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The physical and human factors affecting a farmer’s choices

 

Physical factors

 

Soils – the fertility will affect the type of farming and whether or not the farmer uses fertilisers.  On a loam soil arable farming usually takes place.

 

Relief – flat land is perfect for arable farming while steep land tends to be used for grazing animals.  Over 20° it is difficult to use the machinery needed for arable farming.

Climate – the key physical factor, both rainfall and temperature are important.

E.G. Wheat needs temps of at least 15°C for 3 months and less than 750mm of rain to grow. Oats can grow at less than 15 °C and require over 1000mm of rain.

 

 Human factors

 

Cost of land – if the land is expensive then farmers must farm intensively to make a profit.

Market – The farm needs to be close to its market or to routes of communication that allow the farmer to sell his goods. Also, is there demand for the product?

 

Tradition – farmers may have farmed in a certain way and may be reluctant to make changes .

 

Government – through grants, tax barriers and subsidies governments like the EU and British government can have a major influence on farming.
Technology - the increasing development of machinery, seeds and fertilisers has transformed farming - from Genetically Modified crops to the use of antibiotics in cattle.

 

Try this diamond rank exercise for farming, follow the instructions on the screen.

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