JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2020

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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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Maelezo ya Majibu

Maelezo ya Majibu

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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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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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.

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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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Maelezo ya Majibu

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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.

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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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The management practice in a piggery that is not included is weekly vaccination of pigs. Disinfecting pens helps prevent the spread of disease by killing germs and bacteria. Regular cleaning of feed and water troughs ensures that the pigs have access to clean food and water, promoting their health and well-being. Isolating sick animals helps prevent the spread of disease to healthy pigs, and is an important part of disease control in a piggery. However, weekly vaccination of pigs is not a standard practice in a piggery. Pig vaccination schedules vary depending on the specific disease being targeted, the age and health of the pigs, and other factors. Typically, pig vaccination is done on a regular basis, but not necessarily every week. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to develop an appropriate vaccination schedule for your pigs.

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The tool shown is typically used in the plant propagation method of budding. Budding involves taking a bud from one plant and inserting it into a different plant to create a new plant that is a genetic clone of the original plant. This is usually done using a budding knife, which is a sharp, curved blade that is used to make a clean cut in both the parent plant and the rootstock plant. The bud is then inserted into a small incision in the rootstock plant and the wound is covered with tape or a rubber band to hold it in place. After a few weeks, the bud will have rooted into the rootstock and the new plant will be ready to be separated and grown on its own. Seed planting, seedling transplanting, and layering are all other methods of plant propagation, but they do not involve the use of the tool shown in the question.

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The marketing process does not include "production." Production refers to the creation of goods and services, while marketing is concerned with the promotion and sale of those goods and services. Marketing includes activities such as market research, product development, pricing, advertising, sales, and distribution. While production and marketing are closely related, they are distinct processes with different objectives and responsibilities. In the business world, production is often the responsibility of operations or manufacturing departments, while marketing is handled by a separate marketing department.

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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 option that is not a typical objective of government agricultural policies is "increasing the number of peasant farmers." While some governments may aim to support small-scale farmers and promote rural development, it is not a direct objective of agricultural policies to simply increase the number of farmers. The other options listed, such as increasing food production, improving efficiency in export crop production, and supplying raw materials for local industries, are more commonly aimed for in agricultural policies as these goals directly impact food security, economic growth, and industrial development.

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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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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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The best control measure for rinderpest disease in cattle is vaccination. Rinderpest is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle and other species of cloven-hoofed animals. It is spread through direct contact between animals or through contaminated feed, water, or equipment. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease and protect cattle from getting sick. By vaccinating cattle, they will develop immunity to the virus and will not get sick if they are exposed to it. This helps to break the chain of transmission and reduce the spread of the disease to other animals. Sanitation, such as cleaning and disinfecting pens and equipment, can help to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, but it does not provide immunity to the cattle. The use of antibiotics may help to treat secondary infections, but they do not cure rinderpest itself, which is a viral disease. The eradication of infected stock may help to control the spread of the disease in the short term, but it is not a sustainable solution on its own, as new cases of infection can occur. In conclusion, the best control measure for rinderpest in cattle is vaccination, which provides immunity to the cattle and helps to prevent the spread of the disease.

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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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An increase in the supply of cowpea will generally lead to a decrease in its market price. This is because, with more cowpea available, there is greater competition among sellers to find buyers for their product, which puts downward pressure on the price. Think of it like this: if there are many people trying to sell the same product, each person will have to lower their price to attract buyers and make a sale. The same is true for cowpea. In a normal market situation, the law of supply and demand states that when the supply of a product increases, the price of the product will decrease, assuming everything else remains constant. This is because the increased supply creates an excess of the product, making it more readily available and easier for consumers to find. With more supply and no change in demand, the price drops to encourage people to buy more.

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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.

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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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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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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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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.