Site Assessment¶
Purpose¶
Site assessment defines what must be observed before scaling cultivation.
The goal is to avoid expanding based on assumptions.
Water¶
Questions¶
- Is there a well, borehole, pipe supply or storage tank?
- Was the water source used recently?
- Is the water available in summer?
- What pumping method is required?
- Is storage required?
Minimum Requirement¶
For the first season, water must be sufficient for limited active cultivation:
100-150 m²
Structure¶
Greenhouse Checks¶
- frame condition;
- corrosion;
- missing structural elements;
- doors;
- ventilation;
- covering condition;
- anchor points;
- access path.
The greenhouse frame is more important than the plastic cover.
Plastic can be replaced.
Structural damage is a different problem, because apparently metal costs money, a tragic discovery repeated by every human generation.
Soil¶
Observations¶
- texture;
- color;
- compaction;
- smell;
- visible roots;
- visible organisms;
- moisture level;
- previous crop residues.
Simple Field Tests¶
- infiltration test;
- hand texture test;
- root depth observation;
- mulch decomposition observation.
Organic Matter Sources¶
Nearby sources to identify:
- cattle manure;
- straw;
- old hay;
- leaves;
- wood chips;
- grass clippings;
- existing plant residues.
Access and Storage¶
Check:
- vehicle access;
- tool storage;
- dry working area;
- compost area;
- material storage area;
- security.
Initial Decision Criteria¶
A site is suitable for Year 1 if it has:
- Usable water or realistic water storage.
- Safe access.
- Structurally usable working area.
- Space for compost and mulch.
- Reasonable long-term access conditions.
Full cultivation is not required for Year 1.