Neco 2017 Agricultural Science Question 2

Practice practical question 2 from the 2017 Neco Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Soil water holding capacity, Gravimetric method, Irrigation scheduling .

Neco 2017 Agricultural Science Practical

Topics: Soil water holding capacity Gravimetric method Irrigation scheduling

Question 2 NECO • 2017 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • practical

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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About This Question

This is Neco 2017 Agricultural Science Question 2. It is one of the practical questions from the 2017 Neco Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Soil water holding capacity, Gravimetric method, Irrigation scheduling .

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