The University of Western Australia M087 Perth WA 6009 Australia T +61 8 6488 5551 E [email protected] M +61 0417918276 CRICOS Provider Code 00126G AGRI5504 Organic Agriculture TAKE HOME EXAM 2016 ATTACHED IS THE EXAM PAPER Each question is worth equal marks There are FOUR questions in this paper You must answer THREE Questions QUESTION 1 is COMPULSORY Include in the answer to each question evidence that supports the statements you make. Use examples (including figures and/or tables) and cite references. You are expected to write at least 2 pages (1.5 spacing) for each answer. Figures and tables would be extra to this. Long answers may not attract the highest marks. The main criterion for assessment will be clarity of the statements made for each question, and depth of understanding demonstrated by the supporting justification for points made. i.e. it is not sufficient to make statements – they need to be justified. ____________________________________________ Instructions for returning Exam Paper Please submit your Take Home Exam via Turnitin on LMS for this unit. DUE DATE: Monday 30 May 2016 2 AGRI5504 Organic Agriculture TAKE HOME EXAM 2016 QUESTION 1 This question is compulsory The climate and soils in New Zealand could be considered more suitable for organic agriculture production than those in south-western Australia. Design an experimental program to investigate the potential for expanding organic farming in a locality of your choice in New Zealand. For the specific location you select, include in your answer information about climate and soils relevant to that region. Include at least TWO experiments in your answer. The experiments should be complementary and linked sequentially. State the following for each experiment: (i) Experimental design (ii) Hypothesis or Hypotheses (iii) Methodology (including explanation of measurements to be taken) (iv) Justification of the expected outcomes of the research __________________________________________________________________ QUESTION 2 Explain how a life-cycle assessment could be used to determine the potential environmental impacts of organic egg production. Include a critical analysis of the following in your answer: (i) What factors would you investigate? (ii) What would be the time-frame of your study? (iii) How would you analyse the data? Your answer SHOULD NOT be restricted to the three points above. See over page 3 QUESTION 3 Write an evidenced-based analysis of the processes that could be used to control plant disease in organic farming systems. Include data for three pathogens that have been investigated, and discuss in relation to the requirements in one or more certified organic standards (refer to the relevant standard(s)). Explain the main limitations to successful application of these approaches. Provide supporting evidence for your answer. QUESTION 4 Explain the options for supplying phosphorus in organic farming systems. Consider soil characteristics, climate and agricultural production system in your answer. Include a critical analysis of the following points: (i) the requirements for organic certification (include an example from one of the standards) (ii) the phosphorus sources availability (iii) the solubility characteristics of sources of phosphorus (iv) the potential for increasing the efficiency of use of phosphorus (v) an example of a study where phosphorus application has been investigated in organic farming systems