Project Overview Get started
This section helps you focus on one field or block of a single crop, and record the crop choice decision in detail. It links soil, environment, market and enterprise factors to the final choice.
- Explain the reasons for selecting this crop.
- Describe the field, soil and rotation position.
- Link the choice to market requirements, quality and sustainability.
Learning Outcomes Know this
- Understand how soil structure, pH and nutrient status influence crop choice.
- Recognise the role of weather, climate, location and previous treatments.
- Explain the balance between economic return, quality and environmental risks.
- Identify the key pests, diseases and sustainability concerns for the crop.
Plan Your Project Plan ahead
Now you have chosen the crop you will monitor, plan how you will investigate its performance from establishment through to harvest.
The Hands On Crops Project is a work-based investigation. Organise your time at work to observe the crop, collect information, gather evidence and record what you discover. You do not need a complicated project plan; decide what you need to do, when you can do it and what information or evidence you need to collect.
Your Project Plan
Think about the main stages of your investigation:
- Find out about the crop: identify the field, crop, variety, area and previous cropping.
- Investigate crop establishment: find out how the seedbed was prepared and how the crop was established.
- Monitor crop development: record observations and identify changes as the crop grows.
- Investigate crop management: find out about nutrition, crop protection and other management decisions.
- Collect crop performance information: gather relevant figures on yield, quality, costs and output.
- Gather workplace evidence: use observations, records, photographs and discussions with your employer or colleagues.
- Analyse crop performance: consider what went well, what affected the crop and what could be improved.
- Complete your project booklet: organise your findings and complete the required activities.
- Upload evidence to OneFile: transfer suitable evidence to your e-portfolio and link it to the relevant duties.
- Complete your Learning Journal: reflect on what you have learned and how you have developed your skills.
My Project Plan — add dates or time periods that fit around your work and the crop's development.
| Activity | When will I do it? And how many times? | Information or evidence I need | Review comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crop and field information | Field details, crop, variety, area and previous crop | ||
| Crop establishment | Seedbed preparation, drilling or planting details | ||
| Crop monitoring | Observations, photographs and records of crop development | ||
| Crop nutrition | Nutrient requirements, fertiliser applications and relevant records | ||
| Crop health and protection | Weed, pest and disease observations and management decisions | ||
| Crop performance | Yield, quality, costs, output and other relevant figures | ||
| Workplace evidence | Photographs, farm records, observations and discussions | ||
| Performance analysis | Findings, factors affecting performance and possible improvements | ||
| Project booklet | Completed activities and supporting evidence | ||
| OneFile submission | Evidence uploaded and linked to relevant duties | ||
| Learning Journal | Short reflections on learning and workplace experience |
Farming does not always follow a timetable. Weather, ground conditions, machinery availability and crop development can all affect your plans. If something changes, adjust your plan and record what you did instead and why, where relevant.
At the end of the project, review what you completed, what changed and what you would do differently next time. Your plan should help you make the most of opportunities at work and avoid leaving important evidence until the last minute.
Workplace Activities Do these
- Collect field details: name, area, soil type, pH, indices and rotation history.
- Review soil test results and previous treatments.
- Discuss the choice with your employer and agronomist, considering market and quality specifications.
- Complete the crop choice field log and journal entry for OneFile.
Field Log Record details
Use this information to record the key details for the monitored field or crop block.
- Field Name / Block
- Size (Ha)
- Soil Type, pH and Nutrient Indices
- Previous Cropping / Rotation Position
- Current Crop, Variety and Intended Market
- Quality Standards or Contract Requirements
Evidence Ideas Portfolio proof
- Soil test reports and nutrient indices
- Field maps, images or drone views of the crop area
- Market specifications, contract details or quality standards
- Costings, gross margin comparisons and input estimates
- Notes from employer or agronomist discussions
Employer Discussion Mentor input
Discuss how the crop choice supports the business and environment. Cover rotation, sustainability, profit, market fit and how the choice helps manage pest and disease risks.
Observe & Gather Table Fill in
Use this table to collect the field evidence you need for this section. Once it is complete, use the notes to write your summary for OneFile. The sentence starters at the bottom will help you turn the information into a clear report.
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Field name / block and size | |
| Soil type, pH and nutrient indices | |
| Previous cropping and rotation position | |
| Current crop, variety and intended market | |
| Quality standards or contract requirements | |
| Environmental constraints and sustainability considerations | |
| Likely costs, margins and business goals |
Remember to upload your evidence to OneFile.
Crop Choices: Analyse Understand Report Write up
Project Brief
Using what you have learnt about crop choice, write a summary that explains how the field or production area was selected for monitoring. Use your evidence about soil, site conditions, weather, rotation, quality standards and economics to explain the decision and how it supports productivity, sustainability and business aims.
Checklist of what to include
- An overview of the field, crop and intended market
- Soil type, pH, nutrient indices and field conditions
- Previous cropping, rotation and likely pest or disease risks
- Environmental and weather factors that influence the choice
- Cost, quality and sustainability considerations
- Any strengths, risks or improvements identified
Sentence starters
- “The field has a [soil type] with a pH of [value], which is suitable for…”
- “Previous cropping of [crop] may increase the risk of…”
- “Due to the field’s slope and proximity to a watercourse, I will…”
- “Choosing this variety supports local processor contracts requiring…”
- “To manage [weed/pest], I will rotate with…”
Remember to upload your evidence to OneFile.