EFS Proposal Ryan Court & Mark Baumgarten

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Purpose 1.1.To observe and Identify the different styles of planting and harvesting techniques on productivity, composition, and yield of soil. Ultimately to define the most productive style of agriculture and harvest. 1.2. Different methods of harvesting and treating soil can have adverse effects on composition and yield, and damage any naturally occurring biotic and abiotic factors. Basic background information 2.1.Land devoted to agriculture covers 38% of Earths land surface 2.2. We lose 12-17 million acres of productive cropland annually. 2.3. Over past 50 years, soil degradation has reduced global grain production by 13% 2.3.1. Soil degradation results from deforestation, agriculture, and overgrazing. 2.4. Traditional agriculture 2.4.1. Traditional agriculture = biologically powered agriculture, using human and animal muscle power 2.4.2. Subsistence agriculture = families produce only enough food for themselves 2.4.3. Intensive agriculture = produces excess food to sell. Uses animals, irrigation and fertilizer, but not fossil fuels 2.5. Industrialized agriculture = using large-scale mechanization and fossil fuels to boost yields 2.5.1. Also uses pesticides, irrigation and fertilizers 2.5.2. Monocultures = uniform planting of a single crop 2.6. Soil consists of mineral matter, organic matter, air, and water. Includes dead and living microorganisms, and decaying material. Bacteria, algae, earthworms, insects, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Hypothesis: If the soil is kept free of xenobiotic chemicals, over salinization, and radical temperature variations, then it will become ideal for agriculture.

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Experimental set up: In order to discover the consummate variables, we must test for proper salinity, Ph, temperature, hydration, and nutrients. 4.1.After, we then must develop the best possible way to harvest, without sacrificing the ability to re-plant and achieve the same ideal soil condition. 4.2. In order to do this, we will grow our own crop on custom soil, we will visit local farms, observe and report, and interview farmers to ask what their optimal conditions for growing and harvesting are. 4.3. This is all possible because where we live is nearby a large amount of farmland and family owned farms. 5. Procedures:

EFS Proposal Ryan Court & Mark Baumgarten

5.1.Set up multiple different plots of land, each with different values in each variable. A basic field plant is used as plant sample, which in this scenario is wheat because it is the most grown crop in the world. 5.1.1. There will be about 30 different plots 5.2. Eliminate plots with variables that have the lowest productivity rates. 5.3. Narrow down results until approximate best variables are achieved. 5.3.1. Calculate the best possible value out of the narrowed down results. 5.4. Compare these results to information retrieved from field observations of legitimate farms and soil conditions. 5.4.1. Further observe the results and see what soil has the best possible conditions. 5.5. After it has been discovered, test multiple techniques of harvesting to retain ideal conditions. 5.5.1. No-till 5.5.2. Strip till 5.5.3. Mulch till 5.5.4. Ridge Till 5.6. Compare best and propose new idea. 5.7. Compare and conclusion. 6. Materials: 6.1.Soil plots 6.2. Fertilizer 6.3. Iron and aluminium sulfate in order to change Ph of soil. 6.3.1. Goggles, gloves, and proper ventilation 6.4. Salt 6.5. Rake, hoe, shovel, and gloves. 6.6. Wheat seeds and saplings. Safety Considerations 7.1.Aluminium sulfate is toxic and may be harmful if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. 7.2. Iron sulfate may be harmful if ingested in large quantities. 7.3. Farming apparatus can be sharp and cause cuts if used improperly. 7.4. Bacteria from environment could cause sickness if proper hygiene precautions arent taken.

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