List and discuss briefly four climatic factors that affect agricultural production in Nigeria

Answer Details

Four climatic factors that affect agricultural production in Nigeria

• Rainfall: The amount, distribution and reliability of rainfall determine the type of crops grown and the length of the growing season. Adequate, well-distributed rainfall gives good yields, while too little causes drought and too much causes flooding, leaching and erosion.
• Temperature: Temperature affects germination, growth, flowering and ripening of crops and the distribution of animals and plants. Each crop has an optimum temperature range; very high or very low temperatures reduce growth and yield.
• Sunlight (solar radiation): Sunlight supplies the energy for photosynthesis, by which plants manufacture food. The intensity and duration (day length) of sunlight influence flowering, fruiting and the overall yield of crops.
• Wind: Moderate wind aids pollination, seed dispersal and drying of produce. However, strong winds cause lodging of crops, soil erosion, increased evaporation and can spread pests and diseases.

Relative humidity, which affects transpiration and the incidence of pests and diseases, is another important climatic factor.