Agricultural Science WAEC

Husbandry Of Selected Crops

Overview

Welcome to the course material overview on the topic of "Husbandry Of Selected Crops" in Agricultural Science.

Understanding the husbandry of selected crops is essential for agricultural success. This course material will delve into the intricacies of crop production, focusing on various aspects such as botanical and common names, climatic and soil requirements, land preparation techniques, methods of propagation, planting specifics, nursery requirements, cultural practices, weeding techniques, pests and disease control, as well as harvesting, processing, and storage.

First and foremost, students will grasp the importance of knowing the botanical and common names of selected crops. For instance, identifying the botanical names such as Zea mays for maize or Solanum lycopersicum for tomatoes provides a scientific understanding essential for effective crop management.

The course will also emphasize the significance of climatic and soil requirements for different crops. Varieties like rice may thrive in flooded paddy fields with specific temperature ranges, whereas crops like cowpea might prefer well-drained sandy loam soils. Understanding these variations is crucial for optimal crop performance.

Furthermore, students will master land preparation techniques tailored to each crop. This involves activities like plowing, harrowing, and leveling to create an ideal seedbed that promotes seed germination and root growth.

Methods of propagation will be explored, detailing practices such as seed sowing, vegetative propagation, or grafting depending on the crop type. Students will also learn about planting dates, seed rates, spacing requirements, and the ideal sowing depth for different crops to ensure proper establishment and growth.

Nursery requirements play a vital role in crop production, especially for crops like oil palm or citrus that require early nurturing before field transplantation. Understanding nursery practices such as seed treatment and irrigation management is essential for healthy seedling development.

Cultural practices like supplying essential nutrients, thinning overcrowded plants, applying organic or inorganic fertilizers, and ensuring proper irrigation will be highlighted. Students will also explore effective weeding techniques to control weed competition and enhance crop growth.

Furthermore, the course will cover methods of pests and disease control specific to each crop, including integrated pest management strategies to minimize chemical usage and environmental impact.

Lastly, students will delve into the harvesting, processing, and storage procedures for representative crops from various categories like cereals, pulses, roots and tubers, vegetables, fruits, beverages, spices, oils, fibres, latex, and others. Understanding post-harvest practices ensures crop quality preservation and value addition.

Overall, this course material aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of crop husbandry, enabling them to make informed decisions and implement best practices for sustainable and productive crop production.

Objectives

Learn the methods of propagation specific to the selected crops
Understand the botanical and common names, as well as varieties/types, of selected crops
Learn methods of pests and disease control specific to the selected crops
Master land preparation techniques for the selected crops
Identify effective weeding techniques for the selected crops
Determine the appropriate planting date, seed rate, spacing, and sowing depth for the selected crops
Understand the harvesting, processing, and storage requirements for at least one representative crop from each crop grouping
Understand nursery requirements for the selected crops
Implement cultural practices such as supplying, thinning, manuring, and fertilizing for the selected crops
Identify the climatic and soil requirements for the selected crops

Lesson Note

Not Available

Access all learning materials

Practice with past papers

Track your progress

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on Husbandry Of Selected Crops. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

What is the botanical name for maize? A. Zea mays B. Oryza sativa C. Glycine max D. Solanum lycopersicum Answer: A. Zea mays
What is the common name for Cajanus cajan? A. Cowpea B. Soybean C. Pigeon pea D. Cassava Answer: C. Pigeon pea
Which of the following crops is categorized under pulses (grain legumes)? A. Banana B. Millet C. Tomato D. Cowpea Answer: D. Cowpea
Which plant species falls under the category of oil crops? A. Cassava B. Yam C. Groundnut D. Pineapple Answer: C. Groundnut
What is the suitable planting date for rice in a tropical climate? A. Winter B. Early spring C. Rainy season D. Dry season Answer: C. Rainy season

Access all learning materials

Practice with past papers

Track your progress

Access all learning materials

Practice with past papers

Track your progress

Recommended Books

Crops and Their Management

Subtitle: A Comprehensive Guide

Publisher: AgriPublishers

Year: 2020

ISBN: 978-1-12345-678-9

Crop Production Techniques

Subtitle: A Practical Handbook

Publisher: FarmKnowledge Publications

Year: 2018

ISBN: 978-1-98765-432-1

Past Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Husbandry Of Selected Crops from previous years

Agriculture 0600 | Paper 1 Mock 05 | Theory

Question 1 Report

(a) A farmer is considering intercropping maize with beans on a 2-hectare field.

(i) Explain two advantages of intercropping maize and beans compared with growing maize as a sole crop. [4]

(ii) State one disadvantage of intercropping for the farmer. [1]

(b) The farmer plans to plant maize at a spacing of 0.75 m between rows and 0.30 m between plants in each row.

(i) Calculate the plant population per hectare. Show your working. [2]

(b)(ii) The expected yield is 4.5 tonnes of grain per hectare. Calculate the total expected harvest from the 2-hectare field in kilograms. [1]

(c) Describe two post-harvest practices that the farmer should carry out to reduce storage losses of the maize grain. [4]

(d) Suggest one reason why the market price of maize is usually lowest immediately after the main harvest season. [1]

[Total: 13]

Answer

(a)(i) Two advantages of intercropping maize and beans compared with growing maize alone (any two, each explained):

Improved soil fertility: Beans are legumes that fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria in their root nodules. This nitrogen becomes available to the companion maize crop, reducing the need for purchased nitrogen fertiliser. [2]
Risk spreading and dietary diversity: Growing two crops on the same land means the farmer gets two different harvests. If one crop fails (e.g. maize is damaged by drought), the other may still produce, reducing the risk of total loss. The farmer also gains both a carbohydrate staple (maize) and a protein source (beans). [2]

Other acceptable answers: faster ground cover reduces soil erosion and water evaporation from the surface.

(a)(ii) One disadvantage of intercropping: harvesting is more complicated because the two crops mature at different times, and mechanical harvesting equipment cannot easily operate in mixed stands, increasing labour requirements. [1]

(b)(i) Calculation of plant population per hectare:

Area per plant = row spacing x plant spacing = \(0.75 \times 0.30 = 0.225 \text{ m}^2\) [1]

Plants per hectare = \(\frac{10\,000}{0.225} = 44\,444 \text{ plants/ha}\) [1]

(b)(ii) Total expected harvest from 2 hectares:

\(4.5 \text{ tonnes/ha} \times 2 \text{ ha} = 9.0 \text{ tonnes} = 9000 \text{ kg}\) [1]

(c) Two post-harvest practices to reduce maize storage losses (any two, each described):

Thorough drying: Dry the grain to a moisture content of 12-13% before placing it in storage. At this moisture level, mould fungi cannot grow and insect pests reproduce slowly, because both require moisture. Sun-drying on clean concrete floors or raised platforms, with regular turning, is the most common method. [2]
Proper storage structures: Store the dried grain in clean, dry, well-ventilated structures raised off the ground on platforms or legs. This reduces dampness from rising moisture and makes it harder for rodents to access the grain. Alternatively, use hermetic (airtight) storage bags or metal bins, which maintain low oxygen levels that kill storage insects. [2]

(d) The market price of maize is usually lowest immediately after the main harvest season because supply exceeds demand: many farmers are selling their grain at the same time, so buyers have plenty of choice and can offer lower prices. [1]

Answer Details

(a)(i) Two advantages of intercropping maize and beans compared with growing maize alone (any two, each explained):

Improved soil fertility: Beans are legumes that fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria in their root nodules. This nitrogen becomes available to the companion maize crop, reducing the need for purchased nitrogen fertiliser. [2]
Risk spreading and dietary diversity: Growing two crops on the same land means the farmer gets two different harvests. If one crop fails (e.g. maize is damaged by drought), the other may still produce, reducing the risk of total loss. The farmer also gains both a carbohydrate staple (maize) and a protein source (beans). [2]

Other acceptable answers: faster ground cover reduces soil erosion and water evaporation from the surface.

(b)(i) Calculation of plant population per hectare:

Area per plant = row spacing x plant spacing = \(0.75 \times 0.30 = 0.225 \text{ m}^2\) [1]

Plants per hectare = \(\frac{10\,000}{0.225} = 44\,444 \text{ plants/ha}\) [1]

(b)(ii) Total expected harvest from 2 hectares:

\(4.5 \text{ tonnes/ha} \times 2 \text{ ha} = 9.0 \text{ tonnes} = 9000 \text{ kg}\) [1]

(c) Two post-harvest practices to reduce maize storage losses (any two, each described):

Thorough drying: Dry the grain to a moisture content of 12-13% before placing it in storage. At this moisture level, mould fungi cannot grow and insect pests reproduce slowly, because both require moisture. Sun-drying on clean concrete floors or raised platforms, with regular turning, is the most common method. [2]
Proper storage structures: Store the dried grain in clean, dry, well-ventilated structures raised off the ground on platforms or legs. This reduces dampness from rising moisture and makes it harder for rodents to access the grain. Alternatively, use hermetic (airtight) storage bags or metal bins, which maintain low oxygen levels that kill storage insects. [2]

View Answer

Access all learning materials

Practice with past papers

Track your progress

Husbandry Of Selected Crops

Overview

Objectives

Lesson Note

Sign Up to Continue

Lesson Evaluation

Sign Up to Continue

Sign Up to Continue

Recommended Books

Past Questions

Sign Up to Continue