JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2019

Détails de la réponse

Phalaris minor is a species of grass native to North Africa, Europe, and South Asia. The bunchgrass is widely naturalised elsewhere. Common names include little seed canary grass, small-seeded canary grass, small canary grass, lesser-canary grass, guli danda (Hindi), and sittee booti (Urdu). Phalaris minor is a crop associated with wheat. Choice A is correct.

Détails de la réponse

In poultry nutrition, the minerals that prevent the laying of thin-shelled eggs are calcium and phosphorus. Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, so it is important that hens receive an adequate supply of calcium in their diet in order to produce eggs with strong shells. Phosphorus is also important for eggshell quality, as it helps to regulate calcium metabolism and aids in the development of the skeletal system. If a hen does not receive enough calcium and phosphorus in her diet, she may lay eggs with thin, weak shells that are more susceptible to cracking or breaking. This can be a serious problem for egg producers, as it can lead to reduced egg quality and lower profits. Therefore, to prevent the laying of thin-shelled eggs, it is important to ensure that hens receive a balanced diet that includes adequate levels of both calcium and phosphorus.

Détails de la réponse

Minerals essential for animal life include common salt (sodium chloride), calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, iodine, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium. The last six of these can be toxic to animals if excessive amounts are eaten. Palm oil not a source of minerals in animal nutrition.

Détails de la réponse

Rice is the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices. Rice is typically started from seed in a controlled nursery environment before being transplanted to the field. This process is known as "direct seeding" and it involves sowing the rice seeds in a seedbed or nursery, where they can be carefully tended and protected from pests and other threats until they are strong enough to be transplanted. Nursery practices for rice can include things like preparing the seedbed, selecting high-quality seeds, managing water and nutrients, controlling pests and diseases, and ensuring proper spacing between seedlings. Once the seedlings have grown to a certain size and are strong enough to withstand transplanting, they are carefully uprooted and moved to the main field. While other cereal crops like maize, millet, and guinea corn can also benefit from certain nursery practices, they are typically started directly in the field through methods like broadcasting or drilling. Rice, on the other hand, is more commonly transplanted from a nursery, making it the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices.

Détails de la réponse

The by-product of fish that is not on the list is "leather." Fish can be a valuable source of various by-products that are useful in various industries. For example, fish can be processed into fish meal, which is a high-protein feed ingredient used in animal feed production. Fish oil is another by-product that is commonly extracted from fish, which has a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Fish silage is another by-product that is produced when fish waste is ensiled, which can then be used as a fertilizer or feed ingredient. However, leather is not a by-product that is typically associated with fish. Leather is usually made from the skin or hide of animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. Therefore, leather is not a by-product of fish. In summary, while fish can be processed into a range of useful by-products like fish meal, oil, and silage, leather is not one of them.

Détails de la réponse

Features of subsistence farming are as follows:
(a) It is practised by majority of the farmers in the country.
(b) It is characterised by small and scattered land holdings and use of primitive tools.
(c) The farmers do not use fertilisers and high yielding variety of seeds as they are poor.
Choice A, C and B explains the features of subsistence agriculture but option D did not state the feature of subsistence agriculture.
Choice D is correct.

Détails de la réponse

Peasant farming is a type of farming that is practised by peasant farmers on small farm holdings. The labour is mostly supplied by the farmer and his family. The type of labour available to peasant farmers is family labour because most peasant farmers practise subsistence agriculture. Choice A is correct.

Détails de la réponse

The target groups of an agricultural Extension agent are typically individuals or groups who are involved in agriculture or rural development. These can include farmers, rural youth, women's groups, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and others who are engaged in agricultural activities. Of the options given, the one that is not a target group of an agricultural Extension agent is political parties. Political parties are not directly involved in agricultural activities or rural development, and therefore would not typically be a target group for agricultural Extension services. Extension agents are typically tasked with providing education, training, and other forms of support to help farmers and rural communities improve their productivity, sustainability, and economic well-being. They may work with individual farmers or groups, providing information and guidance on topics such as crop and livestock management, pest and disease control, soil fertility, marketing, and other issues that can affect agricultural productivity and profitability. So, the correct answer is political parties.

Détails de la réponse

Irrigation is not a factor to consider when planning a farmstead because it is not a requirement for a farmstead. A farmstead refers to a farm and the buildings and other structures on the farm, such as a house, barn, and outbuildings. Accessibility, topography, and soil type are all important factors to consider when planning a farmstead because they can impact the type of crops or livestock that can be raised on the farm, as well as the design and placement of buildings and other structures. Accessibility refers to the ease of getting to and from the farm, which can impact the transportation of goods and people. Topography refers to the natural features of the land, such as hills and valleys, which can impact the placement of buildings and the type of crops that can be grown. Soil type refers to the type of soil on the farm, which can impact the type of crops that can be grown and the fertility of the soil.

Détails de la réponse

There are different varieties of oil palm: dura palms have kernels with a thick shell; pisifera palms have kernels with no shell; tenera palms have kernels with a thin shell. Dure, Tenera and Pisifera are cultivate varieties of oil palm. Choice B is correct.

Détails de la réponse

Crops grown primarily for feeding animals are known as forage. Forage crops are grown specifically to be used as animal feed, either by grazing animals directly on the pasture or by harvesting the forage and feeding it to animals as silage or hay. Forage crops can include grasses, legumes, and other plants that are high in fiber and provide the necessary nutrients for animal growth and development. These crops can be grown for a variety of animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Vegetables, cereals, and shrubs, on the other hand, are not primarily grown for feeding animals. Vegetables are grown for human consumption, while cereals can be grown for both human consumption and animal feed. Shrubs, although they can be used as animal feed in some cases, are typically not grown specifically for this purpose. Therefore, forage is the term used to describe crops that are grown primarily for feeding animals.

Détails de la réponse

The majority of the world's yam production takes place in Africa, and the rest of it in Asia. The optimum temperature for storing yam tuber under cold storage is 280K (7°C). Therefore, 7°C is correct.

Détails de la réponse

The process whereby rocks are broken down into small particles through both physical and chemical factors is known as weathering. Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles, called sediment, through a combination of physical and chemical processes. Physical weathering can occur when rocks are exposed to factors such as temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or abrasion by wind or water. Chemical weathering can occur when rocks are exposed to substances like acid rain or the natural acids produced by organic matter in soil. Over time, these processes can cause rocks to break down into smaller and smaller particles, eventually forming soil and sediment that can be transported by erosion.

Détails de la réponse

Fixed cost is the option that does not affect the change in supply of agricultural produce. Fixed costs are the expenses that do not change with changes in the level of output or production, such as rent or salaries. In contrast, factors that affect the change in supply of agricultural produce are those that influence the quantity of goods that farmers are willing and able to produce and sell in a given period of time. Technology can increase the efficiency and productivity of agricultural production, leading to an increase in supply. Changes in the cost of production, such as changes in the price of inputs like fertilizer or labor, can affect the profitability of farming and impact the supply of agricultural produce. Changes in commodity prices can also affect the supply of agricultural produce, as farmers may be more willing to produce more goods if they can sell them at higher prices. In summary, while fixed costs are an important consideration in farming and agricultural production, they do not directly affect the change in supply of agricultural produce.

Détails de la réponse

Blast is caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. It can affect all above ground parts of a rice plant: leaf, collar, node, neck, parts of panicle, and sometimes leaf sheath. Blast of rice is a fungal disease. Therefore, choice C is correct.

Détails de la réponse

Dura, Tenera, and Pisifera are all cultivated varieties of oil palm. Oil palm is a type of palm tree that is grown for its fruit, which contains a high amount of oil that is used for cooking and in many other products. The three varieties, Dura, Tenera, and Pisifera, are all different in their physical characteristics and the amount of oil they produce. 1. Dura: This variety of oil palm has thick-shelled fruit with a relatively low oil content. It is commonly used as a rootstock for grafting other varieties onto. 2. Tenera: This variety is a hybrid between Dura and Pisifera and is the most commonly cultivated variety of oil palm. Its fruit has a thinner shell and higher oil content compared to Dura. 3. Pisifera: This variety has thin-shelled fruit and a high oil content, but it is less commonly cultivated than Tenera because its fruit is prone to damage and disease. In summary, Dura, Tenera, and Pisifera are all cultivated varieties of oil palm that have different physical characteristics and oil content. Tenera is the most commonly cultivated variety because it has the best balance of fruit quality and oil content.

Détails de la réponse

In agriculture, a harrow (often called a set of harrows in a plurale tantum sense) is an implement for breaking up and smoothing out the surface of the soil. In this way it is distinct in its effect from the plough, which is used for deeper tillage. The farm machinery used to sow seeds and apply fertilizer at the same time is a harrow. Therefore, choice D is correct.

Détails de la réponse

Legumes are different from grasses because they form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria called rhizobia in the nodules of their roots. This symbiotic relationship allows legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is available to the plant, which in turn makes them an excellent source of nitrogen for other plants, including grasses. Grasses, on the other hand, do not have this ability to fix nitrogen and rely on other sources of nitrogen such as fertilizers or nitrogen from the atmosphere that has been fixed by other means. In addition to their ability to fix nitrogen, legumes are also an important source of protein and other nutrients for both humans and animals. This is due to the fact that they have a higher protein content than most grasses. Therefore, legumes and grasses serve different purposes in agriculture and can be used together in a complementary way to improve soil fertility and provide a balanced source of nutrition for livestock and humans.

Détails de la réponse

A good silage should be free of moulds. Silage is made by fermenting green fodder in a silo or pit to preserve it as animal feed. Moulds can grow on the silage if the conditions are not right, such as when there is too much moisture or oxygen in the silo. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of the silage, as well as potential health problems for the animals consuming it. Mouldy silage can contain mycotoxins, which are toxic substances produced by certain types of moulds. When consumed by animals, mycotoxins can cause a range of health problems, including reduced milk production, poor weight gain, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it is important to ensure that silage is made under the right conditions, such as with the correct moisture content and sufficient compaction to exclude oxygen. This will help to prevent the growth of moulds and ensure that the silage is of good quality for animal consumption.

Détails de la réponse

The ureter is not a part of the reproduction system of a hen. The ureter is a part of the urinary system and is responsible for carrying urine from the kidney to the bladder. The other three options, funnel, isthmus, and ovary, are all parts of the hen's reproductive system. The funnel is a funnel-shaped opening in the female reproductive system that connects the oviduct and the cloaca, the isthmus is a narrow part of the oviduct that connects the funnel to the uterus, and the ovary is a reproductive gland that produces the eggs.

Détails de la réponse

Coffee is cultivated in many places in tropical Latin America, Asia and Africa between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. It grows best in places with rich soil, reliable rainfall and altitudes between 3000 and 6000 feet. As a rule, the higher the elevation the coffee is grown the better the quality. The ideal pH of coffee is between 6.5 to 7.5. Therefore, choice D is correct.

Détails de la réponse

Surface irrigation is where water is applied and distributed over the soil surface by gravity. It is by far the most common form of irrigation throughout the world and has been practiced in many areas virtually unchanged for thousands of years. Mole drainage is a subsurface method of draining clay soils that experience regular waterlogging from irrigation or high rainfall

Détails de la réponse

Soils are formed through the interaction of five major factors: time, climate, parent material, topography and relief, and organisms. The relative influence of each factor varies from place to place, but the combination of all five factors normally determines the kind of soil developing in any given place. All other options apart from farming systems affects the soil type, farming system only affects the soil texture.

Détails de la réponse

General symptoms include stunted growth, delayed maturity, reduced fertility, lowered milk yield, unthrift ness, fragile bones and paralytic syndromes. This can be rectified by feeding of good quality roughages and including mineral mixtures in ration of young and producing stocks and by use of salt bricks. Deficiency in vitamin cannot improve fertility rather it decreases it, leads to loss of appetite, scurvy and rickets.

Détails de la réponse

Iodine is essential for the production of thyrozine, which is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. Thyrozine helps regulate the metabolism of animals and other organisms, which is the process by which they use energy from food to carry out their daily activities. Iodine is important because it is a key component of thyrozine. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyrozine, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including a slow metabolism and weight gain. In conclusion, iodine is an essential nutrient for animals, and it is important for the production of the hormone thyrozine, which helps regulate metabolism.

Détails de la réponse

Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons. It is done so that the soil of farms is not used for only one set of nutrients. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility and yield crop. Choice A is correct. Crop rotation involves the growing of crops one after other in a particular sequence

Détails de la réponse

Mucous discharge from the rectum is not a sign of heat in animals. Heat, also known as estrus, refers to the period in the reproductive cycle of female animals when they are fertile and can mate with males to produce offspring. During heat, females exhibit various physical and behavioral changes to signal their readiness to mate. These changes include swelling of the vulva, increased vaginal discharge, mounting behavior, and restlessness. Mucous discharge from the rectum is not a typical sign of heat in animals. It can indicate a digestive issue or infection, and it is not related to reproductive readiness. Therefore, if you observe mucous discharge from the rectum in your animal, it is important to seek veterinary attention to identify the cause of this symptom.

Détails de la réponse

The part of the ruminant stomach from which digestive juices are secreted is the abomasum. Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, have a four-compartment stomach that allows them to break down tough plant material through a process of fermentation. The four compartments of the ruminant stomach are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen and reticulum are the first two compartments and work together to break down food through fermentation and mixing with digestive juices. The omasum is the third compartment and is responsible for absorbing water and some nutrients. The abomasum is the fourth and final compartment and is equivalent to the true stomach in non-ruminant animals. It is where the majority of digestive juices are secreted and where the final stages of protein digestion occur. The abomasum also secretes enzymes that help to break down fats and carbohydrates. In summary, while the rumen and reticulum of the ruminant stomach are responsible for fermentation and mixing of food, it is the abomasum where the majority of digestive juices are secreted and where the final stages of protein digestion occur.

Détails de la réponse

There are different varieties of oil palm: dura palms have kernels with a thick shell; pisifera palms have kernels with no shell; tenera palms have kernels with a thin shell. Tenera is a variety of oil palm. Choice C is correct

Détails de la réponse

There are various forms of land tenure systems in Nigeria ranging from communal ownership, inheritance tenure system, leasehold tenure system, rent tenure system, gift tenure system, freehold tenure system and tenant at government will. Land are popularly and commonly inherited in Nigeria, this has been the oldest and commonest land tenure in Nigeria.

Détails de la réponse

The pox disease in livestock are caused by "viruses". Pox diseases are a group of viral infections that affect livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. These diseases are highly contagious and can spread rapidly through populations of animals, causing skin lesions, respiratory symptoms, and, in severe cases, death. Bacteria, protozoa, and fungi are not the cause of pox diseases in livestock. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause a wide range of diseases in livestock, but they are not responsible for pox diseases. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can also cause diseases in livestock, but they are not the cause of pox diseases. Fungi are multicellular organisms that can cause infections in livestock, but they are not the cause of pox diseases.

Détails de la réponse

Sources of credit include:
- Licensed banks
- Deposit-taking companies
- Money lenders
- Government agencies
The informal sources of credit to smallholder farmers as identified in the study area were family or friends, money lenders, produce buyers and farmers' cooperatives, while the formal sources of credit were Nigerian agricultural cooperative and rural development bank, microfinance banks and commercial banks.
Mortgage banks are banks that specializes in originating and / or servicing mortgage loans. A mortgage is a loan in which property or real estate is used as collateral. The borrower enters into an agreement with the lender (usually a bank) wherein the borrower receives cash upfront then makes payments over a set time span until he pays back the lender in full.

Détails de la réponse

Farm surveying is the process of measuring and mapping out the position, height, size and boundary of an area of farmland. Chain is not a farm survey equipment but it is kind of used in measurement.
Therefore, choice D is correct

Détails de la réponse

A soil may be called as alkaline when the pH of the soil is more than "7.0". The pH of a soil is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity, with a pH of 7.0 being neutral. Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 are considered alkaline, while soils with a pH less than 7.0 are considered acidic. Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 have a higher concentration of basic (alkaline) ions, such as calcium and magnesium, and a lower concentration of acidic ions, such as hydrogen. These soils can be challenging for some plants to grow in, as they can limit the availability of certain essential nutrients, such as iron and manganese. However, some plants, such as alfalfa and sweet clover, are well-adapted to growing in alkaline soils. Soils with a pH less than 7.0, on the other hand, have a higher concentration of acidic ions and a lower concentration of basic ions. These soils can be ideal for growing certain crops, such as blueberries and cranberries, but can also present challenges for other plants, such as lilacs and hydrangeas.

Détails de la réponse

Calcium is not a micro-nutrient. Nutrients required by plants for growth and development can be classified into two categories: macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Macro-nutrients are nutrients that are required in larger amounts by plants, while micro-nutrients are required in smaller amounts. Calcium is a macro-nutrient that is essential for plant growth and development. It is required in relatively large amounts and plays an important role in cell wall formation, root development, and the regulation of other nutrients in the plant. In contrast, Iron, Manganese, and Boron are micro-nutrients that are required by plants in smaller amounts. These micro-nutrients are important for various functions in the plant, such as photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and hormone regulation. Therefore, Calcium is not a micro-nutrient because it is required in larger amounts by plants compared to micro-nutrients like Iron, Manganese, and Boron.

Détails de la réponse

The option that is not usually related to an increase in farm produce is "improved sales of crop and livestock." Improved sales refer to better marketing and selling strategies, which can result in higher profits, but it does not directly increase the quantity of farm produce. On the other hand, the use of improved crop varieties, increased use of manure and fertilizer, and use of better farm equipment and tools are all factors that can contribute to an increase in farm produce. Improved crop varieties have traits that are better adapted to the local growing conditions, such as resistance to pests and diseases, or tolerance to drought or floods. Increased use of manure and fertilizer helps to improve soil fertility and nutrient levels, which can increase the yield and quality of crops. Better farm equipment and tools can make the farming process more efficient, allowing farmers to cultivate larger areas in less time and with less labor. Therefore, to summarize, the option that is not usually improved by an increase in farm produce is "Improved sales of crop and livestock", as it refers to better marketing strategies and does not directly increase the quantity of farm produce.

Détails de la réponse

The wear and tear of farm structures over time is described as depreciation. Depreciation refers to the decrease in value of an asset over time due to age, usage, or obsolescence. Farm structures such as barns, sheds, and fences are subject to wear and tear due to exposure to weather, use, and other factors. As they age, their value decreases, and this decrease is referred to as depreciation. Depreciation is an important concept in accounting and financial management as it affects the value of assets and can impact a farm's financial performance.

Détails de la réponse

Fertilizers are applied to fishponds to serve as nutrients for plankton. Plankton are tiny organisms that live in water and are a primary source of food for fish. Fertilizers contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that are necessary for the growth and reproduction of plankton. As the plankton grow and multiply, they provide a valuable food source for fish in the pond. Additionally, the plankton consume nutrients in the water, which can help purify it by reducing the levels of harmful chemicals and pollutants. Therefore, applying fertilizers to fishponds can help promote the growth of plankton and ultimately support a healthy ecosystem for fish.

Détails de la réponse

To calculate the amount of manure required per hectare, we need to use the ratio of phosphorus in manure to the amount of phosphorus required per hectare. Given that 1kg of manure contains 0.32kg of phosphorus, we can calculate the amount of manure required to supply 1.5kg of phosphorus per hectare as follows: 1.5 kg phosphorus / 0.32 kg phosphorus per 1 kg manure = 4.69 kg manure per hectare Therefore, the amount of manure required per hectare to supply the required amount of phosphorus is 4.69 kg. So, (4.69kg) is the correct answer.

Détails de la réponse

Mobile nutrients are nitrogen in the form of nitrate, phosphorus (P) in the form of phosphate, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl), zinc (Zn) and molybdene (Mo). Calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B) and copper (Cu) are immobile. Boron (B) is highly immobile because of its size. Therefore, choice A is correct.