GCSE Agriculture and Land Use CCEA

This subject is broken down into 44 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Soil and Plant Production 12 topics
  2. Animal Production 12 topics
  3. Agriculture and the Environment 10 topics
  4. Modern Technologies in Agriculture 10 topics
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  • 4
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  • 44
    topics
  • 16,716
    words of revision content
  • 2+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Agriculture and Land Use

Soil and Plant Production

Soil Formation and Types

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Soil Formation and Types

Soil Formation

  • Soil formation, or pedogenesis, is a process that involves the weathering of rocks and the decomposition of organic matter.
  • The parent material (the weathered rock or sediment that is the basis of the soil) significantly affects the properties of the resulting soil.
  • Weathering could be physical (mechanical), involving physical breakdown of rocks into smaller particles, or chemical, involving the alteration of the rock's chemical composition.
  • Biological activity, such as the action of bacteria, fungi, worms, insects, and plant roots, aids in the decomposition of organic matter, and alongside weathering, it plays a key role in soil formation.
  • Time is also a considerable factor in soil formation. It can take hundreds to thousands of years for a fully matured, rich and fertile soil to form.

Types of Soil

  • There are generally three types of soil which are based on the size of the particles that make up the soil. These include sand, silt, and clay.
  • Sandy soil has large, coarse particles. It has lots of air gaps, making it free-draining, which means water can easily pass through it. It warms up quickly in spring.
  • Silty soil has medium-sized particles. It has a silky texture and retains water well. It's fertile and helps plants retain nutrients.
  • Clay soil has the smallest particles. It feels sticky in your hands. It gets compacted easily and does not drain well, leading to water logging. However, it is nutrient-rich and good for growing plants.
  • Most soils are not just sand, silt, or clay, but a combination known as loam. Loam soil is considered ideal for gardening and agricultural uses because it retains nutrients and water, while still allowing for water drainage.
  • Soils can also be classified according to their pH, or acidity level: acid soils (pH below 6), neutral soils (pH around 7) and alkaline soils (pH above 7). The soil's pH can affect the availability of nutrients for plant growth.

Course material for Agriculture and Land Use, module Soil and Plant Production, topic Soil Formation and Types

Agriculture and Land Use

Animal Production

Poultry Farming

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Poultry Farming

Understanding Poultry Farming

  • Poultry farming is the raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, for meat or eggs.

  • Poultry are farmed in great numbers on a commercial scale and little space is needed compared to other livestock.

  • Poultry production can be divided into two main types: broilers (meat production) and layers (egg production).

  • Feed for poultry usually consists of a balanced diet of grain with protein supplements, vitamins and minerals.

  • Vaccination and biosecurity measures, such as hygiene and vermin control, are necessary to prevent diseases and support optimum growth.

Poultry Breeds and Selection

  • Different breeds of poultry have been developed for specific purposes. For example, the Cornish Cross chicken breed is popular for meat production due to its fast growth.

  • Selection in poultry involves choosing birds with specific desirable traits for breeding. Traits might include growth rate, egg production, disease resistance, or meat quality.

  • Hybrid breeds are often used in commercial poultry farming. These are created by cross-breeding two pure breeds to have desirable characteristics from both.

Managing Poultry Health

  • Biosecurity is a critical concept in managing poultry health, which involves measures designed to protect against disease, including the cleaning and disinfecting of equipment and buildings.

  • Poultry diseases can be avoided or managed through vaccination, good nutrition and providing an appropriate environment.

  • It's important to monitor for signs of distress or disease, which can include changes in feed consumption, egg production, and bird behaviour.

Impact and Ethics of Poultry Farming

  • Poultry farming can have both positive and negative impacts. It contributes to the economy and food security but can also have environmental and animal welfare consequences.

  • Sustainable practices are becoming increasingly important in poultry farming. This might involve innovations like recycling manure for energy or improving feed efficiency.

  • Ethical considerations revolve around issues like living conditions, slaughter methods, and the impacts of selective breeding on animal health.

By understanding the various aspects of poultry farming, one can be aware of the choices involved in the production of poultry meat and eggs. This knowledge also helps in making informed decisions and contributing towards sustainable and ethical farming practices.

Course material for Agriculture and Land Use, module Animal Production, topic Poultry Farming

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