Modern Farming

---in Southern California

Location

Latitudes: between 30°N and 40°N

Western part of the U.S.

Coastal Area Southeastern part is

desert area (Mojave Desert)

Characteristics

Limited Rainfall (below 250mm) Water Shortage Sandy Soil and high evaporation rate Hilly Relief except in the valley Small Population High technology level Support from the government

IncomeGovernment is willingto provide grants and subsidies to the farmers

∴Modern Farming Methods are widely used

Agricultural technology

Irrigation Biotechnology Chemical fertilizers and pesticides Mechanization

Irrigation

The Central Valley Project Rainfall diminishes from N to S Water is pumped out and sent along smalle

r canals or pipes to the farms in Southern California.

Dams are built to hold back the spring meltwater and released slowly during Summer

Biotechnology Produce crops that c

an resist pests and diseases

Improve the nutritional contents of crops

Improve the flavour and texture of crops

Chemical fertilizers and pesticides

Chemical fertilizers are widely used soil fertility Pesticides, insecticides and fungicides are

used to control pests and diseases

Common Sprinklers used in Central Valley

Sprinklers

Another type of Sprinklers:

Another irrigation method:

Mechanisation --- Tractor

Crop Rotation

Farmlands in California: