neco 2017 agricultural_science | Practical

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Question 1 View Details
A field of mixed crops is being surveyed to assess its biodiversity. Five 1 m² quadrats are randomly placed and the number of individuals of each plant species recorded as shown in the table below. | Quadrat | Species A | Species B | Species C | Species D | Species E | |---------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | 1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | | 3 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | | 4 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 0 | Using the data, answer the following:
Question Parts
(a)
Determine the species richness (S) of the sampled area.
(b)
Calculate Simpson's Diversity Index (D) using the formula \( D = \frac{\sum n_i (n_i-1)}{N(N-1)} \) where \(n_i\) is the total number of individuals of species i and \(N\) is the total number of individuals recorded.
(c)
Based on the calculated index, suggest two management practices that could improve the biodiversity of the field.
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Question 2 View Details
A soil sample was taken from a field intended for maize production. The following weights were obtained using the gravimetric method: - Oven‑dry weight of the soil (W_d) = 200 g - Weight of the soil after saturation (field capacity) (W_fc) = 280 g - Weight of the soil after draining to wilting point (W_wp) = 230 g The bulk density of the soil is 1.3 g cm⁻³. Answer the questions below:
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the gravimetric water content at field capacity (θ_g,fc) and at wilting point (θ_g,wp). Express your answers as percentages to the nearest whole number.
(b)
Convert the gravimetric water contents obtained in part (a) to volumetric water contents (θ_v) using the bulk density (ρ_b = 1.3 g cm⁻³) and the density of water (ρ_w = 1 g cm⁻³). State the volumetric water contents as percentages to one decimal place.
(c)
Maize requires approximately 5 mm of water per day. Assuming a root zone depth of 15 cm, determine (i) the amount of water (in mm) that can be stored in the soil between field capacity and wilting point, and (ii) the number of days the crop can be sustained without irrigation. Recommend an irrigation interval and the amount of water to apply each time.
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Question 3 View Details
A group of students are investigating the effect of using a hand hoe on soil moisture in a small garden plot. The moisture meter gave the following volumetric moisture percentages: Before using the hoe (three random points): 12 %, 14 %, 13 %. After using the hoe (three random points): 18 %, 20 %, 19 %. Answer the following questions.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the average soil moisture before and after using the hand hoe and determine the percentage increase in the average moisture.
(b)
Discuss two possible sources of error that could affect the moisture readings in this experiment.
(c)
Suggest one procedural improvement to reduce the error identified in part (b).
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Question 4 View Details
A farmer uses a 25 kW two‑stroke tractor to plough a rectangular field that measures 200 m × 100 m. The tractor is operated at a forward speed of 5 km h⁻¹ and the ploughing width is 0.8 m. The total time recorded for the complete ploughing operation is 3.5 h and the fuel consumed is 45 L. Diesel costs ₦150 per litre. Answer the following questions.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the field capacity (ha h⁻¹) of the tractor for this operation.
(b)
Determine the fuel consumption per hectare (L ha⁻¹).
(c)
Compute the operating cost per hectare, considering only fuel cost.
(d)
If manual labour for ploughing the same field would require 2 workers each earning ₦2 500 per day for 2 days, compare the cost of manual ploughing with the tractor operation and state which method is more economical.
(e)
Identify two factors (other than cost) that the farmer should consider when deciding whether to use the tractor for future ploughing.
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