(a) State three ways in which science and... | WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2011

Question 1 Report

(a) State three ways in which science and technology have contributed to agricultural
development through each of the following:

(i) Crop protection;
(ii) Climatology and meteorology. [6 marks]

(b) Give two functions of each of the following farm machines and implements:

(i) bulldozer;
(ii) combine harvester;
(iii) tractor;
(iv) sprayer;
(v) planter. - [10 marks]

Answer

(a) Contributions of science and technology

(i) Crop protection

Development of chemical pesticides, herbicides and fungicides for controlling pests, weeds and diseases.
Breeding of pest- and disease-resistant crop varieties.
Development of biological control methods and improved storage/spraying equipment to protect crops in the field and in store.

(ii) Climatology and meteorology

Accurate weather forecasting helps farmers to plan planting, spraying and harvesting.
Rainfall and temperature records guide the choice of crops and the timing of farm operations.
Early warning of drought, flood and storms allows farmers to take protective measures and reduce losses.

(b) Two functions of each farm machine/implement

Machine/implement	Two functions
(i) Bulldozer	Clears land of trees, stumps and boulders; levels the ground and constructs farm roads/dams
(ii) Combine harvester	Harvests (reaps) grain crops; threshes and cleans the grain in one operation
(iii) Tractor	Supplies pulling power to draw implements such as ploughs and harrows; provides power through its power take-off to drive machines and to transport farm loads
(iv) Sprayer	Applies liquid chemicals (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) onto crops; applies liquid fertilisers and foliar feeds
(v) Planter	Sows/plants seeds at the correct spacing and depth; some planters place fertiliser beside the seed during planting

Answer Details

(a) Contributions of science and technology

(i) Crop protection

Development of chemical pesticides, herbicides and fungicides for controlling pests, weeds and diseases.
Breeding of pest- and disease-resistant crop varieties.
Development of biological control methods and improved storage/spraying equipment to protect crops in the field and in store.

(ii) Climatology and meteorology

Accurate weather forecasting helps farmers to plan planting, spraying and harvesting.
Rainfall and temperature records guide the choice of crops and the timing of farm operations.
Early warning of drought, flood and storms allows farmers to take protective measures and reduce losses.

(b) Two functions of each farm machine/implement

Machine/implement	Two functions
(i) Bulldozer	Clears land of trees, stumps and boulders; levels the ground and constructs farm roads/dams
(ii) Combine harvester	Harvests (reaps) grain crops; threshes and cleans the grain in one operation
(iii) Tractor	Supplies pulling power to draw implements such as ploughs and harrows; provides power through its power take-off to drive machines and to transport farm loads
(iv) Sprayer	Applies liquid chemicals (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) onto crops; applies liquid fertilisers and foliar feeds
(v) Planter	Sows/plants seeds at the correct spacing and depth; some planters place fertiliser beside the seed during planting

(a) State three ways in which science and technology have contributed to agricultural development through each of the following: (i) Crop protection; (ii) C...