WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2003
Question 1 Report
The most efficient irrigation method on large scale farms involve the use of
Answer Details
The most efficient irrigation method on large scale farms is overhead irrigation facilities. This is because the irrigation system can cover a large area of land with minimal effort, and the water can be applied evenly to the crops. Overhead irrigation facilities can be in the form of center pivot or linear move systems, which can irrigate thousands of hectares of farmland. Additionally, this method reduces the amount of water lost due to evaporation, runoff, or deep percolation, making it a more efficient use of water resources.
Question 2 Report
Management practices in a piggery include the following except
Answer Details
Management practices in a piggery include various activities that help to promote the health and well-being of the pigs and maximize their productivity. These practices typically include disinfecting pens, regular cleaning of feed and water troughs, and isolating sick animals to prevent the spread of disease. However, weekly vaccination of pigs is not a common management practice in many piggeries. While vaccination can be an effective way to prevent the spread of certain diseases, it may not be necessary to do so every week, depending on the specific diseases prevalent in the area and the health status of the herd. Other management practices that are commonly employed in a piggery include regular feeding and monitoring of the pigs, proper waste disposal, and regular veterinary checkups.
Question 3 Report
Nitrogen deficiency in plants can lead to the following except
Answer Details
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in plant growth and development. It is a constituent of proteins, nucleic acids, and other essential compounds. When plants lack nitrogen, they may exhibit a range of symptoms. Stunted growth, lower protein content of crop products, and general yellowing of leaves are some of the common signs of nitrogen deficiency in plants. However, excessive growth is not a typical symptom of nitrogen deficiency. In fact, when plants lack nitrogen, their growth is often stunted because nitrogen is required for the production of essential growth hormones. Therefore, the answer to the question is "excessive growth."
Question 4 Report
Birds temporarily store their food in the
Answer Details
Birds temporarily store their food in the crop. The crop is an expandable pouch located at the base of a bird's neck that connects to the esophagus. When a bird eats, food is stored in the crop until it moves on to the next part of the digestive system. The crop allows birds to consume large amounts of food quickly and then digest it slowly over time. It also allows them to store food to bring back to their nests or young.
Question 5 Report
Spermatozoa are produced in the
Answer Details
Spermatozoa are produced in the testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and are responsible for producing sperm as well as testosterone, a male hormone. Spermatozoa are the male reproductive cells that fertilize the female egg during sexual reproduction, leading to the formation of a zygote, which eventually develops into a fetus.
Question 6 Report
Wastage of perishable farm produce is likely due to the following problems except
Answer Details
The question is asking for the problem that is NOT a cause of wastage of perishable farm produce. The answer is "inadequate water supply in rural areas". This is because water supply, although important for agricultural activities, is not directly linked to the issue of perishable farm produce wastage. The other options are directly linked to the problem, as inadequate storage and processing facilities can lead to spoilage, poor roads leading to rural areas can cause delays and damage to produce during transportation, and inadequate plying of rural roads can lead to difficulties in transporting produce to markets on time.
Question 7 Report
Artificial colostrum can be prepared from mixing all the following materials except
Answer Details
Question 8 Report
The main reason why the disc plough is preferred over the mouldboard plough for use in heavy soils is that
Answer Details
Question 9 Report
Animal which chew the cud are
Answer Details
Animals which chew the cud are ruminants. Ruminants are mammals that have a four-chambered stomach specialized for digesting tough plant materials such as grass and leaves. They include cattle, sheep, goats, deer, and giraffes. Ruminants are unique in that they digest their food in two stages, first by softening it in a fermentation chamber called the rumen, and then by regurgitating and re-chewing the partially digested food (cud) to break it down further. This process allows ruminants to extract more nutrients from plant material than other herbivores, making them important sources of meat, milk, and other animal products for human consumption.
Question 10 Report
Plant quarantine was introduced to
Answer Details
Plant quarantine was introduced to control incoming diseases and pests. Plant quarantine refers to the measures taken to prevent the spread of plant diseases and pests across borders. The main objective of plant quarantine is to control the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases from one country to another through the movement of plants, plant products, and other regulated articles. By controlling the spread of these pests and diseases, plant quarantine helps to protect the agricultural productivity and biodiversity of a country.
Question 12 Report
What is the percentage water content of a soil sample which weighed 180g when fresh and 120g when oven dried?
Answer Details
To calculate the percentage water content of a soil sample, we need to know the weight of the water in the sample and the weight of the dry soil. The weight of the water can be calculated by subtracting the weight of the dry soil from the weight of the fresh soil. In this case, the weight of the water can be calculated as follows: Weight of water = Weight of fresh soil - Weight of dry soil = 180 g - 120 g = 60 g The weight of the water is 60g. To calculate the percentage water content, we divide the weight of the water by the weight of the fresh soil, and multiply the result by 100. Percentage water content = (Weight of water / Weight of fresh soil) x 100% = (60 g / 180 g) x 100% = 0.333 x 100% = 33.3% Therefore, the percentage water content of the soil sample is 33.3%. Therefore, the correct answer is 33.3%.
Question 13 Report
What is the main use of a gunter's cabin?
Answer Details
The main use of a Gunter's cabin is taking measurements of distance. A Gunter's cabin is a device used for measuring distances, and it was invented by Edmund Gunter, a mathematician and astronomer in the 17th century. It consists of a rectangular wooden box with a glass window on one side and a series of brass rods or chains inside that are used for measuring distances. The Gunter's cabin is placed at the starting point of a measurement, and the person taking the measurement looks through the glass window to line up the cabin with the target. They then count the number of chains or rods required to reach the target to determine the distance. The Gunter's cabin is an early form of surveying equipment and is still used today in some cases.
Question 14 Report
To which of the following crops does the term 'ginning' apply?
Answer Details
The term "ginning" applies to the crop of cotton. Ginning is the process of separating the cotton fiber from the seeds and other debris that are harvested along with the cotton. The cotton gin, which was invented by Eli Whitney in the late 18th century, is the machine that performs this process. The cotton gin uses a combination of mechanical teeth and air flow to separate the cotton fibers from the seeds and other unwanted materials. After ginning, the cotton fibers are baled and sent to textile mills where they are spun into thread and fabric.
Question 16 Report
Fish products include the following except
Question 17 Report
An advantage of individual system of land ownership is that
Answer Details
An advantage of the individual system of land ownership is that it encourages long-term planning. When individuals own land, they have a personal stake in its management and are motivated to make investments and improvements that will increase its productivity and value over time. This encourages farmers to plan for the long-term, such as crop rotations, soil conservation, and other sustainable practices that benefit the land and the environment. In contrast, communal or government-owned land may be subject to short-term decisions or neglect, as multiple users have different priorities and may not feel personally responsible for its care. On the other hand, the fragmentation of land ownership may create challenges for large-scale agricultural production and may limit the ability of farmers to access credit or use their land as collateral. Additionally, individual ownership may also lead to land litigation if boundaries are unclear or disputes arise between neighboring landowners.
Question 18 Report
Newcastle disease attacks
Answer Details
Newcastle disease attacks poultry. It is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild birds, including chickens, turkeys, and pigeons. The virus is spread through contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated equipment, and can cause respiratory, nervous, and digestive symptoms in infected birds. Newcastle disease can have a significant impact on poultry production, as infected birds may die or require culling to prevent the spread of the disease. While other animals may be susceptible to other diseases, Newcastle disease specifically affects poultry.
Question 21 Report
Weevils can be controlled by
Answer Details
Weevils can be controlled by storing dry grain in air-tight containers. Weevils are a type of beetle that infest stored grains and can cause significant damage to crops. By storing dry grain in air-tight containers, the weevils are denied access to the grain and are unable to lay their eggs. Without the eggs, the weevil population cannot reproduce and the infestation can be controlled. Additionally, proper sanitation and cleaning of storage facilities can help prevent weevil infestations from occurring in the first place.
Question 22 Report
Which of the following is not a principal of crop rotation?
Question 23 Report
The factors involved in the formation of metamorphic rocks are
Answer Details
Metamorphic rocks are formed by changes in pre-existing rocks through the application of heat and pressure. As the rocks are buried deep within the Earth's crust, they are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, causing them to undergo changes in their mineral composition, texture, and structure. These changes occur due to the recrystallization of minerals and the reorientation of grains in the rock. The heat and pressure cause the atoms and molecules within the rock to become more tightly packed, resulting in a denser and more compact rock. Therefore, the correct factors involved in the formation of metamorphic rocks are heat and pressure.
Question 24 Report
Farm records are important for the following reasons except
Answer Details
Farm records are essential for managing a farm effectively and efficiently. They provide important information about the farm's operations and performance, which can be used for future planning and decision-making. Additionally, farm records can help to determine the profitability of the farm, assess the quality of farm produce, and provide information to determine the creditworthiness of farmers. However, one reason that farm records may not be important is for assessing the quality of farm produce. While farm records can provide information about the production of crops and animals, they do not necessarily provide information about the quality of the produce itself. Quality assessments are typically conducted through laboratory tests or physical inspections, rather than through farm records. Therefore, while farm records are important for many reasons, they may not be directly related to assessing the quality of farm produce.
Question 25 Report
Coccidiosis can be treated with
Answer Details
Coccidiosis is a disease caused by the invasion of the intestinal tract of livestock by coccidian parasites. To treat coccidiosis, sulphamethazine is commonly used. Sulphamethazine is an antibiotic that is effective in treating coccidiosis because it targets the coccidian parasites, which cause the disease. Sulphamethazine works by blocking the growth and reproduction of the coccidian parasites, which helps to reduce the severity of the infection and promote recovery in affected animals.
Question 26 Report
The best method of introducing a new pesticide to rural farmers is through
Answer Details
The best method of introducing a new pesticide to rural farmers is through demonstration. This is because the farmers get to see the practical use of the pesticide and the effectiveness of the product. The demonstration provides an opportunity for the farmers to ask questions and receive answers from the extension agents or experts. The farmers can also observe the safety precautions that should be taken when handling the pesticide. This method is more practical and effective than circular letters or field trips. Farmers co-operatives could also be a good platform for introducing the new pesticide, but a demonstration would still be necessary to show the farmers how to use the product correctly.
Question 27 Report
The scientific name for guinea grass is
Answer Details
The scientific name for guinea grass is Panicum maximum. Guinea grass is a tropical grass species that is commonly found in African countries. It is a tall, fast-growing grass that can grow up to 3 meters in height. Guinea grass is known for its high productivity, high nutritional value, and drought tolerance. It is a popular forage crop for livestock and is used for hay, silage, and pasture. Guinea grass is also used in erosion control and land reclamation projects due to its ability to establish quickly and provide good ground cover.
Question 28 Report
Which of the following is not a sign of heat in farm animals?
Answer Details
The option that is not a sign of heat in farm animals is "udder enlargement". Heat, also known as estrus, refers to the period when a female animal is receptive to mating. During heat, farm animals may exhibit signs such as restlessness, increased vocalization, decreased appetite, and a desire to be mounted by other animals. However, udder enlargement is not typically a sign of heat in farm animals. Udder enlargement usually occurs during pregnancy or after giving birth, when the animal is producing milk.
Question 29 Report
Improvement of yam through breeding is difficult because
Answer Details
Improvement of yam through breeding is difficult because it possesses no sexual reproductive system. Unlike many other crops, yam does not produce flowers or seeds that can be used in conventional breeding techniques. Instead, yam is propagated vegetatively, which means that new plants are grown from sections of the tuber. This makes it difficult to introduce new genetic material into yam populations and to create new varieties with desirable traits. Additionally, yam plants are often heterozygous, which means that their genes do not segregate in a predictable manner, making it difficult to select for specific traits through breeding. Therefore, improving yam through breeding is a time-consuming and difficult process that requires a lot of expertise and resources.
Question 30 Report
Smut disease of cereals is caused by a
Answer Details
Smut disease is a disease that affects cereal crops such as corn, wheat, and barley. It is caused by a fungus. The fungus infects the developing grain and causes it to become filled with a dark, powdery substance. This substance is actually a mass of spores that will be spread by the wind to other plants. As a result, smut disease can cause significant damage to cereal crops, reducing yield and quality.
Question 31 Report
Which of the following is a method of conducting a simple farm layout survey?
Answer Details
Question 32 Report
Which of the following is not a factor of soil formation?
Answer Details
The correct answer is "land conservation". Soil formation is a natural process influenced by various factors including topography, parent material, climate, biota, and time. The topography of an area determines the drainage and accumulation of soil materials. Parent material refers to the underlying geological material that soil is formed from. Climate influences soil formation by affecting the rate of weathering, erosion, and organic matter decomposition. Biota refers to the living organisms that contribute to the formation of soil through decomposition and nutrient cycling. Land conservation is a human activity that aims to prevent soil degradation and erosion through the implementation of various practices. It does not directly influence the natural process of soil formation.
Question 33 Report
The variety if maize which is less susceptible to weevil attack is
Answer Details
The variety of maize that is less susceptible to weevil attack is flint maize. This is because flint maize has a harder kernel compared to other varieties of maize, making it difficult for weevils to penetrate and cause damage. Yellow maize, floury maize, and sweet maize have a relatively softer kernel, and are therefore more susceptible to weevil attack.
Question 34 Report
The activities of middlemen may cause the following problems except
Answer Details
The activities of middlemen can cause several problems for farmers and consumers. For example, they may reduce the profit margin of farmers by buying produce at low prices and selling them at high prices, which may lead to financial losses for farmers. They may also create an artificial scarcity of produce by hoarding goods and creating a shortage in the market. Additionally, they may inflate prices by charging high fees for their services or manipulating the market to their advantage. However, middlemen do not directly cause inadequate storage facilities, which is typically the responsibility of the government or other entities. Therefore, inadequate storage facilities would not be a problem caused by the activities of middlemen.
Question 35 Report
Which of the following factors usually affects the colour of egg yolk?
Answer Details
The factor that usually affects the colour of egg yolk is the type of feed given to the laying hen. The colour of the yolk is determined by the pigments, primarily xanthophylls, that the hen ingests and deposits into the yolk as it is formed. Hens that are fed with diets rich in xanthophylls, such as corn or alfalfa, tend to produce yolks with a darker, more orange-yellow colour. On the other hand, hens that are fed with diets low in xanthophylls, such as wheat or barley, tend to produce yolks with a lighter, more yellowish colour. Other factors, such as age of the hen or type of housing, may indirectly affect the colour of the yolk by influencing the type of feed given to the hen, but they do not directly affect the colour of the yolk. The colour of the cock, however, has no effect on the colour of the yolk.
Question 36 Report
An example of grain legume is
Answer Details
Grain legumes are a group of crops that are grown for their edible seeds, which are high in protein and other nutrients. Legumes are also important because they can fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, which helps to improve soil fertility. Out of the given options, pigeon is an example of a grain legume. Pigeon pea, also known as red gram, is a widely cultivated legume crop that is grown in many parts of the world, particularly in South Asia and East Africa. The seeds of pigeon pea are a rich source of protein, and the crop is also used as a forage for livestock. Maize, sorghum, and millet are not examples of grain legumes. Maize and sorghum are both cereal crops that are grown for their edible grains, while millet is a small-seeded grass that is grown as a cereal crop in many parts of the world. While these crops are important sources of food and feed, they are not classified as grain legumes.
Question 37 Report
Cassava is mainly propagated by
Answer Details
Cassava is mainly propagated by cuttings. Cuttings are stem pieces from a mature cassava plant, which are planted in soil to grow into new cassava plants. This method of propagation is preferred because cassava does not produce true seeds or they take a very long time to mature, and cuttings can be taken from a healthy and productive mother plant to ensure the genetic quality of the new plants. Additionally, cuttings are easy to handle, transport, and plant, and they can rapidly produce new plants that are ready for harvest in 8 to 18 months.
Question 40 Report
Sexing in animal production is the process of
Answer Details
Sexing in animal production is the process of separating the male animals from the female animals. This is done to facilitate selective breeding, as it allows farmers and animal breeders to control the reproduction of their livestock. By separating male and female animals, breeders can ensure that only the desired individuals mate and produce offspring with desirable traits. This helps to improve the quality and productivity of the herd or flock, as well as maintaining the health of the animals.
Question 41 Report
Which of the following activities does not clearly describe the art of mechanization?
Answer Details
Mechanization refers to the use of machines and equipment to carry out agricultural activities in a more efficient and productive manner. The use of machines and equipment can help to increase yields, reduce labor costs, and improve overall efficiency. Out of the given options, clearing land with a cutlass does not clearly describe the art of mechanization. Clearing land with a cutlass is a manual process that involves using a handheld tool to remove vegetation and other obstacles. While it is a common method of land preparation in some parts of the world, it is not a mechanized process. In contrast, using milking machines on dairy animals, harvesting maize with a harvester, and using a tractor to apply herbicides are all examples of mechanized processes. Using milking machines can help to speed up the milking process and reduce labor costs, while using a harvester to harvest maize can help to increase yields and reduce the amount of manual labor required. Using a tractor to apply herbicides can help to ensure that herbicides are applied evenly and efficiently, and can help to reduce the amount of herbicide required.
Question 42 Report
Moths,aphids and mealy bugs cause damage to crops by their
Answer Details
Moths, aphids, and mealy bugs cause damage to crops by their piercing and sucking activities. These pests use their mouthparts to pierce the plant tissues and suck the sap or plant juices out of the plant. This can cause damage to the plant's structure, affect its growth and development, and even lead to the plant's death. Additionally, these pests can also transmit diseases to the plant while feeding. Therefore, it is important to control these pests to prevent damage to crops and ensure optimal plant growth and development.
Question 44 Report
A soil with low pH value can be improved by the addition of
Answer Details
The addition of calcium carbonate can improve a soil with a low pH value. Soil pH is a measure of the soil's acidity or alkalinity, with a pH of 7 being neutral, below 7 acidic, and above 7 alkaline. Calcium carbonate is an alkaline substance that reacts with soil acidity, raising the pH level towards a more neutral or alkaline range. By adding calcium carbonate to the soil, the soil becomes less acidic, which can help plants grow better because most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Additionally, the calcium in calcium carbonate can improve soil structure, making it easier for plant roots to penetrate and access water and nutrients.
Question 45 Report
The cat of giving birth in farm animals is called
Answer Details
The correct term used to describe the process of giving birth in farm animals is "parturition". This process refers to the act of delivering young offspring, such as calves, lambs, piglets, or chicks, from the mother's uterus to the outside world. During parturition, the muscles of the uterus contract and push the fetus through the birth canal until it is born. It is an essential stage in the reproductive cycle of farm animals and is carefully monitored by farmers and veterinarians to ensure the health of both the mother and offspring.
Question 47 Report
The process of stopping a young animal from milk and placing it under hand feeding is
Answer Details
Question 48 Report
Which of the following classes of nutrients is used mainly for energy production in farm animals?
Answer Details
The class of nutrients that is used mainly for energy production in farm animals is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose which is then used by the animal's body for energy production. Proteins, vitamins, and minerals have other important functions in the animal's body, such as building tissues, regulating metabolic processes, and maintaining good health, but they are not primarily used for energy production.
Question 49 Report
Nitrogen may be lost from the soil through the following processes except
Answer Details
Nitrogen may be lost from the soil through crop removal, soil erosion, and leaching, but not through irrigation. Crop removal occurs when plants absorb nitrogen from the soil and are harvested, taking the nitrogen with them. Soil erosion can lead to the loss of topsoil, which contains organic matter and nitrogen. Leaching occurs when excess water moves through the soil, carrying nitrogen with it and depositing it in groundwater or surface water. However, irrigation is the process of adding water to the soil, which does not remove or add nitrogen to the soil. Therefore, nitrogen is not lost from the soil through irrigation.
Question 50 Report
The role of government in promoting agricultural development includes the following except
Answer Details
The role of government in promoting agricultural development is significant. It includes formulating policies, providing rural infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply, establishing and funding research centers, and breeding plants and animals to increase productivity. However, one of the options provided is not a role of the government in promoting agricultural development. Breeding of plants and animals is not a role of the government but rather a responsibility of agricultural research institutions and individual farmers. Hence, the correct answer is "breeding of plant and animals."
Question 51 Report
Which of the following is an advantage of communal land tenure system?
Answer Details
An advantage of the communal land tenure system is that each member of the community can own land. In communal land systems, land is owned by the community as a whole, rather than by individuals. This allows for a more equitable distribution of land, as each member of the community has access to land for their own use. This can be especially important in areas where land is scarce or where traditional cultural practices emphasize communal land ownership. Additionally, communal land tenure systems can also foster a sense of community and cooperation, as members work together to manage and care for the land. This can lead to the sharing of knowledge and resources, and can encourage sustainable land management practices. However, communal land tenure systems may also have disadvantages, such as a lack of incentive for individual investment in land and potential conflicts over land use and management.
Question 52 Report
The resulting calf from crossing white fulani with a muturu cow is a
Answer Details
Question 53 Report
Which of the following is not a function of forestry?
Answer Details
Forestry is the science and practice of managing forests, including the maintenance and preservation of forested areas. It involves a wide range of activities, including timber harvesting, reforestation, and wildlife management. Out of the given options, the establishment of pasture is not typically considered a function of forestry. While some forestry practices may involve the removal of trees to create open areas for grazing, the primary focus of forestry is on the management and preservation of forested areas, rather than on pasture establishment. Forestry plays an important role in providing timber for building, as well as in the preservation of medicinal and economic trees. It also provides shelter and habitat for wildlife, as well as numerous other ecological benefits, such as carbon sequestration and soil conservation.
Question 54 Report
Which of the following parts is common to both the disc and mouldboard plough?
Question 55 Report
Primary tillage equipment performs the following functions except
Answer Details
Primary tillage equipment performs several functions in preparing the soil for planting, including turning over and inverting the topsoil, burying weeds and trash, and preparing the soil for secondary tillage. However, it is not primarily responsible for preparing ridges for planting. This is the job of secondary tillage equipment, such as bed shapers or furrowers. Primary tillage equipment is used to break up hard-packed soil, loosen compacted soil, and create a suitable seedbed for planting. It is typically heavier and more powerful than secondary tillage equipment and is used less frequently, usually only once a year or every few years, depending on the soil type and cropping system.
Question 58 Report
Discuss each of rinderpest and Newcastle diseases under the following headings (i0 host organism (2 marks) (ii) Casual organsim (2 marks) (iii) Mode of transmission (4 marks) (iv) Symptoms (4 marks) (v) Control (4 marks)
Rinderpest and Newcastle disease
| Heading | Rinderpest | Newcastle disease |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Host organism | Cattle (and other ruminants such as sheep and goats) | Poultry (fowls, especially chickens and turkeys) |
| (ii) Causal organism | A virus (rinderpest virus) | A virus (Newcastle disease virus) |
| (iii) Mode of transmission | Direct contact with infected animals; through contaminated feed, water, saliva, faeces, urine and nasal/eye discharges | Direct contact with infected birds; through contaminated feed, water, droppings, air-borne droplets, equipment and handlers |
| (iv) Symptoms | High fever, loss of appetite, watery discharge from eyes and nose, ulcers in the mouth, severe (blood-stained) diarrhoea, dehydration, emaciation and death | Difficult breathing, gasping and coughing, greenish watery diarrhoea, twisting of the neck (torticollis), paralysis of legs and wings, drop in egg production and death |
| (v) Control | Vaccination of healthy stock, quarantine of new/infected animals, slaughter of infected animals, good hygiene and sanitation | Vaccination of birds, isolation of sick birds, proper sanitation and disinfection, and destruction/burial of dead birds |
Answer Details
Rinderpest and Newcastle disease
| Heading | Rinderpest | Newcastle disease |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Host organism | Cattle (and other ruminants such as sheep and goats) | Poultry (fowls, especially chickens and turkeys) |
| (ii) Causal organism | A virus (rinderpest virus) | A virus (Newcastle disease virus) |
| (iii) Mode of transmission | Direct contact with infected animals; through contaminated feed, water, saliva, faeces, urine and nasal/eye discharges | Direct contact with infected birds; through contaminated feed, water, droppings, air-borne droplets, equipment and handlers |
| (iv) Symptoms | High fever, loss of appetite, watery discharge from eyes and nose, ulcers in the mouth, severe (blood-stained) diarrhoea, dehydration, emaciation and death | Difficult breathing, gasping and coughing, greenish watery diarrhoea, twisting of the neck (torticollis), paralysis of legs and wings, drop in egg production and death |
| (v) Control | Vaccination of healthy stock, quarantine of new/infected animals, slaughter of infected animals, good hygiene and sanitation | Vaccination of birds, isolation of sick birds, proper sanitation and disinfection, and destruction/burial of dead birds |
Question 59 Report
(a) Mention four factors that should be considered when siting a fish pond. [4 marks] (b) Explain six ways of maintaining a fish pond. [12 marks] Discuss each of rinderpest and Newcastle diseases under the following headings: (i) host organism; [2 marks] (ii) causal organism; [2 marks] (iii) mode of transmission; [4 marks] (iv) symptoms; [4 marks] (v) control [4 marks]
(a) Four factors to consider when siting a fish pond
- Adequate and reliable source of clean water.
- Suitable soil that can hold water (clayey/loamy soil with good water retention).
- Gentle slope of the land to allow easy filling and draining of the pond.
- Nearness to market, road and source of feed, and freedom from flooding or pollution.
(b) Six ways of maintaining a fish pond
- Regular feeding: supply supplementary feed at correct times and amounts for good growth.
- Liming and fertilising: apply lime to correct acidity and fertiliser/manure to promote natural food (plankton).
- Control of water level and quality: maintain the correct depth and change or aerate water to keep oxygen adequate.
- Removal of predators and weeds: clear aquatic weeds and eliminate snakes, birds and predatory fish.
- Control of pests and diseases: observe the fish regularly and treat or isolate diseased stock.
- Repair of pond structures: check and mend the dykes, inlets, outlets and screens to prevent leakage and escape of fish.
Rinderpest and Newcastle disease
| Heading | Rinderpest | Newcastle disease |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Host organism | Cattle (and other ruminants such as sheep and goats) | Poultry (fowls, especially chickens and turkeys) |
| (ii) Causal organism | A virus (rinderpest virus) | A virus (Newcastle disease virus) |
| (iii) Mode of transmission | Direct contact with infected animals; through contaminated feed, water, saliva, faeces and discharges | Direct contact with infected birds; through contaminated feed, water, droppings, droplets and equipment |
| (iv) Symptoms | High fever, loss of appetite, discharge from eyes and nose, mouth ulcers, severe diarrhoea, dehydration and death | Difficult breathing, gasping, coughing, greenish diarrhoea, twisting of the neck (torticollis), paralysis, drop in egg laying and death |
| (v) Control | Vaccination, quarantine of new/infected stock, slaughter of infected animals, good sanitation | Vaccination, isolation of sick birds, proper sanitation and disinfection, destruction of dead birds |
Answer Details
(a) Four factors to consider when siting a fish pond
- Adequate and reliable source of clean water.
- Suitable soil that can hold water (clayey/loamy soil with good water retention).
- Gentle slope of the land to allow easy filling and draining of the pond.
- Nearness to market, road and source of feed, and freedom from flooding or pollution.
(b) Six ways of maintaining a fish pond
- Regular feeding: supply supplementary feed at correct times and amounts for good growth.
- Liming and fertilising: apply lime to correct acidity and fertiliser/manure to promote natural food (plankton).
- Control of water level and quality: maintain the correct depth and change or aerate water to keep oxygen adequate.
- Removal of predators and weeds: clear aquatic weeds and eliminate snakes, birds and predatory fish.
- Control of pests and diseases: observe the fish regularly and treat or isolate diseased stock.
- Repair of pond structures: check and mend the dykes, inlets, outlets and screens to prevent leakage and escape of fish.
Rinderpest and Newcastle disease
| Heading | Rinderpest | Newcastle disease |
|---|---|---|
| (i) Host organism | Cattle (and other ruminants such as sheep and goats) | Poultry (fowls, especially chickens and turkeys) |
| (ii) Causal organism | A virus (rinderpest virus) | A virus (Newcastle disease virus) |
| (iii) Mode of transmission | Direct contact with infected animals; through contaminated feed, water, saliva, faeces and discharges | Direct contact with infected birds; through contaminated feed, water, droppings, droplets and equipment |
| (iv) Symptoms | High fever, loss of appetite, discharge from eyes and nose, mouth ulcers, severe diarrhoea, dehydration and death | Difficult breathing, gasping, coughing, greenish diarrhoea, twisting of the neck (torticollis), paralysis, drop in egg laying and death |
| (v) Control | Vaccination, quarantine of new/infected stock, slaughter of infected animals, good sanitation | Vaccination, isolation of sick birds, proper sanitation and disinfection, destruction of dead birds |
Question 60 Report
(a) What is land? [1 mark] (b) Mention six uses of land [6 marks] (c) State four ways through which an agricultural land may appreciate in value [4 marks] (d) State five benefits derived from soil organisms in agriculture [5 marks]
(a) What is land?
Land is the natural, immovable portion of the earth's surface, together with all the free gifts of nature on and beneath it (soil, water, minerals, vegetation and air), which man uses for agricultural and other productive purposes.
(b) Six uses of land
- Cultivation of crops (arable and plantation farming).
- Rearing of livestock and establishment of pastures.
- Construction of farm buildings, houses and roads.
- Forestry and establishment of plantations.
- Fish farming and construction of dams or reservoirs.
- Mining and quarrying of minerals.
(c) Four ways an agricultural land may appreciate in value
- Construction of good access roads and provision of infrastructure near the land.
- Improvement of soil fertility through manuring, liming and good management.
- Provision of irrigation, drainage or water supply on the land.
- Development of the land with buildings, fencing and permanent tree crops, or increased demand as the population around it grows.
(d) Five benefits derived from soil organisms in agriculture
- They decompose organic matter and release nutrients into the soil.
- They aid in the formation of humus, improving soil structure and fertility.
- Some (for example Rhizobium) fix atmospheric nitrogen for plant use.
- They improve soil aeration and drainage by burrowing and mixing the soil.
- They help in nutrient cycling and in breaking down toxic substances, keeping the soil healthy.
Answer Details
(a) What is land?
Land is the natural, immovable portion of the earth's surface, together with all the free gifts of nature on and beneath it (soil, water, minerals, vegetation and air), which man uses for agricultural and other productive purposes.
(b) Six uses of land
- Cultivation of crops (arable and plantation farming).
- Rearing of livestock and establishment of pastures.
- Construction of farm buildings, houses and roads.
- Forestry and establishment of plantations.
- Fish farming and construction of dams or reservoirs.
- Mining and quarrying of minerals.
(c) Four ways an agricultural land may appreciate in value
- Construction of good access roads and provision of infrastructure near the land.
- Improvement of soil fertility through manuring, liming and good management.
- Provision of irrigation, drainage or water supply on the land.
- Development of the land with buildings, fencing and permanent tree crops, or increased demand as the population around it grows.
(d) Five benefits derived from soil organisms in agriculture
- They decompose organic matter and release nutrients into the soil.
- They aid in the formation of humus, improving soil structure and fertility.
- Some (for example Rhizobium) fix atmospheric nitrogen for plant use.
- They improve soil aeration and drainage by burrowing and mixing the soil.
- They help in nutrient cycling and in breaking down toxic substances, keeping the soil healthy.
Question 61 Report
(a) List four marketing agents [2 marks]
(b) State (i) four characteristic features and (ii) four advantages of co-operative societies in agriculture [8 marks]
(c)(i) Give three merits of individual contact in extension method [3 marks] (ii) List three Agricultural Extension Programmes in your country. [3 marks]
(a) Four marketing agents
- Wholesalers
- Retailers
- Commission agents/brokers
- Middlemen (assemblers)
(b)(i) Four characteristic features of co-operative societies
- Voluntary and open membership.
- Democratic control (one member, one vote).
- Members contribute capital through shares and share profits/dividends.
- Formed to promote the common economic interest of members, with limited interest on capital.
(b)(ii) Four advantages of co-operative societies in agriculture
- They provide credit/loans to members at low interest.
- They enable members to buy farm inputs in bulk at cheaper rates.
- They provide a better and larger market for members' produce, ensuring fair prices.
- They give members access to storage, processing facilities and useful farming information.
(c)(i) Three merits of individual (personal) contact in extension method
- It allows the farmer's specific problems to be identified and solved directly.
- It builds trust and a good relationship between the farmer and the extension agent.
- It is effective in persuading the farmer to adopt new practices.
(c)(ii) Three Agricultural Extension Programmes (in Nigeria)
- Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs).
- National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS).
- Training and Visit (T&V) extension system (and Farmer Field Schools).
Answer Details
(a) Four marketing agents
- Wholesalers
- Retailers
- Commission agents/brokers
- Middlemen (assemblers)
(b)(i) Four characteristic features of co-operative societies
- Voluntary and open membership.
- Democratic control (one member, one vote).
- Members contribute capital through shares and share profits/dividends.
- Formed to promote the common economic interest of members, with limited interest on capital.
(b)(ii) Four advantages of co-operative societies in agriculture
- They provide credit/loans to members at low interest.
- They enable members to buy farm inputs in bulk at cheaper rates.
- They provide a better and larger market for members' produce, ensuring fair prices.
- They give members access to storage, processing facilities and useful farming information.
(c)(i) Three merits of individual (personal) contact in extension method
- It allows the farmer's specific problems to be identified and solved directly.
- It builds trust and a good relationship between the farmer and the extension agent.
- It is effective in persuading the farmer to adopt new practices.
(c)(ii) Three Agricultural Extension Programmes (in Nigeria)
- Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs).
- National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS).
- Training and Visit (T&V) extension system (and Farmer Field Schools).
Question 62 Report
(a) List six sources of farm power [3 marks] (b) Explain how five of the sources of farm power listed in 2(a) are utilised on the farm. [5 marks] (c) Give two disadvantages each, of any four sources of farm power listed in 2(a). [8 marks]
(a) Six sources of farm power
- Human (manual) power
- Animal (draught) power
- Mechanical power (tractors, engines, machines)
- Electrical power
- Wind power
- Solar power (and water power is also acceptable)
(b) How five of the sources are utilised on the farm
- Human power: supplies the muscular energy used for operations such as clearing, hoeing, planting, weeding, harvesting and carrying loads with simple hand tools.
- Animal power: draught animals such as oxen, horses and donkeys are yoked to ploughs, harrows and carts to till the soil and to transport farm produce.
- Mechanical power: tractors and engines drive ploughs, harrows, planters, sprayers, harvesters and pumping machines, doing heavy field work quickly.
- Electrical power: runs pumping machines for irrigation, lighting in poultry houses, incubators, grinding and processing machines and refrigeration for storing produce.
- Solar power: provides heat for drying grains and crops, warms brooding houses and, through solar panels, generates electricity for farm use.
(c) Two disadvantages each of any four sources
| Source | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Human power | (i) Generates very little power, so work is slow. (ii) Cannot cover large areas and tires quickly. |
| Animal power | (i) Animals fall sick, tire and cannot work all day. (ii) Cannot work on rocky or heavy soils and need feeding and care. |
| Mechanical power | (i) High cost of purchase, fuel and maintenance. (ii) Requires skilled operators and causes soil compaction. |
| Wind power | (i) Unreliable because it depends on the presence of wind. (ii) Equipment is costly to install and only supplies small power. |
Answer Details
(a) Six sources of farm power
- Human (manual) power
- Animal (draught) power
- Mechanical power (tractors, engines, machines)
- Electrical power
- Wind power
- Solar power (and water power is also acceptable)
(b) How five of the sources are utilised on the farm
- Human power: supplies the muscular energy used for operations such as clearing, hoeing, planting, weeding, harvesting and carrying loads with simple hand tools.
- Animal power: draught animals such as oxen, horses and donkeys are yoked to ploughs, harrows and carts to till the soil and to transport farm produce.
- Mechanical power: tractors and engines drive ploughs, harrows, planters, sprayers, harvesters and pumping machines, doing heavy field work quickly.
- Electrical power: runs pumping machines for irrigation, lighting in poultry houses, incubators, grinding and processing machines and refrigeration for storing produce.
- Solar power: provides heat for drying grains and crops, warms brooding houses and, through solar panels, generates electricity for farm use.
(c) Two disadvantages each of any four sources
| Source | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Human power | (i) Generates very little power, so work is slow. (ii) Cannot cover large areas and tires quickly. |
| Animal power | (i) Animals fall sick, tire and cannot work all day. (ii) Cannot work on rocky or heavy soils and need feeding and care. |
| Mechanical power | (i) High cost of purchase, fuel and maintenance. (ii) Requires skilled operators and causes soil compaction. |
| Wind power | (i) Unreliable because it depends on the presence of wind. (ii) Equipment is costly to install and only supplies small power. |
Question 63 Report
(a) Outline the life cycle of the bean beetle [6 marks] (b)(i) Describe briefly four damages done by cotton stainer to cotton plants on the field. [6 marks] (ii) Name four alternate hosts of cotton stainer [4 marks]
(a) Life cycle of the bean beetle (bean weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus)
- The adult female lays her eggs on the surface of the bean seeds, either on the field or in store.
- Each egg hatches into a larva (grub).
- The larva bores into the bean seed and feeds on the cotyledons inside.
- Within the seed the larva grows and then changes into a pupa.
- The pupa develops into an adult beetle.
- The adult bores its way out of the seed, mates and the female lays eggs again, so the cycle repeats. (Egg to adult in about three to four weeks.)
(b)(i) Four damages done by cotton stainer to cotton plants on the field
- It pierces and sucks sap from the bolls, buds and young shoots, weakening the plant.
- It stains the cotton lint yellow or brown, lowering its quality and market value.
- It introduces fungi and bacteria into the bolls, causing internal boll rot.
- It causes premature dropping of buds and immature bolls, reducing yield.
(b)(ii) Four alternate hosts of cotton stainer
- Okra
- Hibiscus (roselle/soborodo)
- Baobab
- Kola (and other Malvaceae plants)
Answer Details
(a) Life cycle of the bean beetle (bean weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus)
- The adult female lays her eggs on the surface of the bean seeds, either on the field or in store.
- Each egg hatches into a larva (grub).
- The larva bores into the bean seed and feeds on the cotyledons inside.
- Within the seed the larva grows and then changes into a pupa.
- The pupa develops into an adult beetle.
- The adult bores its way out of the seed, mates and the female lays eggs again, so the cycle repeats. (Egg to adult in about three to four weeks.)
(b)(i) Four damages done by cotton stainer to cotton plants on the field
- It pierces and sucks sap from the bolls, buds and young shoots, weakening the plant.
- It stains the cotton lint yellow or brown, lowering its quality and market value.
- It introduces fungi and bacteria into the bolls, causing internal boll rot.
- It causes premature dropping of buds and immature bolls, reducing yield.
(b)(ii) Four alternate hosts of cotton stainer
- Okra
- Hibiscus (roselle/soborodo)
- Baobab
- Kola (and other Malvaceae plants)
Question 64 Report
The plan below represents the survey of a school farm.
Use it to answer Questions (a) and (b).
(a) Calculate the area of the land in hectares [4 marks] 70m
(b) If the school plans to cultivate plantain at a spacing of 4m x 4m on 80% of the land and pineapple at a spacing of 2m x 2.5m on 20% of the land, calculate the number of plantain and pineapple planting materials that would be required for the farm. [12 marks]
Reading the plan. The farm is a trapezium with the two parallel boundaries measuring 70 m (top, BC) and 90 m (bottom, AD), and the perpendicular distance between them AB = 45 m.
(a) Area of the land in hectares
\[ \text{Area} = \tfrac{1}{2}(BC + AD)\times AB = \tfrac{1}{2}(70 + 90)\times 45 \] \[ = \tfrac{1}{2}\times 160 \times 45 = 80 \times 45 = 3600\ \text{m}^2 \]Converting to hectares, using \(1\ \text{hectare} = 10\,000\ \text{m}^2\):
\[ \text{Area} = \frac{3600}{10\,000} = 0.36\ \text{hectares} \](b) Number of planting materials required
Step 1: Share the land between the crops.
\[ \text{Plantain area} = \frac{80}{100}\times 3600 = 2880\ \text{m}^2 \] \[ \text{Pineapple area} = \frac{20}{100}\times 3600 = 720\ \text{m}^2 \]Step 2: Ground area occupied by one plant.
\[ \text{Plantain: } 4\ \text{m} \times 4\ \text{m} = 16\ \text{m}^2 \] \[ \text{Pineapple: } 2\ \text{m} \times 2.5\ \text{m} = 5\ \text{m}^2 \]Step 3: Number of plants = crop area ÷ area per plant.
\[ \text{Plantain} = \frac{2880}{16} = 180\ \text{stands} \] \[ \text{Pineapple} = \frac{720}{5} = 144\ \text{stands} \]| Crop | Area (m2) | Spacing | m2 per plant | Plants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plantain | 2880 | 4 m x 4 m | 16 | 180 |
| Pineapple | 720 | 2 m x 2.5 m | 5 | 144 |
The farm requires 180 plantain suckers and 144 pineapple suckers.
Answer Details
Reading the plan. The farm is a trapezium with the two parallel boundaries measuring 70 m (top, BC) and 90 m (bottom, AD), and the perpendicular distance between them AB = 45 m.
(a) Area of the land in hectares
\[ \text{Area} = \tfrac{1}{2}(BC + AD)\times AB = \tfrac{1}{2}(70 + 90)\times 45 \] \[ = \tfrac{1}{2}\times 160 \times 45 = 80 \times 45 = 3600\ \text{m}^2 \]Converting to hectares, using \(1\ \text{hectare} = 10\,000\ \text{m}^2\):
\[ \text{Area} = \frac{3600}{10\,000} = 0.36\ \text{hectares} \](b) Number of planting materials required
Step 1: Share the land between the crops.
\[ \text{Plantain area} = \frac{80}{100}\times 3600 = 2880\ \text{m}^2 \] \[ \text{Pineapple area} = \frac{20}{100}\times 3600 = 720\ \text{m}^2 \]Step 2: Ground area occupied by one plant.
\[ \text{Plantain: } 4\ \text{m} \times 4\ \text{m} = 16\ \text{m}^2 \] \[ \text{Pineapple: } 2\ \text{m} \times 2.5\ \text{m} = 5\ \text{m}^2 \]Step 3: Number of plants = crop area ÷ area per plant.
\[ \text{Plantain} = \frac{2880}{16} = 180\ \text{stands} \] \[ \text{Pineapple} = \frac{720}{5} = 144\ \text{stands} \]| Crop | Area (m2) | Spacing | m2 per plant | Plants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plantain | 2880 | 4 m x 4 m | 16 | 180 |
| Pineapple | 720 | 2 m x 2.5 m | 5 | 144 |
The farm requires 180 plantain suckers and 144 pineapple suckers.
Question 65 Report
a) Name and explain three factors of production in agriculture [12 marks] (b) Mention four functions of a farm manager [4 marks]
(a) Three factors of production in agriculture
- Land: the natural resource on which farming takes place. It provides the soil, water and space for crops and livestock, and its reward is rent. Its supply is fixed and its quality varies from place to place.
- Labour: the human effort, both physical and mental, applied to production, such as clearing, planting, weeding and management. Its reward is wages/salary. Labour may be skilled or unskilled, family or hired.
- Capital: all man-made assets used to aid production, such as tools, machines, farm buildings, seeds, fertilisers and money. Its reward is interest. Capital increases the efficiency and output of the farm.
(A fourth factor, management (entrepreneur), which organises the other three and whose reward is profit, is also accepted.)
(b) Four functions of a farm manager
- Planning the farm operations and deciding what, when and how to produce.
- Organising and coordinating the land, labour and capital of the farm.
- Directing and supervising farm workers and operations.
- Keeping farm records and marketing the farm produce (and controlling finances).
Answer Details
(a) Three factors of production in agriculture
- Land: the natural resource on which farming takes place. It provides the soil, water and space for crops and livestock, and its reward is rent. Its supply is fixed and its quality varies from place to place.
- Labour: the human effort, both physical and mental, applied to production, such as clearing, planting, weeding and management. Its reward is wages/salary. Labour may be skilled or unskilled, family or hired.
- Capital: all man-made assets used to aid production, such as tools, machines, farm buildings, seeds, fertilisers and money. Its reward is interest. Capital increases the efficiency and output of the farm.
(A fourth factor, management (entrepreneur), which organises the other three and whose reward is profit, is also accepted.)
(b) Four functions of a farm manager
- Planning the farm operations and deciding what, when and how to produce.
- Organising and coordinating the land, labour and capital of the farm.
- Directing and supervising farm workers and operations.
- Keeping farm records and marketing the farm produce (and controlling finances).
Question 66 Report
(a) Mention three ways each of the following affect agrocultural development (i) poor tools and implements (ii) poor storage facilities (6 marks)
(b) Suggest one solution to the problem of poor tools and implements (1 mark)
(c) State three objectives each of (i) Land Use Act (ii) Quarantine programme (iii) government agricultural loan and subside schemes [9 marks]
(a) Three ways each factor affects agricultural development
(i) Poor tools and implements
- They lower productivity because only small areas can be cultivated with crude hand tools.
- They cause drudgery and make farm work slow and tiring, discouraging the youth from farming.
- They lead to poor quality of farm operations and waste of time and energy, keeping output at subsistence level.
(ii) Poor storage facilities
- They cause heavy post-harvest losses through spoilage of produce.
- They expose produce to attack by pests and rodents, reducing quality.
- They force farmers into distress sales at low prices soon after harvest, reducing income and causing food scarcity later.
(b) One solution to the problem of poor tools and implements
Provide improved and modern farm machinery and implements to farmers at subsidized prices (mechanization), supported by training and credit facilities.
(c) Three objectives each
(i) Land Use Act
- To make land easily available and accessible for agricultural and other development.
- To ensure fair and equitable distribution of land among citizens.
- To control land speculation and reduce land disputes and litigation.
(ii) Quarantine programme
- To prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases from one place to another.
- To inspect and certify imported and exported plants and animals.
- To isolate, treat or destroy infected plants and animals so as to protect local agriculture.
(iii) Government agricultural loan and subsidy schemes
- To provide farmers with credit and finance for production.
- To reduce the cost of farm inputs through subsidy so that more farmers can afford them.
- To encourage increased production, mechanization and the entry of new farmers into agriculture.
Answer Details
(a) Three ways each factor affects agricultural development
(i) Poor tools and implements
- They lower productivity because only small areas can be cultivated with crude hand tools.
- They cause drudgery and make farm work slow and tiring, discouraging the youth from farming.
- They lead to poor quality of farm operations and waste of time and energy, keeping output at subsistence level.
(ii) Poor storage facilities
- They cause heavy post-harvest losses through spoilage of produce.
- They expose produce to attack by pests and rodents, reducing quality.
- They force farmers into distress sales at low prices soon after harvest, reducing income and causing food scarcity later.
(b) One solution to the problem of poor tools and implements
Provide improved and modern farm machinery and implements to farmers at subsidized prices (mechanization), supported by training and credit facilities.
(c) Three objectives each
(i) Land Use Act
- To make land easily available and accessible for agricultural and other development.
- To ensure fair and equitable distribution of land among citizens.
- To control land speculation and reduce land disputes and litigation.
(ii) Quarantine programme
- To prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases from one place to another.
- To inspect and certify imported and exported plants and animals.
- To isolate, treat or destroy infected plants and animals so as to protect local agriculture.
(iii) Government agricultural loan and subsidy schemes
- To provide farmers with credit and finance for production.
- To reduce the cost of farm inputs through subsidy so that more farmers can afford them.
- To encourage increased production, mechanization and the entry of new farmers into agriculture.
Question 67 Report
(a) State four functions of each of the following macro-nutrients in plant nutrition: (i) nitrogen; (ii) phosphorus; (iii) potassium. [12 marks] (b) List four factors that affect the availability of nutrients to crops. [4 marks]
(a) Four functions of each macro-nutrient in plant nutrition
(i) Nitrogen
- Promotes vegetative growth and the development of leaves and stems.
- Forms an essential part of proteins, enzymes and protoplasm.
- Is a constituent of chlorophyll, giving leaves their green colour.
- Improves the quality and yield of leafy crops.
(ii) Phosphorus
- Promotes healthy root development and establishment of seedlings.
- Aids flowering, fruiting and seed formation, hastening crop maturity.
- Is involved in energy transfer within the plant (as part of ATP).
- Strengthens the plant and improves resistance to disease and lodging.
(iii) Potassium
- Strengthens stems and straw, reducing lodging.
- Aids the formation, movement and storage of carbohydrates and sugars.
- Improves resistance to diseases and to drought.
- Regulates the opening and closing of stomata and the water balance of the plant.
(b) Four factors that affect the availability of nutrients to crops
- Soil pH (acidity or alkalinity).
- Soil moisture content.
- Soil temperature.
- Presence of soil organic matter and micro-organisms (and soil texture/aeration).
Answer Details
(a) Four functions of each macro-nutrient in plant nutrition
(i) Nitrogen
- Promotes vegetative growth and the development of leaves and stems.
- Forms an essential part of proteins, enzymes and protoplasm.
- Is a constituent of chlorophyll, giving leaves their green colour.
- Improves the quality and yield of leafy crops.
(ii) Phosphorus
- Promotes healthy root development and establishment of seedlings.
- Aids flowering, fruiting and seed formation, hastening crop maturity.
- Is involved in energy transfer within the plant (as part of ATP).
- Strengthens the plant and improves resistance to disease and lodging.
(iii) Potassium
- Strengthens stems and straw, reducing lodging.
- Aids the formation, movement and storage of carbohydrates and sugars.
- Improves resistance to diseases and to drought.
- Regulates the opening and closing of stomata and the water balance of the plant.
(b) Four factors that affect the availability of nutrients to crops
- Soil pH (acidity or alkalinity).
- Soil moisture content.
- Soil temperature.
- Presence of soil organic matter and micro-organisms (and soil texture/aeration).
