A farmer wants to produce 3000 tonnes of wheat. He has two options: 1) use a high‑yield variety that yields 12 tonnes per hectare, or 2) use a conventional variety that yields 8 tonnes per hectare. Calculate (a) the hectares required for each option, (b) the land saved by using the high‑yield variety. Then explain why reducing land use can be beneficial.
Answer
Hectares required: 250 ha (high‑yield), 375 ha (conventional). Land saved: 125 ha.
The correct answer is Hectares required: 250 ha (high‑yield), 375 ha (conventional). Land saved: 125 ha. — • Reducing land use allows more land to be left fallow for soil health, reduces pressure on ecosystems, and can lower production costs.
Step-by-step solution
- • High‑yield option: divide required production by yield per hectare. 3000 tonnes ÷ 12 t/ha = 250 ha.
- • Conventional option: 3000 tonnes ÷ 8 t/ha = 375 ha.
- • Land saved = 375 ha - 250 ha = 125 ha.
- • Reducing land use allows more land to be left fallow for soil health, reduces pressure on ecosystems, and can lower production costs.
Common mistake: Adding hectares instead of subtracting to find land saved
Concept tested: Land requirement and yield comparison
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
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