Yes, my land is a mess at the moment. From my original 5 plots, I can only grow grain on 1, after the terrain type changes. I have 3 plots in queenstone which are all making stone, so they need grain and my 1 plot is not producing enough to be self sufficient.
I have 1 plot doing research which means I have to buy all the resources for it, but that's OK, because the true value of research cant really be measured at the moment. So I was thinking I need at least 1 more grain plot, which is why the title of your post obviously got my attention.
and yes, higher PP cards are now looking like the way to go. Originally when I chose my cards for land we didnt have as much information as we have now. At the moment I don't mind spending the necessary resources for research because I want to be a part of the secret, but I would like to make the rest earning positive :)