Geography Field Work

Farmland proposal

Route of Group 2

N

Route of Group 2

Route of Group 4

N

Route of Group 4

Location of the farm

Area of the farm

We adopt a diversified land-use zoning besides traditional arable land.

The whole farm will consist of arable lands, greenhouses, windmills, laboratories, orchards, water-pipes networks and solar energy plates.

The total area of the farm will be 19,291sq.m

Locational advantages

Large open space for construction of transport network or complex for the farm.

Fertile soil is favourable to diversification of crop species.

Streams supply adequate irrigation water. Sun shining and windy high land for

generating solar and wind energy. High accessibility under convenient

transport

Soil characteristics of site O4

Colour: Dark Grey pH Value: 7(neutral) Water Content: 14% Average Temperature: 32.7’C Soil texture: Sandy loam (66% sand; 18% silt; 16% clay) Soil Nutrient: Deflected in nitrogen; Sufficient in phosphorous; Sufficient in potassium

Soil characteristics of site A4

Colour: BrownpH Value: 7(neutral)Water Content: 8%Average Temperature: 30.3’CSoil texture: Sandy loam (60% sand; 29% silt; 11% clay)Soil Nutrient: Deflected in nitrogen; Sufficient in phosphorous; Surplus in potassium

Soil characteristics of site O2

Colour: BrownpH Value: 7(neutral)Water Content: 8%Average Temperature: 29.6’CSoil texture: Sandy loam (65% sand; 19% silt; 16% clay)Soil Nutrient: Deflected in nitrogen; Deflected in phosphorous; Surplus in potassium

Soil characteristics of site A2

Colour: Dark GreypH Value: 6.5(slightly acidic)Water Content: 6%Average Temperature: 31.7’CSoil texture: Sandy loam (63% sand; 27% silt; 10% clay)Soil Nutrient: Deflected in nitrogen; Adequate in phosphorous; Sufficient in potassium

Ways to improve the soil texture

Planting leguminous plant in order to increase the nitrogen content

Adding compost to the soil in order to increase the organic matter and its fertility

Fertilizers can be used to improve the quality of the soil

pH Range of Crops

As the soil of the sites are sandy loam with neutral pH value, a wide range of crops can be grown if the nitrogen content in the soil is improved. For instance, rye, sweet clover, sorghum, sugar maple, black walnut etc.

Apart from neutral pH value, site A2 is slightly acidic, we can grow various kinds of plant like wheat, corn, soybean, apple, tomato etc.

The details and reasons for our farming system

There are 6 parts of our farming system at total. These include the solar and wind power

stations, the orchards, greenhouses, irrigation network, biotechnology laboratory for mixed cropping and manufacturing process.

In fact, our farming system is decided with making full use of the geographical advantages of Mr. Kwok’s land.

Pie chart of the land use proportion

50%

10%

20%

20%

Orchards

Solar and windpower station

Greenhouse

Biotechnologylaboratory

The main reason for the setting of our farming system is for the sustainable development.

A successful sustainable development comprises 3 main elements: The balance and integration of economic development, environmental conservation and social harmony.

So, the constructions like the solar and wind power stations for renewable energy source are all environmental-friendly.

Also, the orchards and biotechnology farm are for producing profitable vegetables and fruits for local and overseas consumption. This is so-called economic development.

On the other hand, the manufacturing process will take place in the farm, so the transport cost and processing cost can be reduced. This is also for a higher economic return.

Eco-farming techniques

We use organic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility in our farm land, for example, animal waste, litter, limestone, etc.

Also, we use chemical fertilizers properly like superphosphere and triple superphosphere . By adding appropriate chemical fertilizers can increase soil fertilizer, and environment will not be seriously affected.

Besides traditional farming methods, we also use greenhouse to plant vegetables and flowers, which have a high market value.

Laboratory is built in order that new species of plants and farming methods can be developed, for instance, hybrid seeds, genetic modified vegetables, and hydroponic farming method.

Most of the electricity in our

farm is supplied by wind and

solar energy, instead of

burning fossil fuels. By using

these kinds of renewable

energy, environment will not

be deteriorated, and energy

can be regenerated.

Besides adding

fertilizers, planting

mulch between crops is

another method to

increase soil fertilizer.

At the same time, we

adopt crops

diversification, so that

different nutrient of the

land can be absorbed.

Planting leguminous

plant in order to

increase the nitrogen

content

Ploughing is one of the eco-farming methods. After harvesting, some plants’ roots may remain in the soil. Through the process of ploughing, the remaining roots will be destroyed and mixed with the soil, so that the roots can be regarded as one kind of organic fertilizers. This type of techniques will also be used in our farm.

Favourable places to develop renewable energy Both solar energy and wind

power will be developed . Wind turbines will be placed

at the eastern part of Mr. Kowk ‘s land.

The sea in the east with local wind facilitates the development of wind power generation.

In day time, the onshore sea breeze will blow from the sea to the land. At night, offshore land breeze will blow from the land to the sea. The local wind, hence, can generate large amount of wind power.

In developing the use of solar energy, solar panel will be established along the eastern coast line of the island.

The are limitations in the inland, for example, it receives little insolation because the vegetation cover block the solar radiation.

However, with less vegetation, the eastern coast of the region receives more insolation and therefore it is better for the solar panels to be built along the eastern coast line.

Accessibility and the relief for construction

Talking about the accessibility, most of the facilities are located at the eastern coast, and they are linked with footpath.

Also, the relief of the locations of the facilities are within 10m to 20m, so that it is not difficult for the construction there.

Scale of the renewable energy facilities

Along the eastern coast, a large scale of facilities will be built.

Approximately 20% of the region will be used for the generation of renewable energy.

The energy generated by such a large scale facilities will be supporting other facilities in the region. For examples, the lab for research and development, the greenhouses, irrigation networks.

The different sections of Mr. Kwok’s farm

Area A2, A4, O2, O4 will be developed as farmland.

A lab for R&D (research and development) will be constructed at site X.

Greenhouses will be built at site Y. In order to use renewable energy, solar and wind

energy stations will be established at site Z. (windmills and solar panels will be set up along t

he eastern coast line.)

Group members

Group 2: Ryan Luk (Group Leader) Andrew Li Ivory Cheong Kin Tang

Group 4: Benny Lai (Group Leader) Janice Pang Joyce Ng Max Lau Gary Chan

Thank you!!!