[Dev] New farming direction

[northwesttreesgaming]

A new approach to farming mechanics can be based on 5 factors. The factors are based on real-life equivalents.

1. Quality
2. Speed
3. Food
4. Water
5. Growth

Quality

Goal

• Quality - The quality of the item harvested.

Real-life Equivalent

• Real-life Equivalent: Soil Quality
• Explanation: The quality of the soil impacts the overall health and quality of the plant. This includes the pH level, the presence of essential nutrients, and the absence of contaminants.

Approach

• Implement soil blocks with different qualities.
• Better quality soil results in higher-quality harvests.

Speed

Goal

• Speed - The time between stages for the crop's growth.

Real-life Equivalent

• Real-life Equivalent: Temperature and Light
• Explanation: The rate of plant growth is highly influenced by temperature and the amount of light (photoperiod). Warmer temperatures and adequate light exposure speed up growth stages.

Approach

• Include light level and temperature mechanics.
• Plants grow faster in optimal light and temperature conditions.

Food

Goal

• Food - The nutrients for the crop.

Real-life Equivalent

• Real-life Equivalent: Nutrient Availability
• Explanation: Plants require a variety of nutrients to grow, primarily nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), along with trace elements like magnesium, calcium, and iron. The availability and balance of these nutrients in the soil affect plant growth.

Approach

• Introduce fertilizers or composts that players can add to the soil.
• Different plants might need different types or amounts of nutrients.

Water

Goal

• Water - The liquid intake for the crop.

Real-life Equivalent

• Real-life Equivalent: Water Supply and Moisture Levels
• Explanation: Adequate water is essential for plant processes like photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and cellular structure. Both over-watering and under-watering can harm plants.

Approach

• Create a watering mechanic where plants need regular watering.
• Over-watering or under-watering affects plant health.

Growth

Goal

• Growth - The factor of the crop can grow.

Real-life Equivalent

• Real-life Equivalent: Space and Support
• Explanation: Plants need sufficient space to grow, which includes root space in the soil and vertical or horizontal space for foliage. Additionally, some plants require physical support (like trellises for vines) to grow properly.

Approach

• Ensure plants have enough space to grow and spread.
• Introduce supports for certain plants to climb or grow properly.