JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2020

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The national tree-planting campaign is aimed at stimulating afforestation. Afforestation refers to the process of establishing a forest, or stand of trees, in an area where there was no forest. The goal of the national tree-planting campaign is to increase the number of trees in a specific area, either for conservation purposes, to provide timber, or for other benefits such as improving air quality and reducing soil erosion. Taungya farming involves the planting of trees in fields, where crops are also grown. This type of farming provides benefits to both the trees and the crops, as the trees provide shade and improve soil fertility, while the crops provide food and income. Forest reservation involves setting aside forests for conservation purposes, usually to protect wildlife and their habitats. While all of these practices can contribute to improving the health and sustainability of forests, the primary focus of a national tree-planting campaign is likely to be on afforestation.

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The most common soil mineral found in all crystalline rocks and a main constituent of granite and sandstone is quartz. Quartz is a mineral made up of silicon and oxygen and is one of the most abundant minerals on the Earth's surface. It is often found in granite and sandstone, which are types of rocks made up of various minerals including quartz. Quartz is also found in many other types of rocks and soils, and is an important component of the Earth's crust.

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All of the options listed can contribute to disease in a fish pond, but poor management practices are particularly significant. Poor management practices can include things like overstocking the pond, failing to maintain proper water quality, not properly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and not providing adequate nutrition to the fish. These practices can create an environment that is favorable for the growth and spread of disease-causing pathogens, leading to outbreaks of disease in the pond. Mixed stocking refers to the practice of stocking a pond with different species of fish. This can increase the risk of disease by introducing new pathogens or by creating stress in the fish that weakens their immune systems. Liming is the practice of adding lime to a fish pond to adjust the pH of the water. While liming is important for maintaining the health of the fish, it can also increase the risk of disease if not done properly. Harvesting refers to the removal of fish from a pond. While harvesting itself is not a direct cause of disease, it can disrupt the balance of the pond and increase the risk of disease if not done properly. For example, if fish are harvested too frequently or if diseased fish are not properly disposed of, it can create an environment that is favorable for the growth and spread of disease-causing pathogens.

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The main factor that affects the color of egg yolk is the type of feed that the laying hen eats. The yolk gets its color from pigments found in the foods that the hen consumes, such as yellow and orange pigments from corn, marigold petals, and other yellow and orange plants. If a hen eats a diet rich in yellow and orange pigments, the yolk will be a deeper yellow color. On the other hand, if a hen eats a diet that lacks these pigments, the yolk will be lighter in color. The other factors, such as the age of the hen and the type of housing, may also have some impact, but to a much lesser extent compared to the type of feed.

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Improving yam through breeding is difficult because yam is a type of plant that reproduces vegetatively, meaning that it does not have a sexual reproductive system. This means that new plants are produced from the stem, roots or leaves rather than from seeds. As a result, breeding is not as straightforward as it is with plants that produce seeds. Additionally, yam varieties can rapidly multiply, making it difficult to control their growth and ensure that only the desired varieties are being propagated. Furthermore, the genes in yam plants do not segregate in a predictable manner, making it difficult to produce plants with specific traits through breeding.

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A soil with a pH of 2 can be described as highly acidic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A soil pH below 7 is considered acidic and a soil pH above 7 is considered alkaline. The lower the pH number, the more acidic the soil is. So, a soil with a pH of 2 is significantly more acidic than a neutral soil (pH 7) and can be described as highly acidic.

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The recommended agricultural practice in farm settlement schemes is mixed farming. Mixed farming involves the integration of both crop and livestock production on the same farm. This approach provides farmers with a more diverse and stable source of income, as they can earn money from both crops and animals. Additionally, mixed farming can help to improve soil fertility and reduce the risk of crop failure, as the manure produced by livestock can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops. This type of agricultural practice is considered to be more sustainable and resilient than relying solely on one type of production, such as cash crop production or poultry farming.

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Andropogon gayanus is commonly called "gamba grass." Gamba grass is a species of grass that is native to Africa and is known for its tall, dense growth. It grows well in hot, wet conditions and is commonly used for forage for livestock, as well as for erosion control and as a fuel source. The name "gamba" comes from the Bantu language and refers to the tall stature of the grass.

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The primary role of agriculture is to provide food for people and their animals. This includes crops such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and livestock such as cattle, pigs, and chickens. Agriculture is a fundamental part of our food system, as it produces the majority of the food that we consume on a daily basis. Agriculture is also important for providing employment and income for farmers, as well as raw materials for industries such as food processing, textiles, and biofuels. Additionally, agriculture can also contribute to a country's foreign exchange earnings by exporting crops and livestock to other countries. However, despite these other important roles, the primary purpose of agriculture remains to provide a reliable and sustainable source of food for the growing global population.

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The Nigerian government has helped farmers in marketing a particular crop by the establishment of marketing boards. Marketing boards are organizations set up by the government to regulate and control the marketing of specific agricultural products. They help to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops, and also help to stabilize prices in the market. Marketing boards may also provide support to farmers in areas such as transportation, storage, and grading of crops. Rural schools of agriculture provide education and training to farmers, helping them to improve their farming practices and increase productivity. Rural extension offices provide information and advice to farmers on a range of topics, including best practices for growing crops and marketing their products. Markets for the sale of crops are important places where farmers can sell their products, but they do not provide the same level of support and regulation as marketing boards. By establishing marketing boards, the Nigerian government is helping to create a stable and fair marketplace for the sale of specific crops, providing farmers with a more secure and predictable income.

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A soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 6.9 is considered slightly acidic. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil, with a pH of 7 being neutral. Soils with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic, while those with a pH greater than 7 are considered alkaline. A soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 6.9 is slightly acidic because it falls within the range of slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0-7.0). It's important to note that different plants have different pH requirements, so knowing the pH of your soil can help you determine which plants will grow best in your soil.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Granite is an example of igneous rock. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten rock (magma or lava). The process can occur below the Earth's surface (intrusive igneous rocks) or on the surface (extrusive igneous rocks). Granite is a type of intrusive igneous rock that is formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface. It is composed of minerals such as feldspar, quartz, and mica, which give it a distinctive appearance and texture.

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The option "drop in milk production" is not a sign of animal approaching parturition. Parturition refers to the process of giving birth in animals, and there are several physical signs that indicate that an animal is approaching this stage. A soft, pliable and swollen vulva, a relaxed cervix, and a full mammary gland are all common signs that an animal is getting ready to give birth. However, a drop in milk production is not a sign of this, as milk production typically increases as an animal approaches parturition.

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The act of giving birth in farm animals is called "parturition." Parturition refers to the process of giving birth, from the onset of labor to the delivery of the offspring. It is a natural process that occurs in mammals, including farm animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and horses. During parturition, the mother's uterus contracts to push the baby out, and the baby is then born.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The cracks or crevices that are first noticed on rocks during soil formation are caused by temperature changes. As the temperature fluctuates, it causes the rocks to expand and contract. This repeated expansion and contraction leads to the formation of cracks and crevices in the rocks. Over time, these cracks and crevices can become deeper and wider, and eventually, soil can accumulate in them, leading to soil formation.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The group of animals that chew the cud are "ruminants." Ruminants are a group of mammals that include animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, buffalo, and deer. These animals have a unique digestive system that allows them to break down tough plant material, such as grasses and leaves, by regurgitating and re-chewing their food (known as cud). This process helps to release more nutrients from the plant material, which can then be absorbed by the animal's digestive system. Amphibians, aves (birds), and reptiles do not chew the cud and have different digestive systems.

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Capital in agriculture refers to the resources and assets used to produce crops and livestock. It includes items such as machinery, buildings, and land. The option that does not belong in this list is "labour". While labour is an important input in agriculture, it is not considered a capital asset. Capital assets are long-term investments that are used to produce goods over time, while labour is a more immediate input that is used to carry out specific tasks. So, labour is considered an operational cost or an expense, rather than a capital asset, in agriculture. To produce crops and livestock, farmers need both capital assets and labour inputs, but labour is not considered a part of the farmer's capital.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The option that does not belong in a typical daily management routine in poultry is "debeaking." Debeaking is a procedure that involves removing the tip of a bird's beak to prevent pecking and cannibalism in crowded conditions. It is not a daily routine but rather a management practice that may be performed once in the lifetime of a bird, typically when they are young. Egg collection, water and feed provision, and health care are all important daily routines in poultry management. Egg collection involves gathering the eggs that the hens have laid, water and feed provision involves making sure the birds have access to fresh water and food, and health care involves monitoring the birds for signs of illness and taking action to prevent or treat diseases.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The most efficient irrigation method for large scale farms is the use of overhead irrigation facilities, also known as center pivot or lateral move systems. This method involves a large tower in the center of the field that rotates, with long pipes extending from the tower and sprinklers attached to the pipes. The sprinklers water the crops evenly, without the water being absorbed too quickly into the ground, ensuring that the crops receive enough water to grow properly. This method is efficient because it can cover a large area, uses less water compared to flood irrigation and is easy to manage.

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Texture is not a component of soil. Texture refers to the relative proportions of different sized soil particles such as sand, silt, and clay that make up the soil. These particles affect the physical properties of the soil, such as its structure, porosity, and water-holding capacity. The other three options, air, water, and organic matter, are all actual components of soil, as they are all present within the soil and play important roles in the soil's health and fertility.

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The disadvantage of drip-irrigation is that its efficiency on water distribution in steep slopes is poor. This means that if the field or the area being irrigated has a steep slope, the water may not be evenly distributed and some areas may receive more or less water compared to others. This can lead to uneven growth or drying of crops in some areas.

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When a male chicken, also known as a cockerel, is castrated, it becomes a capon. Castration is the process of removing the testicles, which results in the bird having a more tender and flavorful meat, as well as a calmer personality. Castrated male chickens are often raised for food, and are known for their plump and juicy meat.

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Spermatozoa are produced in the testicles. The testicles are part of the male reproductive system and are responsible for producing and storing sperm. Sperm are the male reproductive cells that are necessary for fertilization, which is the process by which sperm combine with an egg to form an embryo. The testicles are located outside the body in a sac called the scrotum. This location helps to maintain a temperature that is cooler than the body, which is necessary for optimal sperm production. The production of sperm is a continuous process that starts during puberty and continues throughout a man's life.

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Subsistence agriculture is a type of farming where the primary goal is to produce enough food to feed the farmer's family and sometimes a small community. The focus is on meeting the basic needs of the farmers rather than making a profit. In subsistence agriculture, yields are often not as high as in commercial agriculture because the farmers use simple tools and techniques and may not have access to modern inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. The surplus produced is small because the primary aim is to feed the family, so only a small amount is left over for sale or trade. Savings are not a priority in subsistence agriculture, as the focus is on producing enough food to meet the family's needs. The farm sizes are usually small, as the farmer only needs to cultivate enough land to feed their family. Overall, subsistence agriculture is a way of life for many farmers in developing countries, and it provides a basic level of food security for the farmers and their families.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The mating of a white fulani bull and an N'dama cow is called cross breeding. Cross breeding is the mating of two animals from different breeds, or sometimes even different species, with the aim of creating offspring with desirable traits from both parents. In this case, the white fulani bull and N'dama cow are two different breeds, therefore their mating would be considered cross breeding.

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A Gunter's chain is mainly used for taking measurements of distances. It is a survey tool consisting of a chain of 100 links, each link measuring 7.92 inches in length. This makes the total length of the chain 66 feet, or 22 yards. Surveyors use the Gunter's chain to measure distances and to calculate the size of an area by counting the number of chains that fit into the space. By using this tool, surveyors can accurately determine the dimensions of land, buildings, and other structures.

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The role of government in agricultural production that is not typically included is the provision of labor. Governments typically play a role in supporting the agriculture sector by providing loans and credits, building storage facilities, and establishing efficient marketing outlets. However, the direct provision of labor is not usually considered a role of government in agriculture. Instead, it is usually the responsibility of individual farmers or agricultural businesses to hire and manage their own labor force.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The process of stopping a young animal from drinking milk from its mother and feeding it by hand is called weaning. Weaning is the process of gradually introducing solid food and reducing the amount of milk or formula that the young animal receives. This is an important step in the development of the young animal as it helps them transition from a milk-based diet to a more solid and varied diet. The goal of weaning is to promote healthy growth and development, and to prepare the young animal for a self-sufficient life.