Level 3 Land-based Studies BTEC International

This subject is broken down into 48 topics in 13 modules:

  1. Investigative Research Project 4 topics
  2. Professional Skills 3 topics
  3. Animal Science 4 topics
  4. Plant Science 4 topics
  5. Land-based Machinery Operations 3 topics
  6. Agribusiness and Marketing 3 topics
  7. Livestock Production Systems 3 topics
  8. Crop Production Systems 4 topics
  9. Principles of Fishery Management 4 topics
  10. Environmental Management and Conservation 4 topics
  11. Equine Management 4 topics
  12. Forestry and Woodland Management 4 topics
  13. Horticulture and Landscape Design 4 topics
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  • 13
    modules
  • 48
    topics
  • 17,739
    words of revision content
  • 2+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Land-based Studies

Investigative Research Project

Research methods

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Research methods

Primary and Secondary Research

  • Primary Research: This involves collecting new data. This may include original experiments, surveys, interviews, or fieldwork.
  • Secondary Research: This relates to the review and analysis of existing research or data. It could include studies or articles, historical documents, or statistical databases.

Qualitative and Quantitative Data

  • Qualitative Data: Focuses on non-numeric data which provide insight into subjective experiences or behaviours.
  • Quantitative Data: This type of data is measurable and can be statistically analysed. It includes numbers, quantities, or values.

Surveys and Interviews

  • Survey Design: Designing a survey requires careful planning, including formulating exact questions which align to your research aim.
  • Conducting interviews: Interviews can provide in-depth, qualitative data. Preparing a script and proper recording methods are crucial.

Fieldwork

  • Site Selection: A suitable location for research which matches the requirements of the project.
  • Data Collection Technique: Selection of position, use of technical equipment (if any), and making observations.
  • Recording Observations: Properly noting down all observations in a comprehensible format, often using a notebook or a digital medium.

Data Analysis

  • Statistical Analysis: Application of statistical methods to quantitative data to generate meaningful insights.
  • Qualitative Analysis: Interpreting qualitative data to identify themes and patterns using thematic analysis, content analysis, or grounded theory.

Referencing and Bibliography

  • Referencing: Giving proper credit to the original author from where the information is derived, following a specific style (Harvard, MLA, APA, etc.).
  • Creating a Bibliography: Compiling all references at the end of the project in a section named 'Bibliography'.

Evaluation and Reflection

  • Interpretation of Results: Understanding and explaining what the final data and analysis mean in relation to your original aim or hypothesis.
  • Self-reflection: Critically reflecting on your work, discussing what went well and what could be improved if the project were to be done again.

Course material for Land-based Studies, module Investigative Research Project, topic Research methods

Land-based Studies

Crop Production Systems

Arable and horticultural crops

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Arable and horticultural crops

Arable Crops

  • Arable farming involves cultivating annual crops, typically cereal grains, pulses and oilseeds.
  • These crops are often grown in rotation to maintain soil health, prevent pest and disease build-up, and maximise yields.
  • Cereal crops include wheat, barley, oats, and maize. These are primarily used for both human consumption and animal feed.
  • Wheat can be classified into two groups: hard wheat, used for bread and pasta production, and soft wheat, used for cakes, biscuits and pastries.
  • Oilseed crops include rapeseed, sunflower and soya. They are used for vegetable oil production.
  • Pulses like peas, beans, and lentils are high in protein. They fix nitrogen in the soil, improving its health for subsequent crops.
  • Fallow periods, when land is left uncovered, can be used to reduce pests and diseases, restore soil fertility, and conserve water.

Horticultural Crops

  • Horticulture involves the cultivation of plants for food, ornament, and environmental management.
  • Fruit and vegetables are the main focus, often grown in polytunnels, greenhouses or outdoor fields.
  • Intensive cultivation involves high yields from a small area, often requiring significant labour, specialist knowledge and equipment.
  • Many types of propagation are used in horticulture, such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
  • Seed production can be through open pollination (naturally occurring pollination), or controlled pollination to maintain or create specific varieties.
  • Organic methods may be used, avoiding synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and GMOs. This involves reliance on natural ecosystem services.
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is used to minimise chemical inputs. This includes using beneficial insects, traps, and resistant varieties.
  • Harvesting often involves hand-picking to avoid damage to the crops, although mechanisation is increasing in some crops.
  • Post-harvest handling is critical to maintain the quality and extend the shelf life of crops. This can involve cooling, controlled atmospheres, or chemical treatments.

Course material for Land-based Studies, module Crop Production Systems, topic Arable and horticultural crops

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