24-04-2013, 07:26 PM
[This should be considered an official staff announcement, but I don't have perms for the announcements forum so I'll have to put it here. This is a guide to Ravennaâs farmland situation, and what is contained in here should be considered to override any impressions given by the IG representation thereof, or any past OOC misconceptions and any RP they influenced.]
Part of what initially attracted the Vagrant settlers to the region surrounding Ravenna was its rich natural landscape, and one aspect of this is the fertile, naturally-occurring floodplains flanking the lower segment of the city. Partially due to the geological processes from the nearby waterfalls, these areas are relatively low-lying, so that they flood seasonally in a manner similar to real-life floodplains. The elevation of these areas is such that they are saturated with water only when the water level reaches its highest point in the Mesalian seasonal cycle. Due to Ravennaâs dry-summer oceanic climate (which can be compared to the real-life examples of Great Britain or southern Scandinavia, the American Pacific Northwest, and New Zealand), this wet season corresponds with the winter. This has the rather fortunate result that while the floodplains are out of commission for temperature considerations (due to the cold winters in Ravenna, especially considered to Auriaâs mild winters), they are also too saturated with water to farm.
However, this flooding has great advantages; in particular it deposits nutrients from the river silt, which is amassed in large quantities by the waterfalls and replenishes the soil, meaning that this farmland need not be left fallow periodically like other farmland. This means that the floodplains are particularly fertile land, which supported Ravennaâs historically large population, and of which our characters may take advantage. A variety of crops, including grains, a wide host of vegetables, and even some fruits, can be supported by the farmland. Thus, the seasonal flooding of the farmlands is a natural process that has been occurring for thousands of years IC, and that enhances the landâs fertility rather than damaging it. On a marginally related note, the volume of the riverâs flow and the force of the waterfall are such that the lower parts of the river do not freeze over in winter.
The mechanics of this are as such:
Part of what initially attracted the Vagrant settlers to the region surrounding Ravenna was its rich natural landscape, and one aspect of this is the fertile, naturally-occurring floodplains flanking the lower segment of the city. Partially due to the geological processes from the nearby waterfalls, these areas are relatively low-lying, so that they flood seasonally in a manner similar to real-life floodplains. The elevation of these areas is such that they are saturated with water only when the water level reaches its highest point in the Mesalian seasonal cycle. Due to Ravennaâs dry-summer oceanic climate (which can be compared to the real-life examples of Great Britain or southern Scandinavia, the American Pacific Northwest, and New Zealand), this wet season corresponds with the winter. This has the rather fortunate result that while the floodplains are out of commission for temperature considerations (due to the cold winters in Ravenna, especially considered to Auriaâs mild winters), they are also too saturated with water to farm.
However, this flooding has great advantages; in particular it deposits nutrients from the river silt, which is amassed in large quantities by the waterfalls and replenishes the soil, meaning that this farmland need not be left fallow periodically like other farmland. This means that the floodplains are particularly fertile land, which supported Ravennaâs historically large population, and of which our characters may take advantage. A variety of crops, including grains, a wide host of vegetables, and even some fruits, can be supported by the farmland. Thus, the seasonal flooding of the farmlands is a natural process that has been occurring for thousands of years IC, and that enhances the landâs fertility rather than damaging it. On a marginally related note, the volume of the riverâs flow and the force of the waterfall are such that the lower parts of the river do not freeze over in winter.
The mechanics of this are as such:
- The seasonal cycle consists of four OOC months, each representing a year-long IC season
- The amount of time it takes for a full harvest cycle is three IC months (one week OOC)
- During the winter month the floodplains are saturated with moisture, becoming swampy and being infused with soul sand IG to represent this
- During the first three IC months (first week of the month OOC) of the spring season/year, the floodplains must be allowed to drain naturally, meaning crops cannot be planted yet
- Crops may be grown throughout summer, which constitutes the most dry season in Ravennaâs climate (lasting one OOC month)
- As with all farmland, crops cannot grow during the last three months (last week of the month OOC) of the fall season/year as it is too cold, however they may be harvested during this time, which makes the last round of planting six IC months (or two OOC weeks) before winter
- Any crops not harvested by the onset of the winter season will die
- Farming on the floodplains confers some serious advantages, such as generally higher fertility and much less risk for nutrient depletion, and little in the way of disadvantages[/list:u]
[Any RP indicating a situation contrary to what is stated here, or dependent on OOC misconceptions thereabout, will have to be retconned, without exceptions. Staff apologizes for any inconvenience and confusion that has resulted from this matter.]