WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2019 (Practical)

(a) Main food nutrients

• Specimen Q (bone meal): the main nutrient is minerals (mainly calcium and phosphorus).
• Specimen S (catfish): the two main nutrients are protein and fat (oil).

(b) Three functions of each of the two nutrients from Specimen S

Protein

1. For growth and building of body tissues.
2. For repair of worn-out tissues.
3. For forming enzymes, hormones and antibodies, and for production (milk, eggs, meat).

Fat (oil)

1. It is a concentrated source of energy and heat.
2. It stores energy in the body and provides essential fatty acids.
3. It carries the fat-soluble vitamins and insulates and protects body organs.

(c) Three farm animals from which bone meal (Q) could be obtained

1. Cattle
2. Goat
3. Sheep

(d) Three disadvantages of using blood meal (P) in compounding livestock feed

1. It is unpalatable, so animals may reject feed containing much of it.
2. It has a poor amino-acid balance (deficient in some essential amino acids).
3. It spoils easily and may harbour or transmit disease-causing organisms.

(a) Observations from the experiment

(b) Two crops that can be grown on Specimen H (sandy soil)

1. Groundnut
2. Cassava

(c)(i) Specimen preferred for maize production

Specimen G (loamy soil).

(c)(ii) Three reasons

1. It is rich in plant nutrients and organic matter.
2. It has good water-holding capacity yet drains well.
3. It is well aerated and has a good structure for easy root penetration.

(d) Three ways Specimen I (earthworm) is of economic importance

1. Its burrowing improves the aeration and drainage of the soil.
2. Its casts are rich in nutrients and improve soil fertility.
3. It helps to decompose organic matter into humus and mixes the soil layers.

(a) Three uses of each tool

Specimen A (rake)

1. For gathering leaves, grasses and refuse on the farm.
2. For levelling the seedbed after ploughing.
3. For covering broadcast seeds lightly with soil.

Specimen C (shovel)

1. For digging and lifting soil.
2. For loading and moving sand, soil or manure.
3. For mixing concrete or compost.

Specimen D (cutlass)

1. For clearing bush and weeds.
2. For harvesting crops such as maize and sugar cane.
3. For making ridges and heaps and for cutting stakes.

(b) Description of Specimen E (wheelbarrow)

A wheelbarrow is a one-wheeled, hand-pushed conveyance made up of a metal tray or basin mounted on a frame, with a single wheel in front, two handles at the back for pushing, and a pair of short legs (stands) on which it rests. It is used to convey farm materials such as manure, soil, harvested produce and tools over short distances on the farm.

(c) Three ways of maintaining Specimen E

1. Clean it after every use and keep it in a shed away from rain to prevent rust.
2. Oil or grease the wheel axle so that it moves freely, and inflate or repair the tyre.
3. Tighten loose nuts and bolts and repaint metal parts to prevent rust.

(a) Classification of the specimens into crop groups

(b) Five general cultural practices carried out when growing specimens J, K, L, M, N and O

1. Watering (irrigation).
2. Weeding.
3. Application of manure or fertiliser.
4. Thinning and supplying (filling in of missing stands).
5. Control of pests and diseases (mulching and roguing are also carried out).

(c) Four ways the growing of specimens J, K, L, M, N and O is important to humans

1. They supply vitamins and minerals in the human diet.
2. They provide income for the farmer when sold.
3. They provide raw materials for agro-based/food-processing industries and earn foreign exchange.
4. They provide employment and some serve medicinal purposes.