Ag Science Field Trip

Questionnaire
Practical Coursework in Agricultural Science

Fertiliser Programme continued

Background
Three weeks ago, we provided some top tips on the Agricultural Science Leaving Cert
Field Trip. Unfortunately, due to space restrictions we were unable to print the entire
questionnaire provided by Connell McMonagle for projects on crop production. Because
of an unprecedented amount of requests, please find the questionnaire below. It is also
downloadable on www.agriaware.ie. Teachers, please note you will need to supply your
log-in details, provided in the letter accompanying your resources.

19. What type of fertiliser is applied to the grazing area (e.g. C.A.N., 10 : 10 : 20, etc)?

Background
A common weakness highlighted by monitors, regarding the practical component of the
agricultural science course, is that there is little, or no, evidence of a second project on
crop production.

20. Do you apply slurry or F.Y.M.?

Most students compete their livestock project on either a dairying, beef or sheep
enterprise. Such enterprises are grass-based by in large, and hence, it can be safely
assumed that students have ready access to potential information relating to grassland
farming.

(a) How much fertiliser do you apply i.e. bags per acre?
(b) What time(s) of year do you apply?
(c) How often do you apply (during the year)?
(a) When do you apply it?
(b) How much do apply (gallons per acre or tonnes per acre)?
(c) How do you apply it?
21. What are the main precautions taken when agitating the slurry in the tank?
22. What are the main precautions taken when applying slurry to the grazing area?

The following is a questionnaire that some students draw up and complete, as one of
their projects on crop production. It is possible to add further questions if you so wish
e.g. if a farmer re-seeded some fields (recently), a number of questions could be added to
the questionnaire i.e. reason(s) for re-seeding, composition of seed mixture(s) used etc.

Introduction

Silage Production

1. Owner of the farm

23. Is the silage ground grazed in the Spring?

2. Location of the farm

24. When is the silage ground closed off ?

3. Total acreage of the farm

25. Is the silage rolled out? If so, why?

(a) Arable land (i.e. fields)

26. What time of the year is the grass cut?

(b) Hill land (rough grazing)

27. Is the grass wilted before ensiling or baling?

4. Main soil type on the farm (e.g. sandy, clayey, peaty etc)
5. What you hope to find out in doing this project?

28. Do you make baled silage or pit silage?

29. What is the approximate yield of silage
(in bales per acre or tonnes per acre as appropriate)?
30. If pit silage is made, describe in detail

Varieties
6. Variety, or varieties, of grass grown in the fields?
(e.g. Perennial ryegrass, Italian ryegrass etc)

31. Are additives used? If so:

7. Is clover present in the sward?

(b) When is it applied?

8. What are the advantages of having clover in the sward?

(c) How much is applied (per load, or per tonne of grass)?

(a) Name the additive (e.g. molasses, sulphuric acid, etc)

32. Do you take first and second cut?

33. Is silage tested for % DMD? If so, what is your average result?

Grazing system
9. When does he house his livestock?
10. When does he let out his livestock?

Hay

11. Does he use rotational grazing or set stocking?

If hay is made, describe the process, in detail.

12. If rotational grazing, which type? e.g. paddock,

strip, or block grazing (field by field)

34. What is the average yield of hay (in bales per acre)?

13. Work out the approximate stocking rate:

35. What are the main weeds in the grassland

(e.g. docks, nettles, ragwort, etc)?

(a) Size of field, or grazing area, in acres (or hectares) = X

36. How are these controlled?

(b) Number of livestock in field = Y

(a) Name each spray

(c) Divide i.e. X Y. Answer is stocking rate per acre

(b) When is the spray applied?

14. Approximate length (in days) that animals spend in

grazing area (paddock/strip/block). Explain if necessary.

(c) What is the rate of application?

37. Is the grass topped? If so, why, when and how?

15. How long does the grass have to recover (in weeks)?
Note : Draw a detailed sketch ( A3 sheet) of the lay-out of as many fields as
possible; the sketch should show the relative size, and position, of the fields, the
fencing, water supply, lanes or roadways, etc.

Conclusion

Fertiliser Programme

Practical tips for organising a field trip, and presenting a final report

Please note, the following questions (Qs 16-22) need to be answered for both the
Grazing and Silage Ground.
16. How many acres are used for grazing?

Choose a farmer/grower that is comfortable talking to students, and has a reasonable depth of
knowledge (both practical and scientific) regarding the chosen project.

17. Do you get your soil tested?

Bring suitable rain gear and footwear, a clipboard and a pencil (not a pen!)

18. Do you apply lime to the soil? If so:

38. Write a brief summary on what you have learned in doing the project.

Give the questionnaire to the farmer in advance of your visit

The questions should be laid out in such a way that you are able to fill them in on the day of the trip
Keep the questions as practical as possible. Avoid too many theory questions

(a) How much (in tonnes per acre)?

Take as many photographs as possible e.g. close-ups of grass sward, weeds, water supply, mineral
licks, fencing, etc. Also photos of wilted grass, baled or ensiled silage, machinery

(b) How often?

Present the project as a typed report, using relevant headings and paragraphs

(c) Why is lime applied?

For more information on farming and food

www.agriaware.ie
www.farmersjournal.ie

Include photographs (see above), labels of fertiliser bags (showing composition of fertilisers), print
outs of tests carried out to assess %DMD of silage, samples of grass and clover seed

Interested in becoming a member of IASTA?

Contact: iastasecretary@gmail.com