WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2001

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Liming is a process of adding a substance called lime to soil in order to correct its acidity level. Soil acidity can be a problem for plant growth because it can prevent plants from accessing important nutrients. Lime, which is made from ground limestone, can neutralize the acidity of soil by reacting with the acid present in the soil. Liming can also increase the soil's cation exchange capacity, which is a measure of how well the soil can hold onto positively charged nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This is important because these nutrients are essential for plant growth. Liming does not directly affect soil porosity, which refers to the amount of space between soil particles. However, it can indirectly improve soil structure by promoting the growth of beneficial microorganisms that help to create pores and improve soil health.

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Nematodes are microscopic worms that can parasitize plant roots and cause damage to crops. One common effect of nematode infestation on plants is that the plants may wilt. This is because the nematodes can damage the root system of the plant, which can then affect the plant's ability to take up water and nutrients from the soil. As a result, the plant may begin to wilt or show signs of stress. This can ultimately lead to reduced growth and yield of the crop.

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The statement "it can be relocated" is not correct. Land refers to a specific geographical location and cannot be physically moved or relocated to another place. It is a basic requirement for production, and its supply is limited. Indiscriminate use can cause land to deteriorate, leading to issues such as soil erosion and desertification. However, land cannot be relocated like other resources.

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Peasant farmers typically have limited resources to hire paid or skilled labor. Hence, they usually rely on the labor of their family members, which is called family labor. Therefore, the type of labor available to peasant farmers is family labor. Migrant labor involves people who move from one place to another to work and is typically not available to peasant farmers who operate on a small scale.

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Replenishing soil nutrients involves several practices aimed at restoring or maintaining soil fertility for optimal crop growth. Leaching is a process whereby essential nutrients are washed off from the topsoil layer, leaving the soil deficient in nutrients. Fallowing is the practice of leaving farmland idle for some time to allow natural nutrient replenishment. Cover cropping involves planting non-cash crops in between regular crops to enhance soil fertility. Liming is the process of adding agricultural lime to acidic soils to increase soil pH levels, which can also improve nutrient availability. Therefore, the correct answer is option A: leaching, because leaching removes nutrients from the soil and does not contribute to replenishing soil nutrients.

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During the production of palm oil, the oil palm fruits are boiled in order to ease the separation of mesocarp from the endocarp. The mesocarp is the fleshy part of the fruit which contains the oil that is used to produce palm oil, while the endocarp is the hard shell that surrounds the kernel. Boiling the fruits softens the mesocarp and makes it easier to separate from the endocarp. This process is often referred to as sterilization or cooking and also serves to reduce the microbial load on the fruit and prevent the oil from going rancid. However, boiling the fruits does not extract the raw oil from the epicarp or the kernel, which are separate processes in the production of palm oil.

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In a tannery, the raw material for the manufacture of leather is hides and skin. Hides and skin are the outer covering of animals such as cows, sheep, goats, and pigs. They are processed and treated with chemicals in a tannery to produce leather, which is used in the production of various products such as shoes, belts, and bags.

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The primary role of government in agricultural development is to formulate good agricultural policies. This means that the government is responsible for creating plans and strategies that can help improve the agricultural sector. These policies could be related to issues such as land use, crop management, animal husbandry, and agricultural research. By creating these policies, the government can guide and direct the activities of farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector towards achieving set goals. Providing improved homesteads, extension services and selling farmers' produce through exports may be part of the policies, but the main role of the government is to formulate these policies.

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The mineral element essential for chlorophyll formation is magnesium. Chlorophyll is the pigment responsible for the green color in plants and it is crucial for photosynthesis, the process by which plants produce their own food. Magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll's structure, and without it, chlorophyll cannot form. Magnesium helps to absorb light energy, which is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen. So, magnesium is an essential element for plant growth and development.

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The maturity period of groundnut in months is 4 - 5. This means that it takes about 4 to 5 months for groundnuts to reach maturity after planting.

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A broiler starter feed should contain high protein but low carbohydrate content. This is because broilers require a diet high in protein to support their rapid growth and development during the starter phase. Carbohydrates provide energy, but too much of them in the diet can lead to excess fat deposition and hinder growth. Therefore, a broiler starter feed with high protein and low carbohydrate content is ideal for promoting healthy growth and development in broilers.

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Newcattle disease (also known as rinderpest) is an example of a viral disease of farm animals. It is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, buffalo, and other cloven-hoofed animals. The disease is caused by a virus in the family Paramyxoviridae, and it is characterized by high fever, diarrhea, and dehydration. The mortality rate can be as high as 90% in susceptible animals, making it a significant threat to livestock production. The disease has been eradicated worldwide through a successful global vaccination campaign.

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The hormone secreted by the testes that is responsible for stimulating male sexual characteristics is known as testosterone. Testosterone is an androgen hormone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testes and prostate gland, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, body hair growth, and deepening of the voice.

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The question is asking to identify the equipment that is not part of the farm surveying equipment. So, the answer would be one of the given options which is not an equipment used for farm surveying. Therefore, the answer is "datum" as it is not an equipment but rather a reference point or a coordinate system used in surveying. The other options, namely cross staff, abney level, and chain, are all equipment commonly used in farm surveying.

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The most active agent of physical weathering of rocks in arid regions is wind. In arid regions, there is little to no vegetation to protect rocks from wind erosion, so the wind can easily blow away loose sediment and small particles, slowly breaking down rocks over time. This process is known as deflation and is a common feature in deserts and other arid regions. Therefore, option C - wind is the correct answer.

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Out of the given options, Tilapia zilli is a herbivorous fish species that breeds fast and is suitable for culture in a pond. Tilapia is a type of freshwater fish that belongs to the Cichlidae family. They are hardy, adaptable, and easy to breed in ponds. They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and feed on algae and aquatic plants, making them suitable for herbivorous diets. Tilapia zilli, also known as the redbelly tilapia, is a fast-growing species that can reach maturity in just six months. They have a high reproductive rate, with females laying up to 1,000 eggs at a time. This makes them an excellent choice for pond culture, where large numbers of fish can be raised quickly. Overall, Tilapia zilli is a great option for farmers looking to culture a herbivorous fish species that breeds fast and is suitable for culture in a pond.

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The factor of production whose reward is profit is entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship refers to the ability to innovate, take risks, and create new businesses or products. Entrepreneurs are the ones who bring together the other factors of production (land, labor, and capital) and use them to produce goods or services. They invest their time, money, and effort in a venture, and if it's successful, they earn a profit. Profit is the reward for the entrepreneur's ability to identify opportunities, take risks, and make good business decisions. It's the return on their investment and effort. In summary, entrepreneurship is the factor of production that drives innovation and economic growth, and the reward for successful entrepreneurship is profit.

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The correct answer is farmers. Artificial scarcity of agricultural produce is a situation where the supply of agricultural produce is deliberately reduced to increase its price. This can be caused by marketing agents such as wholesalers, middlemen, and co-operatives who control the distribution channels of the agricultural produce. These agents can hoard the produce or create artificial shortages by manipulating the market. However, farmers are not usually involved in creating artificial scarcity because it goes against their interests. Farmers want to sell their produce at a fair price and maximize their profits by selling as much as they can. Therefore, farmers are not typically the cause of artificial scarcity.

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The option that is not true about adding organic manure to a fish pond is: "reduces the pH of water considerably". Organic manure in a fish pond accelerates the growth of planktons, which are used by fish as a source of food. However, the decomposition of organic manure in the water leads to the depletion of oxygen, which is harmful to fish. Additionally, the decomposition process releases harmful gases that pollute the water and make it unsuitable for fish. Adding organic manure to a fish pond may slightly increase the pH of the water, but it would not reduce it considerably.

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Rural farmers mostly obtain loans from money lenders. Money lenders are individuals or small businesses that lend money to people in exchange for a fee or interest. In rural areas, many farmers do not have access to traditional banking services, such as merchant banks, and may not qualify for loans from the government or international monetary fund. As a result, they often turn to money lenders who are willing to lend them money, even though the interest rates are usually high. Money lenders are often seen as a last resort for farmers who need capital to invest in their farms or to cope with unexpected expenses.

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The source of farm power that is not listed is "plough". Explanation: Farm power refers to the energy source used to perform agricultural operations such as plowing, planting, and harvesting. The most common sources of farm power include human, animal, and mechanical power. Wind power can also be used to generate electricity which can be used to power farm machinery. A bull is an example of animal power that can be used for plowing and other farm operations. A tractor is an example of mechanical power that can be used for a wide range of farm operations. A plough, on the other hand, is not a source of farm power but rather a farm tool used for tilling the soil. It can be pulled by animal or mechanical power, but it is not a source of power in itself. Therefore, the correct answer is "plough".

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Based on the description given, the soil sample is likely to be clay. Clay soils are smooth and powdery when dry and become sticky and form a cast when wet due to their high water holding capacity. This texture is the result of the small size of clay particles, which allows them to pack closely together and retain water and nutrients, making it suitable for agriculture. Silt and sand, on the other hand, have larger particles that do not retain water as effectively as clay, and loam is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay.

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If the supply of cowpea increases in a normal situation, the market price of cowpea is likely to decrease. This is because when there is an increase in supply, there is a surplus of cowpea, and sellers will have to compete to sell their products. As a result, they will lower their prices to attract buyers, leading to a decrease in market price. On the other hand, if the supply of cowpea decreases, there will be a shortage of cowpea, and buyers will have to compete to purchase the limited available quantity. As a result, the market price of cowpea will increase. Therefore, in a normal situation, the market price of cowpea is directly influenced by the supply of cowpea. An increase in supply leads to a decrease in market price, while a decrease in supply leads to an increase in market price.

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To achieve large-scale production of chicks, an incubator is commonly used. An incubator is a device that provides a controlled environment for eggs to hatch into chicks. It replicates the warmth, humidity, and other conditions that a broody hen would naturally provide to her eggs. Eggs can be collected from multiple hens and placed in the incubator, which can hold hundreds or even thousands of eggs at a time. This enables the production of a large number of chicks in a shorter period of time compared to natural hatching. Once hatched, the chicks can be reared for meat or egg production, depending on the breed.

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The correct answer is soil profile. A soil profile is a vertical section through the soil that shows its different layers, or horizons. Each horizon has unique characteristics, including color, texture, structure, and composition, that distinguish it from the other horizons. The soil profile provides a snapshot of the soil's history and development, including its formation and composition over time. It can also provide important information about the soil's fertility, drainage, and other physical and chemical properties. Understanding the soil profile is essential for effective soil management and conservation practices, as it helps to identify the best approaches for improving soil health and productivity.

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An effect of stability of market price in agricultural production is that the profit of the producer would be constant with input cost. When the market price is stable, the producer can plan their production and budget accordingly, knowing that they will receive a consistent price for their goods. This reduces uncertainty and risk, making it easier for the producer to make long-term decisions such as investing in new equipment, expanding production, or hiring more labor. If the market price is unstable, it can be difficult for the producer to plan for the future, as they may not know how much they will earn for their goods. This can lead to a reluctance to invest in new equipment or take on new risks. In summary, stability of market prices in agricultural production is beneficial for producers, as it allows them to plan and budget more effectively, reducing uncertainty and risk. It also provides greater consistency in earnings, making it easier for them to make long-term investments and decisions.

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Iodine is an important micronutrient that is essential for the production of thyroxin hormone in the animal body. Thyroxin is produced by the thyroid gland, and it plays a vital role in regulating the metabolic rate of animals, which affects their growth and development. Without adequate iodine, animals may suffer from a deficiency of thyroxin, leading to impaired growth and development, as well as other health issues. Therefore, iodine is an important nutrient that must be included in animal diets to ensure proper growth and development.

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The eradication of tse-tse flies can prevent trypanosomiasis. Trypanosomiasis is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies. These flies are found in sub-Saharan Africa and cause a lot of harm to both humans and livestock. By eradicating the tsetse fly, we can prevent the transmission of the parasite and the spread of the disease. However, the eradication of tsetse flies does not prevent other diseases like coccidiosis, aspergillosis, or tuberculosis which are caused by different pathogens and have different modes of transmission.

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The correct answer is sickle. A sickle is a farm tool that is commonly used for harvesting small grains like rice, wheat, and barley. It has a long, curved blade with a sharp edge that is used to cut the stalks of the grain crops close to the ground. The blade of the sickle is typically made of metal and is attached to a wooden handle that is easy to grip and maneuver. The sickle is designed to be lightweight and easy to use, making it an efficient tool for harvesting small grains by hand. After harvesting, the grain heads are typically bundled together and left to dry before they are threshed to separate the grains from the chaff. Sickle is an important tool for small-scale farmers who do not have access to more expensive and complex harvesting machinery.

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The type of survey used in determining the flatness or steepness of a farmland is topographical survey. This type of survey involves the measurement of both the horizontal and vertical features of a piece of land, such as its elevation, contours, and slope. It is often used to create topographic maps that can be used to analyze and plan the use of the land, such as for farming or construction. In agriculture, a topographical survey can be used to identify areas of the land that may need special attention in terms of drainage, irrigation, or erosion control, as well as to plan the layout of crops and other farm infrastructure.

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If the recommended seed rate of maize is 20 kg per hectare, then for 1 hectare of farmland, the amount of seeds required is 20 kg. To calculate the amount of seeds required for 1.8 hectares of farmland, we can use a simple proportion: 20 kg is to 1 hectare as X kg is to 1.8 hectares This can be expressed as: 20/1 = X/1.8 To solve for X, we can cross-multiply: 20 × 1.8 = X × 1 36 = X Therefore, the amount of seeds required for 1.8 hectares of farmland is 36 kg. In summary, if the recommended seed rate of maize is 20 kg per hectare, then 36 kg of seeds are required for 1.8 hectares of farmland.

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The statement that is not true about weeds is: "all weeds are grasses". Explanation: Weeds are any unwanted plants that grow in an area where they are not desired. While some weeds may belong to the grass family, not all weeds are grasses. Weeds can belong to various families, including but not limited to, Asteraceae (e.g. ragweed), Fabaceae (e.g. clover), and Solanaceae (e.g. nightshade). Weeds can cause significant damage to crops by competing with them for resources such as nutrients, water, and sunlight. Some weeds can also be parasitic on crop plants, meaning they attach to the crop and derive their nutrients from the crop. Weeds can also harbor crop diseases, making it harder for crops to grow and reducing crop yields. Additionally, weeds can reduce the nutritional value of pastures by taking up nutrients that would otherwise be used by desirable forage species.

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In cattle, constant coughing with the production of blood-stained sputum are signs of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium bovis that primarily affects the lungs of cattle. When cattle are infected with tuberculosis, the bacteria cause inflammation and damage to the lung tissue, resulting in a persistent cough. The cough may also be accompanied by the production of blood-stained sputum due to the damage to the lung tissue. Other symptoms of tuberculosis in cattle include weight loss, decreased appetite, and general lethargy. If left untreated, tuberculosis can spread to other organs in the body and cause severe illness or death. Therefore, if you notice a cow coughing persistently with the production of blood-stained sputum, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying condition, which may be tuberculosis.

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Farm surveying can be defined as the process of making precise measurements and observations on farmland, from which maps and plans are drawn. This includes measuring the boundaries, contours, and other features of the land. The aim of farm surveying is to obtain accurate information about the land, including its size, shape, and topography, which is used for a variety of purposes such as planning and design of farming operations, land valuation, and land management. It is different from other types of surveying, such as leveling of land during road construction or sighting of structures through a theodolite, as it is specifically focused on farmland and its agricultural purposes.

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The occupation that is not associated with agriculture is "production of polythene". Explanation: Agriculture is the practice of cultivating land, raising animals, and producing food, fiber, and other products useful to humans. It involves various occupations such as crop production, livestock farming, and production of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and farm equipment. The production of polythene, which is a synthetic material used in making plastic bags, is not directly associated with agriculture. While polythene bags may be used for packaging agricultural produce, the production of the bags themselves is not an agricultural activity. On the other hand, the production of honey, fertilizer, and saw-milling are all directly related to agriculture. Honey is a natural product of beekeeping, which is an agricultural activity. Fertilizers are essential inputs for crop production, and their production involves processing of raw materials such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Saw-milling involves processing of timber, which is obtained from trees that are grown in forests or plantations, both of which are agricultural activities.

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Rice is the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices. Nursery practices involve the growing of seedlings in a well-prepared nursery bed and transplanting them to the main field. Rice requires nursery practices because it has a delicate and weak seedling, which needs to be protected from pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions until it has developed into a strong and healthy seedling that can survive in the main field. Therefore, rice seedlings need to be raised in a nursery bed before they are transplanted to the main field.

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A tapeworm is a type of parasite that lives in the intestines of its host. It lacks a digestive system of its own and relies on its host for food. The tapeworm absorbs the nutrients and other substances it needs to survive through its body surface. This means that it does not take in food through its mouth, and the scolex (the head of the tapeworm that contains hooks and suckers) is mainly used for attachment to the host's intestine.

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The part of the digestive tract of birds which secretes gastric juice is the proventriculus. The proventriculus is a glandular organ that is located between the crop and the gizzard in the digestive tract of birds. It is responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid and enzymes that break down food in the stomach. When birds consume food, it is stored in the crop before it is passed on to the proventriculus. In the proventriculus, gastric juice is secreted and mixed with the food to begin the process of digestion. Once the food has been partially digested in the proventriculus, it passes on to the gizzard, where it is mechanically ground up into smaller particles before passing on to the small intestine. Therefore, the proventriculus is a critical part of the digestive system of birds, as it is responsible for the initial breakdown of food through the secretion of gastric juice.

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The natural ability of the body of farm animals to resist invasion of diseases is called immunity. Immunity is the ability of the body to recognize and defend against harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. When the body is exposed to a disease-causing pathogen, the immune system produces special proteins called antibodies that can recognize and neutralize the pathogen. Over time, the immune system "remembers" how to fight off the pathogen, which provides long-term protection against future infections. This is why many animals (and humans) only get certain diseases once in their lifetime. Quarantine and isolation are measures used to prevent the spread of disease, while vaccination involves administering a small, harmless dose of a pathogen to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against it. However, the natural ability of the body to resist invasion of diseases is immunity.

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Among the given sources of farm power, machines are the most efficient for tillage of more land per unit time. Machines are designed to perform specific tasks, and can operate for long periods of time with minimal breaks. This allows farmers to cover large areas of land quickly and efficiently. Man and animal power are limited by physical endurance, strength and ability to work only for a certain period before needing rest or food. This limits the amount of land that can be tilled in a given amount of time. Wind power can be harnessed for some farm activities such as milling, but it is not practical for tillage, as the wind is not reliable or constant enough to power large machines. In summary, while all four sources of farm power can be used for tillage, machines are the most efficient for covering more land per unit time, due to their power, reliability, and ability to operate for long periods with minimal breaks.

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Fowl pox disease is a viral infection that affects chickens and other birds. The part of the body normally affected by fowl pox disease is the comb, which is the fleshy growth on the top of a chicken's head. The virus causes scabby lesions to form on the comb, which can lead to discomfort and decreased egg production. While other parts of the body, such as the beak, feather, and vent, may also be affected in severe cases, the comb is typically the primary site of infection.

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The correct order of usage of tillage implements on a virgin land is plough-harrow-ridger. Firstly, the plough is used to break the ground, loosen the soil and turn it over. The plough cuts through the soil in a vertical direction, bringing the deeper soil to the surface. Secondly, the harrow is used to break up clumps of soil, level the surface, and smooth out the soil. The harrow consists of a series of spikes, teeth or disks which are used to break up the clods and loosen the soil. Finally, the ridger is used to form ridges or raised beds for planting. It creates a furrow and a ridge by throwing soil to each side. The ridger is used in areas with heavy rainfall to prevent waterlogging and to improve drainage. Therefore, the correct order of usage of tillage implements on a virgin land is plough-harrow-ridger.

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Poaching is prohibited in game reserves in order to preserve wildlife. Poaching refers to the illegal hunting, killing, or capturing of wild animals, usually for their valuable parts like tusks, horns, and skins, or for meat. Poaching can seriously harm wildlife populations, as it can lead to the extinction of some species. By prohibiting poaching in game reserves, the authorities are protecting the wildlife by providing a safe haven where animals can breed and reproduce without being threatened by illegal hunting activities. This allows for the preservation of natural ecosystems, which in turn benefits the environment and human populations that depend on them for various services such as clean water, air, and food.

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Oil palm trees do well in soils with a pH level of 5.5-6.5. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. A pH of 7 is neutral, with values below 7 indicating acidity and values above 7 indicating alkalinity. Oil palm trees grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. Soil with a pH level of 5.5-6.5 provides the optimal conditions for the tree to absorb essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. In soils with pH levels that are too low or too high, the availability of these nutrients is reduced, which can negatively impact the growth and productivity of the oil palm tree. Therefore, it's important to maintain the appropriate pH level of the soil to ensure healthy growth and high yields of oil palm trees.

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The physical factor affecting crop production is temperature. Temperature affects the growth and development of crops in many ways, including the rate of seed germination, the time to maturity, and the quality and yield of the harvested crop. Temperature affects photosynthesis and respiration rates in crops and can cause stress in plants if it is too high or too low. Therefore, understanding the temperature requirements of different crops is essential for successful crop production.

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