(a) Using the table below, classify the following crops based on their life cycle. Crop Classification based on life cycle Mango Rice Groundnut Cotton Peppe...

(a) Using the table below, classify the following crops based on their life cycle.

(b) List four components of a typical soil with their percentage volume.

(c) State three methods of applying inorganic fertilizers to the soil.

Answer Details

(a) Crop classification based on life cycle: Crop | Classification based on life cycle ---|--- Mango | Perennial Rice | Annual Groundnut | Annual Cotton | Annual Pepper | Annual or Perennial (depending on variety) Soya bean | Annual Oil palm | Perennial Yam | Perennial Tomato | Annual Rubber | Perennial Ginger | Perennial Cocoa | Perennial Cowpea | Annual Carrot | Biennial (b) Four components of a typical soil and their percentage volume are: Soil component | Percentage volume ---|--- Mineral particles | 45% Organic matter | 5% Water | 25% Air | 25% (c) Three methods of applying inorganic fertilizers to the soil are: 1. Broadcasting: In this method, the fertilizer is uniformly spread over the soil surface. This can be done by hand or using a machine. Broadcasting is a quick and easy method but can result in uneven distribution of the fertilizer. 2. Banding: In this method, the fertilizer is applied in a concentrated band or row directly where the plant roots are located. This helps to ensure that the fertilizer is available to the plants when they need it. Banding requires more effort than broadcasting, but it can result in better fertilizer use efficiency. 3. Foliar application: In this method, the fertilizer is applied as a spray directly to the leaves of the plants. This is a quick and efficient way to provide nutrients to the plants, especially during periods of rapid growth or when the plants are under stress. However, foliar application is not a substitute for soil fertilization and should be used in combination with other methods.