Study specimens V (EARTH WORM), W (PADDY RICE), X (GROUNDNUT SEEDS) and Y (MAIZE STEM BORER) carefully and answer the following questions. (a) State four wa...

Answer Details

(a) Four ways specimen V (Earthworm) is important in agriculture

1. Its burrowing improves soil aeration and drainage.
2. Its casts add nutrients and improve soil fertility.
3. It aids the decomposition of organic matter, promoting humus formation.
4. It improves soil structure and can serve as feed for fish and poultry (also an indicator of soil fertility).

(b) Steps in processing specimens W and X

W (Paddy rice) into polished rice:

1. Threshing the harvested paddy to detach the grains.
2. Drying the paddy to a safe moisture content.
3. Hulling/dehusking to remove the husk, giving brown rice.
4. Milling/polishing to remove the bran layer.
5. Winnowing and cleaning, then grading and bagging the polished rice.

X (Groundnut seeds) into groundnut cake:

1. Drying the pods and decorticating (shelling) to obtain the seeds.
2. Cleaning and then roasting the seeds.
3. Grinding/crushing the roasted seeds into a paste.
4. Expelling (pressing out) the oil from the paste.
5. The residue left after oil extraction is pressed and dried to form groundnut cake.

(c) Three measures for controlling specimen Y (Maize stem borer)

• Practise crop rotation and early planting.
• Destroy and burn crop residues (stalks) after harvest to kill hibernating larvae.
• Use resistant varieties and apply appropriate insecticides.