equipment, including ladders, clippers and picking bags.
• Planting equipment, including measuring equipment and spades.
• Soil preparation equipment, including rippers.
• Maintenance tools and equipment.
• Veterinary equipment.
• Equipment used to handle livestock.

The type and quantities of equipment that is required depending on the size of the farming operation and the farming practices that are employed.

Machinery, equipment and tools are purchased from reputable suppliers or from a farmer cooperative. It is important to purchase machinery and equipment, especially large and expensive machinery such as tractors and spray machines, from dependable dealers in the area where the farm is located, because after-sale service plays an important role in how effectively the machinery can be used.