JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2020

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 most likely cause of poor yield of fertile soil in a high rainfall area is leaching of soil nutrients. This is because high rainfall can wash away valuable nutrients and minerals from the soil, making it less fertile and less able to support plant growth. The nutrients are carried away by water, especially in areas with high rainfall, and deposited elsewhere, which makes the soil less rich in nutrients over time. This can be prevented by using proper soil conservation techniques like crop rotation, adding organic matter, and using appropriate fertilizer. Low pH value of land can also affect plant growth, as plants have a preferred range of soil pH for optimal growth. If the soil pH is too low, it can make certain nutrients unavailable to plants and result in poor growth. Lack of soil microbes can also impact plant growth, as these microbes play an important role in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients for plants to use. High alkalinity of soil can also affect plant growth, as some plants are sensitive to high levels of alkalinity and may struggle to absorb necessary nutrients.

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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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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 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

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 term "ginning" applies to cotton crops. Ginning is the process of separating the cotton fibers from the seeds and other impurities. The seeds are removed and the fibers are cleaned, making it easier to spin and weave into fabric. Ginning is an important step in the processing of cotton, as it allows for the production of high-quality cotton fiber that is used in the manufacture of various textiles and other products. Kenaf, cocoa, and groundnut are not crops that are associated with ginning. Kenaf is a fiber crop that is used in the production of various products, including paper and textiles. Cocoa is a crop that is used to produce cocoa powder and chocolate. Groundnut is a crop that is grown for its edible seeds, which are used for food and oil.

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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 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.

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The windmill is normally used as a source of power in pumping well water. A windmill harnesses the power of the wind to turn its blades and generate energy. This energy is then used to power a pump that brings water from a well to the surface, where it can be used for irrigation, livestock watering, or other purposes. By using a windmill, farmers and rural communities can have access to a sustainable source of water without relying on electricity from the grid.

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Sulphur is important as a constituent of plant proteins and hormones. Sulphur is a crucial element for plants, playing a role in many of the plant's key processes, such as growth and the creation of proteins and hormones. Proteins are the building blocks of all living things, and hormones control important functions like flowering and fruiting. Without sufficient sulphur, plants can become stunted and their growth and development can be slowed down. Additionally, some crops like brassicas (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) are particularly sensitive to sulphur deficiency and may show visible signs of yellowing or stunted growth.

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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 most appropriate farm machinery for breaking soil is a plough. A plough is a tool used in farming to turn over and break up the soil. It is usually pulled by a tractor and consists of a metal blade that is designed to dig into the soil and cut it into pieces. This helps to loosen the soil, making it easier for seeds to be planted and for water and air to penetrate the ground. The plough is an important tool for preparing a field for planting, as it helps to create a fertile and well-drained environment for crops to grow in.

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Birds temporarily store their food in the crop. The crop is a small pouch-like organ located near the bird's throat. It can stretch and expand to store food before it moves down to the rest of the digestive system. The food is softened and moistened in the crop, and then gradually passed on to the gizzard, which is a muscular part of the stomach where food is ground and broken down further. The gizzard is followed by the proventriculus and duodenum, where the food is further processed and digested.

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A biotic factor influencing agricultural production is a predator. A predator is an organism that hunts and eats other organisms, and in agriculture, predators can have a significant impact on crop production. For example, pests such as insects or rodents can damage or destroy crops, reducing the yield and quality of the harvest. To control these biotic factors, farmers may use various methods such as crop rotation, pest-resistant crops, and chemical pesticides.

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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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Maelezo ya Majibu

An agricultural extension agent is responsible for educating farmers on the use of improved inputs and techniques in agriculture. This includes teaching them about new and effective methods of farming, providing information about the latest technologies and techniques that can increase productivity, and helping farmers to understand the benefits of using better seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs. The goal of an agricultural extension agent is to help farmers improve their yields and make their farming operations more efficient and profitable.

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Farm surveying can be defined as the process of making measurements on land from which maps are drawn. This involves taking measurements of the land's boundaries, elevations, and other physical features, and then using this information to create detailed maps that show the layout of the land and its features. The goal of farm surveying is to provide accurate and up-to-date information about a farm's land and structures, which can be used for various purposes, such as planning and development, assessing the land's value, or determining the best use for the land.

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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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

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 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.

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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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Smut disease of cereals is caused by a fungus. A fungus is a type of microorganism that can cause diseases in plants. The fungus infects the cereal plant and causes it to produce abnormal growths, called galls, in place of kernels. These galls eventually burst open and release spores of the fungus that can infect other plants. This can result in significant yield loss and reduced quality of the cereal crop.

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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.

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The quantity of rice that a consumer is willing and able to buy during a given period is the consumer's demand for rice. Demand for rice refers to the amount of rice that a consumer is willing and able to buy at a specific price. When the price of rice goes up, demand for rice may go down, and vice versa. This relationship between price and demand is a key concept in economics and helps to determine the market price for a good or service.

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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.

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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

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.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

The main purpose of including leguminous crops, such as beans and peas, in pastures is to serve as a source of proteins for livestock. These crops are high in protein and provide an important source of nutrition for animals, helping to keep them healthy and productive. Additionally, leguminous crops help to improve the quality of the soil by fixing nitrogen, which makes it more fertile and better able to support other plants.

Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

Consumer sovereignty in agriculture refers to the idea that the consumer, not the farmer, determines what should be produced in the agricultural sector. This means that farmers produce what consumers want to buy, rather than what they think is best to grow. Essentially, the demand of the consumers drives the supply of agricultural products. For example, if consumers demand organic produce, farmers will shift their production towards organic crops to meet that demand. In this way, consumer sovereignty ensures that the needs and preferences of the consumers are being met. However, it's important to note that the concept of consumer sovereignty can sometimes be limited by various factors such as government policies, production costs, and environmental constraints.