A block sets the farm up into similarly managed land parcels, and determines their climate and soil characteristics (and forestry details for Tree blocks).
After creating a new analysis, the only option available is to create a block. You have the choice of "Create first block" or importing a map of the farm:
Using the "Create first block" option
If the user chooses to "Create first block" the Add Block modal will open, this includes a map on which you can draw the outline of the block. The map location is based on the address entered when creating the farm.
You do not need to draw the blocks perfectly, it should simply be representative of the block so that users can understand which blocks are on the farm.
Draw the block by clicking on the map at each point of the block and then click the starting point to complete the outline. You should see the outline being created as you click on each point.
Once you've drawn your block, you will need to add Block Details before you can save and create another block.
Using the "Import a map of this farm" option
Instead of drawing block areas it is now possible the upload digital maps to OverseerFM. To do this select the "Import a map of this farm" option.
Once a map file is selected you can preview it in OverseerFM before saving it:
Once the map is saved, the "polygons" or land parcels within it must be assigned to blocks.
Land parcels can be assigned simply by selecting them. The first land parcel selected will auto-fill the "Effective area" data entry for the new block. If you select more than one land parcel, a warning will appear to draw attention the to the difference between the "drawn" area and the effective area of the block - as below, where the effective area shows as 93.7ha but the drawn area is 158.7ha. This can then be manually corrected, at the same time as naming the block and selecting it's type.
Once the first block is defined, additional blocks can be defined - or drawn - using the "Add new block" or "Assign mapped land to a new block" buttons, until all of the blocks have been defined.
If you find you have areas of the map which you do not wish to include in an analysis - these can be deleted by opening a block and then selecting the parcel of land you wish to delete.
Adding Block details
Once you've drawn your block (or you may choose not to draw it), you need to enter some Block details. 1. From the Block type drop down menu, you must select what type of block this is:
Once block type is defined, the additional data entry fields will appear for completion.
2. Then give your block a name.
3. The effective area is populated based on the area of the drawn block. This may be an approximation depending on the drawing and topography of the land. If the actual area is known this should be changed to the actual value. The calculated area will remain in the blue box for reference.
4. Enter additional information:
- For all block types, except Fenced Wetlands and Riparian you will need to enter the the distance from the coast in the direction of the prevailing wind.
- For Pasture blocks, you will need to select the topography.
- For Trees and Scrub blocks, you will need to select the bush type (pines or native). You can also add a forest to a Trees and scrub block.
- For House blocks you will need to enter the number of residents on the property, select a sewage management method, and enter the % of the block that is under cultivation.
- For Fenced Wetland blocks, you will to enter the wetland area, the wetland condition, and the wetland type. For more information on Fenced Wetlands see here
Adding forests to tree blocks
To understand the sequestration potential of trees growing on farm, OverseerFM enables forest details to be added to tree and scrub blocks and using the MPI Carbon Look-up tables report the carbon sequestration over time. We call this the Carbon Stock tool.
Forests can be added to your farm whilst creating or editing a trees and scrub block by clicking on the "+ Add forest" button in the forests section of the block. To add a forest:
1. You will need to select the Forest type, Region and give the forest a Name.
2. You then need to specify if the forest has been harvest in the last 10 years. If your forest has been harvest and replanted, see our article on how to enter this: here
3. You also need to specify the Percentage of the forest relative to the tree block (Multiple forests can be created for a single tree block) and the Current forest age.
4. If you are happy with the information entered, click Done
Completing blocks
Use the button “Save, create another” to cycle through the creation of each block. When finished select save and then from the main screen select “I have completed all my blocks”.
You will then need to finalise the total farm area. The total farm area may include some areas not declared as blocks (e.g yards and races). If you do not know the area for these 'non-block areas' you can untick the Override default farm area box and Overseer will uses default values for the non-block areas.
Then click 'Save'. You will now be able to see all the tabs to enter the remaining farm management details for this analysis.