WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 1996 (Essay)
Question 1 Report
Describe briefly the cultivation of maize under the following headings: (a) land preparation; (b) propagation; (c) planting date; (d) seed rate; (e) spacing; (f) fertilizer requirement; (g) weeding; (h) harvesting; (i) storage
Cultivation of maize
(a) Land preparation
The land is cleared of bush, stumped, ploughed and harrowed to produce a fine, loose seedbed. Ridges or beds may be made where necessary for good drainage.
(b) Propagation
Maize is propagated sexually by seeds (grains). Healthy, viable and certified/improved seeds are used.
(c) Planting date
Maize is planted at the onset of the rains, usually March to April for the early season and August to September for the late season in the forest zone.
(d) Seed rate
About 20 to 25 kg of seed per hectare, sowing two to three seeds per hole and later thinning to one or two plants.
(e) Spacing
A spacing of about 90 cm between rows and 25 to 30 cm within rows (about 90 cm by 25 cm), giving roughly 40,000 to 50,000 plants per hectare.
(f) Fertilizer requirement
Maize is a heavy feeder. Apply a compound fertilizer such as N.P.K. at planting or two to three weeks after planting, followed by a top dressing of a nitrogenous fertilizer (e.g. urea or sulphate of ammonia) about five to six weeks after planting.
(g) Weeding
The farm is kept weed-free by hoeing or by the use of herbicides. Two to three weedings are usually done, with the first about two to three weeks after planting.
(h) Harvesting
Maize is harvested green (fresh) for boiling or roasting about two to three months after planting, or left to dry on the plant and harvested as dry grain after about three to four months.
(i) Storage
The grains are properly dried to a safe moisture content and stored in cribs, silos, jute bags or rhombus. They may be shelled and treated with approved chemicals to protect against weevils, rats and moulds.
Answer Details
Cultivation of maize
(a) Land preparation
The land is cleared of bush, stumped, ploughed and harrowed to produce a fine, loose seedbed. Ridges or beds may be made where necessary for good drainage.
(b) Propagation
Maize is propagated sexually by seeds (grains). Healthy, viable and certified/improved seeds are used.
(c) Planting date
Maize is planted at the onset of the rains, usually March to April for the early season and August to September for the late season in the forest zone.
(d) Seed rate
About 20 to 25 kg of seed per hectare, sowing two to three seeds per hole and later thinning to one or two plants.
(e) Spacing
A spacing of about 90 cm between rows and 25 to 30 cm within rows (about 90 cm by 25 cm), giving roughly 40,000 to 50,000 plants per hectare.
(f) Fertilizer requirement
Maize is a heavy feeder. Apply a compound fertilizer such as N.P.K. at planting or two to three weeks after planting, followed by a top dressing of a nitrogenous fertilizer (e.g. urea or sulphate of ammonia) about five to six weeks after planting.
(g) Weeding
The farm is kept weed-free by hoeing or by the use of herbicides. Two to three weedings are usually done, with the first about two to three weeks after planting.
(h) Harvesting
Maize is harvested green (fresh) for boiling or roasting about two to three months after planting, or left to dry on the plant and harvested as dry grain after about three to four months.
(i) Storage
The grains are properly dried to a safe moisture content and stored in cribs, silos, jute bags or rhombus. They may be shelled and treated with approved chemicals to protect against weevils, rats and moulds.
Question 2 Report
(a) With the aid of an annotated diagram only, illustrate the water cycle. (b) State three forms in which water exists in the soil (c) List five importance of water to crops.
(a) The water cycle (hydrological cycle)
The water cycle is the continuous circulation of water between the earth surface and the atmosphere. The annotated diagram should show the following labelled stages arranged in a cycle:
- Evaporation: heat from the sun turns water from seas, rivers and lakes into water vapour that rises into the atmosphere.
- Transpiration: plants give out water vapour from their leaves into the atmosphere.
- Condensation: the rising water vapour cools and condenses to form clouds.
- Precipitation: the condensed water falls back to the earth as rain, hail or dew.
- Run-off and infiltration: some water flows over the surface into rivers and seas, while some sinks into the soil to become ground water, and the cycle repeats.
(b) Three forms in which water exists in the soil
- Gravitational water (free water that drains away by gravity).
- Capillary water (held around soil particles and available to plants).
- Hygroscopic water (tightly held as a thin film on soil particles, not available to plants).
(c) Five importance of water to crops
- It is needed for seed germination.
- It is a raw material for photosynthesis.
- It dissolves soil nutrients and aids their absorption and transport within the plant.
- It keeps plant cells turgid, maintaining the shape and firmness of the plant.
- It cools the plant through transpiration and regulates temperature.
Answer Details
(a) The water cycle (hydrological cycle)
The water cycle is the continuous circulation of water between the earth surface and the atmosphere. The annotated diagram should show the following labelled stages arranged in a cycle:
- Evaporation: heat from the sun turns water from seas, rivers and lakes into water vapour that rises into the atmosphere.
- Transpiration: plants give out water vapour from their leaves into the atmosphere.
- Condensation: the rising water vapour cools and condenses to form clouds.
- Precipitation: the condensed water falls back to the earth as rain, hail or dew.
- Run-off and infiltration: some water flows over the surface into rivers and seas, while some sinks into the soil to become ground water, and the cycle repeats.
(b) Three forms in which water exists in the soil
- Gravitational water (free water that drains away by gravity).
- Capillary water (held around soil particles and available to plants).
- Hygroscopic water (tightly held as a thin film on soil particles, not available to plants).
(c) Five importance of water to crops
- It is needed for seed germination.
- It is a raw material for photosynthesis.
- It dissolves soil nutrients and aids their absorption and transport within the plant.
- It keeps plant cells turgid, maintaining the shape and firmness of the plant.
- It cools the plant through transpiration and regulates temperature.
Question 3 Report
(a (i) State the law of supply in relation to agricultural production. (ii) Give an example of supply schedule and draw the supply curve for a named agricultural produce.
(b) State five causes of change in supply of an agricultural produce.
(a)(i) The law of supply in relation to agricultural production
The law of supply states that, all other factors remaining constant, the higher the price of an agricultural produce, the greater the quantity that producers are willing and able to offer for sale; and the lower the price, the smaller the quantity offered for sale. In other words, the quantity supplied of an agricultural produce varies directly (positively) with its price.
(a)(ii) Supply schedule and supply curve for maize
A supply schedule is a table showing the different quantities of a produce that farmers are willing to supply at different prices. The schedule below is for a named agricultural produce, maize (price in naira per basket):
| Price (\(\mathrm{N}\) per basket) | Quantity of maize supplied (baskets) |
|---|---|
| 4 | 20 |
| 6 | 40 |
| 8 | 60 |
| 10 | 80 |
When these points are plotted, with price on the vertical axis and quantity supplied on the horizontal axis, they give the supply curve below:
The supply curve SS slopes upward from left to right, confirming the law of supply: as the price of maize rises from \(\mathrm{N}4\) to \(\mathrm{N}10\), the quantity supplied rises from 20 to 80 baskets. The relationship is linear here, with a constant slope of \(\dfrac{10-4}{80-20}=\dfrac{6}{60}=0.1\) naira per basket, so every extra \(\mathrm{N}2\) in price calls forth an additional 20 baskets of maize.
(b) Five causes of change in supply of an agricultural produce
- Changes in the cost of production - a fall in the price of inputs such as fertiliser, seeds and labour lowers production costs and increases supply, while a rise reduces supply.
- Changes in weather and climatic conditions - favourable rainfall and sunshine raise yields and supply, whereas drought or flooding reduces them.
- Changes in the technique (technology) of production - improved farming methods, mechanisation and better crop varieties raise output and increase supply.
- Incidence of pests and diseases - outbreaks that attack crops or livestock reduce output and therefore reduce supply.
- Government policies - taxes, subsidies and price control affect farmers' returns; subsidies increase supply while heavy taxation reduces it.
Answer Details
(a)(i) The law of supply in relation to agricultural production
The law of supply states that, all other factors remaining constant, the higher the price of an agricultural produce, the greater the quantity that producers are willing and able to offer for sale; and the lower the price, the smaller the quantity offered for sale. In other words, the quantity supplied of an agricultural produce varies directly (positively) with its price.
(a)(ii) Supply schedule and supply curve for maize
A supply schedule is a table showing the different quantities of a produce that farmers are willing to supply at different prices. The schedule below is for a named agricultural produce, maize (price in naira per basket):
| Price (\(\mathrm{N}\) per basket) | Quantity of maize supplied (baskets) |
|---|---|
| 4 | 20 |
| 6 | 40 |
| 8 | 60 |
| 10 | 80 |
When these points are plotted, with price on the vertical axis and quantity supplied on the horizontal axis, they give the supply curve below:
The supply curve SS slopes upward from left to right, confirming the law of supply: as the price of maize rises from \(\mathrm{N}4\) to \(\mathrm{N}10\), the quantity supplied rises from 20 to 80 baskets. The relationship is linear here, with a constant slope of \(\dfrac{10-4}{80-20}=\dfrac{6}{60}=0.1\) naira per basket, so every extra \(\mathrm{N}2\) in price calls forth an additional 20 baskets of maize.
(b) Five causes of change in supply of an agricultural produce
- Changes in the cost of production - a fall in the price of inputs such as fertiliser, seeds and labour lowers production costs and increases supply, while a rise reduces supply.
- Changes in weather and climatic conditions - favourable rainfall and sunshine raise yields and supply, whereas drought or flooding reduces them.
- Changes in the technique (technology) of production - improved farming methods, mechanisation and better crop varieties raise output and increase supply.
- Incidence of pests and diseases - outbreaks that attack crops or livestock reduce output and therefore reduce supply.
- Government policies - taxes, subsidies and price control affect farmers' returns; subsidies increase supply while heavy taxation reduces it.
Question 4 Report
Write short notes on the following plant diseases. (a) blackpod of cocoa; (b) leaf blight of cassava.
(a) Black pod of cocoa
- Causal organism: a fungus, Phytophthora palmivora (also Phytophthora megakarya).
- Symptoms: brown to black spots appear on the pod, spread rapidly to cover the whole pod, which turns black, rots, hardens and mummifies; the beans inside are destroyed.
- Spread: favoured by high humidity and rainfall; spread by rain splash, wind, insects and contact.
- Control: regular removal and destruction of infected pods (sanitation); frequent spraying with copper-based fungicides (e.g. Bordeaux mixture); prune to reduce humidity; ensure good drainage and adequate spacing; plant resistant varieties.
(b) Leaf blight of cassava
- Causal organism: a bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris pv. manihotis (cassava bacterial blight); (fungal leaf spots such as Cercospora also cause blighting).
- Symptoms: angular brown/water-soaked spots on the leaves, blighting and wilting of leaves, defoliation, die-back of shoots and gum exudation on stems in the bacterial type; severe attack reduces tuber yield.
- Spread: spread through infected cuttings, rain splash, wind and farm tools.
- Control: use clean, disease-free (resistant) cuttings; practise crop rotation and field sanitation; remove and burn infected plants; avoid overhead injury and disinfect tools; apply appropriate chemicals where necessary.
Answer Details
(a) Black pod of cocoa
- Causal organism: a fungus, Phytophthora palmivora (also Phytophthora megakarya).
- Symptoms: brown to black spots appear on the pod, spread rapidly to cover the whole pod, which turns black, rots, hardens and mummifies; the beans inside are destroyed.
- Spread: favoured by high humidity and rainfall; spread by rain splash, wind, insects and contact.
- Control: regular removal and destruction of infected pods (sanitation); frequent spraying with copper-based fungicides (e.g. Bordeaux mixture); prune to reduce humidity; ensure good drainage and adequate spacing; plant resistant varieties.
(b) Leaf blight of cassava
- Causal organism: a bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris pv. manihotis (cassava bacterial blight); (fungal leaf spots such as Cercospora also cause blighting).
- Symptoms: angular brown/water-soaked spots on the leaves, blighting and wilting of leaves, defoliation, die-back of shoots and gum exudation on stems in the bacterial type; severe attack reduces tuber yield.
- Spread: spread through infected cuttings, rain splash, wind and farm tools.
- Control: use clean, disease-free (resistant) cuttings; practise crop rotation and field sanitation; remove and burn infected plants; avoid overhead injury and disinfect tools; apply appropriate chemicals where necessary.
Question 5 Report
(a) Define balance ration in livestock production.
(b) Outline the stages involved in the preparation of each of the following animal feed ingredients. (i) bone meal. (ii) blood meal; (iii) fish meal; (iv) cotton seed meal;
(a) Balanced ration
A balanced ration is the feed given to a farm animal within a 24-hour period that contains all the essential nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins and water) in the right proportion required for maintenance, growth, reproduction and production.
(b) Stages in the preparation of the feed ingredients
(i) Bone meal
- Bones are collected and boiled to soften them and remove flesh and fat.
- The bones are dried, then crushed, ground or milled into powder.
- The powder is sieved and bagged for use.
(ii) Blood meal
- Fresh blood is collected from the slaughter house.
- It is boiled/cooked or steamed to coagulate it and remove excess water.
- The coagulated blood is drained, dried, then ground into powder, sieved and bagged.
(iii) Fish meal
- Waste or trash fish is collected and cooked/steamed.
- The oil and water are pressed out and the residue is dried.
- The dried fish is ground into powder, sieved and bagged.
(iv) Cotton seed meal
- Cotton seeds are collected and the lint and hulls (seed coats) are removed.
- The kernels are heated and the oil is extracted (pressed out).
- The remaining cake is dried, ground into meal, sieved and bagged.
Answer Details
(a) Balanced ration
A balanced ration is the feed given to a farm animal within a 24-hour period that contains all the essential nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins and water) in the right proportion required for maintenance, growth, reproduction and production.
(b) Stages in the preparation of the feed ingredients
(i) Bone meal
- Bones are collected and boiled to soften them and remove flesh and fat.
- The bones are dried, then crushed, ground or milled into powder.
- The powder is sieved and bagged for use.
(ii) Blood meal
- Fresh blood is collected from the slaughter house.
- It is boiled/cooked or steamed to coagulate it and remove excess water.
- The coagulated blood is drained, dried, then ground into powder, sieved and bagged.
(iii) Fish meal
- Waste or trash fish is collected and cooked/steamed.
- The oil and water are pressed out and the residue is dried.
- The dried fish is ground into powder, sieved and bagged.
(iv) Cotton seed meal
- Cotton seeds are collected and the lint and hulls (seed coats) are removed.
- The kernels are heated and the oil is extracted (pressed out).
- The remaining cake is dried, ground into meal, sieved and bagged.
Question 6 Report
Write short notes on the following: (a) soil pH; (b) soil texture; (c) soil organisms; (d) soil profile.
(a) Soil pH
Soil pH is a measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the soil, expressed on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline. Most crops grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils (about pH 6 to 7). Acidity can be corrected by liming, while alkalinity may be reduced by adding sulphur or organic matter. Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients and the activity of soil organisms.
(b) Soil texture
Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of the different sizes of mineral particles (sand, silt and clay) in a soil. It determines whether a soil is sandy, loamy or clayey. Texture influences water-holding capacity, drainage, aeration and nutrient retention. Loamy soil, which is a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay, is the best for most crops.
(c) Soil organisms
Soil organisms are the living things found in the soil. They include micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae, and macro-organisms such as earthworms, termites, millipedes and rodents. They help to decompose organic matter into humus, release and recycle nutrients, fix nitrogen, and improve soil structure and aeration. A few of them are harmful as pests or disease-causing organisms.
(d) Soil profile
A soil profile is the vertical section of the soil from the surface down to the parent rock, showing the different layers called horizons. The main horizons are the top soil (A horizon), the sub soil (B horizon), the weathered parent material (C horizon) and the underlying bed rock (D or R horizon). It is studied to know the depth, fertility and suitability of a soil for crop production.
Answer Details
(a) Soil pH
Soil pH is a measure of the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the soil, expressed on a scale of 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline. Most crops grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils (about pH 6 to 7). Acidity can be corrected by liming, while alkalinity may be reduced by adding sulphur or organic matter. Soil pH affects the availability of nutrients and the activity of soil organisms.
(b) Soil texture
Soil texture refers to the relative proportion of the different sizes of mineral particles (sand, silt and clay) in a soil. It determines whether a soil is sandy, loamy or clayey. Texture influences water-holding capacity, drainage, aeration and nutrient retention. Loamy soil, which is a balanced mixture of sand, silt and clay, is the best for most crops.
(c) Soil organisms
Soil organisms are the living things found in the soil. They include micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae, and macro-organisms such as earthworms, termites, millipedes and rodents. They help to decompose organic matter into humus, release and recycle nutrients, fix nitrogen, and improve soil structure and aeration. A few of them are harmful as pests or disease-causing organisms.
(d) Soil profile
A soil profile is the vertical section of the soil from the surface down to the parent rock, showing the different layers called horizons. The main horizons are the top soil (A horizon), the sub soil (B horizon), the weathered parent material (C horizon) and the underlying bed rock (D or R horizon). It is studied to know the depth, fertility and suitability of a soil for crop production.
Question 7 Report
(a) Describe briefly four common survey equipment or tools including their various uses. (b) Enumerate the importance of farm surveying and planning in agriculture.
(a) Four common survey equipment/tools and their uses
- Ranging pole: used for marking out and sighting straight lines during survey.
- Measuring/surveyor tape (or chain): used for measuring horizontal distances between points.
- Prismatic compass: used for measuring the bearing (direction) of survey lines.
- Levelling instrument (dumpy level) and staff: used for determining differences in height/elevation of points on the land.
- (Others acceptable: theodolite for measuring horizontal and vertical angles; arrows/pegs for marking points.)
(b) Importance of farm surveying and planning
- It gives the exact size, shape and boundaries of the farmland.
- It helps to prepare a map/plan of the farm for proper record and reference.
- It guides the proper layout and location of farm structures, roads and drainage.
- It helps to allocate land to different enterprises efficiently.
- It helps to determine the level and slope of the land for irrigation and erosion control.
- It helps to settle boundary disputes and provides evidence of ownership.
- It aids proper planning, budgeting and estimation of inputs for the farm.
Answer Details
(a) Four common survey equipment/tools and their uses
- Ranging pole: used for marking out and sighting straight lines during survey.
- Measuring/surveyor tape (or chain): used for measuring horizontal distances between points.
- Prismatic compass: used for measuring the bearing (direction) of survey lines.
- Levelling instrument (dumpy level) and staff: used for determining differences in height/elevation of points on the land.
- (Others acceptable: theodolite for measuring horizontal and vertical angles; arrows/pegs for marking points.)
(b) Importance of farm surveying and planning
- It gives the exact size, shape and boundaries of the farmland.
- It helps to prepare a map/plan of the farm for proper record and reference.
- It guides the proper layout and location of farm structures, roads and drainage.
- It helps to allocate land to different enterprises efficiently.
- It helps to determine the level and slope of the land for irrigation and erosion control.
- It helps to settle boundary disputes and provides evidence of ownership.
- It aids proper planning, budgeting and estimation of inputs for the farm.
Question 8 Report
(a) State six reasons why farm accounts should be kept by a farmer.
(b) Prepare a profit and loss account for Ada Farms, for the year ending December, 1993 using the following information.
(i) cost of maize seeds- N1,500.00
(ii) cost of fertilizer - N1,600.00
(iii) cost of insecticides - N1,000.00
(iv) tractor hiring- N1,000.00
(v) cost of herbicides- N1,200.00
(vi) cost of cassava stems N1300.00
(vii) sales of maize- N30,000.00
(viii) sales of yam tubers - N10,500.00
(ix) sales of cassava stems - N15,000.00
(x) transportation cost - N1,500.00
(xi) cost of processing cassava tubers - N 2,500.00
(xii) sales of cassava stems - N 22,00.00
(xiii) wages of workers N 8,000.00
(xiv) miscellaneous expenses - N 2,000.00
(xv) maize consumed - N 500.00
(xvi) yam consumed - N 800.00
(xvii) opening valuation - N45,000.00
(xviii) closing valuation - N15,000.00
(a) Reasons why farm accounts should be kept by a farmer include:
- To know the cost of production and profitability of the farm.
- To aid in decision-making regarding what crops to plant and when to plant them.
- To help in obtaining loans from financial institutions.
- To monitor and control farm expenses.
- To comply with tax laws and regulations.
- To provide a record of farm operations and activities.
(b) Profit and loss account for Ada Farms for the year ending December, 1993:
<
| Amount (N) | |
|---|---|
| Sales: | 57,500.00 |
| - Maize | 30,000.00 |
| - Yam tubers | 10,500.00 |
| - Cassava stems | 15,000.00 |
| Cost of goods sold: | |
| - Maize seeds | 1,500.00 |
| - Fertilizer | 1,600.00 |
| - Insecticides | 1,000.00 |
| - Herbicides | 1,200.00 |
| - Cassava stems | 1,300.00 |
| - Processing of cassava | 2,500.00 |
| Gross profit: | 48,900.00 |
| Expenses: | |
| - Tractor hiring | 1,000.00 |
| - Transportation cost | 1,500.00 |
| - Wages of workers | 8,000.00 |
| - Miscellaneous expenses | 2,000.00 |
| Net profit: | 36,400.00 |
| Valuation: | |
| - Opening | 45,000.00 |
| - Closing | 15,000.00 |
Answer Details
(a) Reasons why farm accounts should be kept by a farmer include:
- To know the cost of production and profitability of the farm.
- To aid in decision-making regarding what crops to plant and when to plant them.
- To help in obtaining loans from financial institutions.
- To monitor and control farm expenses.
- To comply with tax laws and regulations.
- To provide a record of farm operations and activities.
(b) Profit and loss account for Ada Farms for the year ending December, 1993:
<
| Amount (N) | |
|---|---|
| Sales: | 57,500.00 |
| - Maize | 30,000.00 |
| - Yam tubers | 10,500.00 |
| - Cassava stems | 15,000.00 |
| Cost of goods sold: | |
| - Maize seeds | 1,500.00 |
| - Fertilizer | 1,600.00 |
| - Insecticides | 1,000.00 |
| - Herbicides | 1,200.00 |
| - Cassava stems | 1,300.00 |
| - Processing of cassava | 2,500.00 |
| Gross profit: | 48,900.00 |
| Expenses: | |
| - Tractor hiring | 1,000.00 |
| - Transportation cost | 1,500.00 |
| - Wages of workers | 8,000.00 |
| - Miscellaneous expenses | 2,000.00 |
| Net profit: | 36,400.00 |
| Valuation: | |
| - Opening | 45,000.00 |
| - Closing | 15,000.00 |
Question 9 Report
(a) List six relationship between Agriculture and Industries. (b) Explain six factors affecting the success of commercial agriculture in Nigeria. (c) List eight agricultural research institutes in Nigeria.
(a) Six relationships between agriculture and industries
- Agriculture supplies raw materials (cotton, cocoa, rubber, oil palm) to industries.
- Industries supply farm inputs (fertilizers, machinery, chemicals) to agriculture.
- Agriculture provides food for industrial workers.
- Agriculture provides a market for industrial goods.
- Industries process and add value to agricultural produce.
- Both provide employment and generate income and foreign exchange for the nation.
(b) Six factors affecting the success of commercial agriculture in Nigeria
- Capital: availability of adequate funds and credit to finance large-scale production.
- Land: access to large expanse of fertile land under a favourable land tenure system.
- Labour: availability of skilled and unskilled labour at a reasonable cost.
- Infrastructure: good roads, storage, processing and transport facilities.
- Marketing and price stability: reliable markets and stable prices for produce.
- Government policy: favourable agricultural policies, subsidies and political stability.
- (Also: climate/weather and availability of improved technology.)
(c) Eight agricultural research institutes in Nigeria
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
- Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan.
- National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi.
- National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike.
- Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin.
- National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria.
- Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria.
- Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), Benin.
- (Also: NIHORT Ibadan, NVRI Vom, NIFFR New Bussa.)
Answer Details
(a) Six relationships between agriculture and industries
- Agriculture supplies raw materials (cotton, cocoa, rubber, oil palm) to industries.
- Industries supply farm inputs (fertilizers, machinery, chemicals) to agriculture.
- Agriculture provides food for industrial workers.
- Agriculture provides a market for industrial goods.
- Industries process and add value to agricultural produce.
- Both provide employment and generate income and foreign exchange for the nation.
(b) Six factors affecting the success of commercial agriculture in Nigeria
- Capital: availability of adequate funds and credit to finance large-scale production.
- Land: access to large expanse of fertile land under a favourable land tenure system.
- Labour: availability of skilled and unskilled labour at a reasonable cost.
- Infrastructure: good roads, storage, processing and transport facilities.
- Marketing and price stability: reliable markets and stable prices for produce.
- Government policy: favourable agricultural policies, subsidies and political stability.
- (Also: climate/weather and availability of improved technology.)
(c) Eight agricultural research institutes in Nigeria
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan.
- Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan.
- National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi.
- National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike.
- Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin.
- National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Zaria.
- Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria.
- Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN), Benin.
- (Also: NIHORT Ibadan, NVRI Vom, NIFFR New Bussa.)
Question 10 Report
(a) State: (i) four advantages and (ii) four disadvantages of the deep litter system in poultry management.
(b) Mention one disadvantage of using saw-dust as litter in a deep-litter house.
(c) The recommended floor space for fowls In a deep litter house is three (3) adult fowls per square metre. Calculate the number of adult fowls that can be kept in a deep-litter house of size 10 metre by 50 metre. (d) State three other methods of keeping poultry.
(a)
-
(i) Four advantages of the deep litter system in poultry management are:
- It is cost-effective as it requires less labour and materials compared to other systems.
- It provides insulation for the birds, keeping them warm in cold weather.
- It allows for natural scratching and foraging behavior in the birds, promoting their welfare.
- The litter can be used as a fertilizer for crops when properly managed.
-
(ii) Four disadvantages of the deep litter system in poultry management are:
- It requires frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent disease and odor.
- It can lead to a buildup of ammonia and other harmful gases if not properly managed.
- It may attract pests such as rodents and flies.
- The litter can become wet and compacted, leading to poor ventilation and increased risk of disease.
(b) One disadvantage of using sawdust as litter in a deep-litter house is that it may become compacted and wet, leading to poor ventilation and increased risk of disease. Sawdust also has a high moisture content, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria if not managed properly.
(c) The recommended floor space for fowls in a deep litter house is three (3) adult fowls per square metre. Therefore, in a deep-litter house of size 10 metres by 50 metres, the total area is 500 square metres. Hence, the number of adult fowls that can be kept in this house is 3 x 500 = 1500 adult fowls.
(d) Three other methods of keeping poultry are:
- Battery Cage System: This system involves housing birds in individual cages that are stacked on top of one another. It is a high-density system that maximizes space and allows for easy management and disease control.
- Free-Range System: This system allows birds to roam freely outdoors during the day and return to a shelter at night. It promotes natural behavior and improves the quality of the meat and eggs produced.
- Colony System: This system involves housing birds in small groups in a communal space. It allows for social interaction between birds and promotes natural behavior, but may be more difficult to manage compared to other systems.
Answer Details
(a)
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(i) Four advantages of the deep litter system in poultry management are:
- It is cost-effective as it requires less labour and materials compared to other systems.
- It provides insulation for the birds, keeping them warm in cold weather.
- It allows for natural scratching and foraging behavior in the birds, promoting their welfare.
- The litter can be used as a fertilizer for crops when properly managed.
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(ii) Four disadvantages of the deep litter system in poultry management are:
- It requires frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent disease and odor.
- It can lead to a buildup of ammonia and other harmful gases if not properly managed.
- It may attract pests such as rodents and flies.
- The litter can become wet and compacted, leading to poor ventilation and increased risk of disease.
(b) One disadvantage of using sawdust as litter in a deep-litter house is that it may become compacted and wet, leading to poor ventilation and increased risk of disease. Sawdust also has a high moisture content, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria if not managed properly.
(c) The recommended floor space for fowls in a deep litter house is three (3) adult fowls per square metre. Therefore, in a deep-litter house of size 10 metres by 50 metres, the total area is 500 square metres. Hence, the number of adult fowls that can be kept in this house is 3 x 500 = 1500 adult fowls.
(d) Three other methods of keeping poultry are:
- Battery Cage System: This system involves housing birds in individual cages that are stacked on top of one another. It is a high-density system that maximizes space and allows for easy management and disease control.
- Free-Range System: This system allows birds to roam freely outdoors during the day and return to a shelter at night. It promotes natural behavior and improves the quality of the meat and eggs produced.
- Colony System: This system involves housing birds in small groups in a communal space. It allows for social interaction between birds and promotes natural behavior, but may be more difficult to manage compared to other systems.
