Neco 2021 Agricultural Science Question 2

Practice essay / theory question 2 from the 2021 Neco Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Soil Science .

Neco 2021 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory

Topic: Soil Science

Question 2 NECO • 2021 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

Neco 2021 Agricultural Science Question 2 diagram

A soil scientist is conducting a laboratory experiment to determine the field capacity (FC) of a soil sample using the pressure plate apparatus shown in the diagram.

Question Parts

( a )

Explain the principle behind the pressure plate method for determining field capacity.

( b )

The apparatus is set to a matric potential of –33 kPa. A 100 g oven‑dry soil sample is placed in the plate and after equilibrium the water retained is measured as 45 g. Calculate the field capacity of the soil (i) as gravimetric water content (g water g⁻¹ dry soil) and (ii) as volumetric water content (cm³ water cm⁻³ soil), given the bulk density of the soil is 1.35 g cm⁻³.

( c )

Based on the result, recommend one management practice to improve the soil's water‑holding capacity and justify your choice.

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About This Question

This is Neco 2021 Agricultural Science Question 2. It is one of the essay questions from the 2021 Neco Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Soil Science .

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