Case Studies and Practical Applications*
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Exercise: Environmental and Economic Impact Assessment
Objective: Calculate the benefits of precision fertiliser application using the created zones.
Steps:
- Calculate Area of Each Zone:
- Open the attribute table of the fertiliser zones layer.
- Add a new column for the area:
- Click Field Calculator and use the expression $area to calculate each zone's area in square metres.
- Convert to hectares if needed by dividing by 10,000.
- Estimate Fertiliser Use:
- Multiply the area of each zone by the recommended fertiliser rate for that nutrient level.
- Add a column in the attribute table for Fertiliser Needed and calculate using a manual formula.
- Compare Costs:
- Calculate total fertiliser costs for precision application vs. uniform application across the entire field.
- Add notes to your calculations for reference.
- Assess Environmental Impact:
- Discuss the potential reduction in nutrient runoff based on reduced fertiliser use in high-nutrient areas.
- Highlight long-term benefits such as improved soil health and water quality.
- Write a Summary:
- Include the economic and environmental benefits in a brief report (1–2 paragraphs).
- Submit the report alongside your map layouts.
- Detailed case studies in precision farming
- Project planning and implementation
- Real-world applications and success stories
- Student-led case study presentations