Drawing Conclusions and Making a
Recommendation
Having studied the data for patterns and trends, you should now be able to draw some
conclusions and make recommendations to the farmer about what soil and soil additives
he should use for each crop to attain the best crop yield with the lowest environmental
impact. Include the following:
● What was the best soil type for each crop?
● What were the optimum soil conditions for each crop?
● How did crop impact relate to environmental impact?
● If the farmer chooses to grow only one crop, which one would you recommend?
Why?
Based on the data, the best soil type for each crop can be determined as follows:
1. Corn: The best soil type for corn is loam soil. This soil type provides a good balance of water drainage and retention, allowing corn to grow successfully.
2. Tomatoes: The best soil type for tomatoes is sandy loam soil. Sandy loam soil has good drainage and aeration, which is ideal for tomatoes. It also has enough moisture retention to support their growth.
3. Wheat: The best soil type for wheat is clay loam soil. This soil type has good water-holding capacity, which is crucial for wheat's growth and development.
Regarding optimum soil conditions for each crop:
1. Corn: Corn thrives in soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Additionally, it requires sufficient nitrogen levels for optimal growth and productivity.
2. Tomatoes: Tomatoes prefer soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. They also require adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for successful growth.
3. Wheat: Wheat prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It requires sufficient levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to achieve high yields.
The relationship between crop impact and environmental impact is significant. Different crops have varying requirements for nutrients, water, and soil conditions. Failure to provide the optimum conditions for a particular crop can result in lower yields, increased pest and disease susceptibility, and increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, all of which have negative environmental impacts.
If the farmer chooses to grow only one crop, I would recommend growing wheat. Wheat has a lower environmental impact compared to corn and tomatoes because it requires fewer water resources and is less susceptible to diseases and pests. Additionally, wheat can provide essential nutrients and staple food for human consumption and animal feed. Overall, growing wheat can lead to a sustainable agricultural practice with lower environmental consequences.