Project Overview
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
- 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.
Workplace Activities
- 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
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
- 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
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
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
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.