Neco 2021 Agricultural Science Question 5

Practice essay / theory question 5 from the 2021 Neco Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Soil fertility, Fertilizer management, Crop rotation, Yield response .

Neco 2021 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topics: Soil fertility Fertilizer management Crop rotation Yield response
Question 5 NECO • 2021 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A farmer intends to increase the yield of maize on a 2‑hectare field. The soil test results are: pH = 5.5, organic matter = 1.2 %, available nitrogen (N) = 40 kg ha⁻¹, available phosphorus (P) = 12 kg ha⁻¹, and available potassium (K) = 80 kg ha⁻¹. The recommended fertilizer rates for maize are 120 kg N ha⁻¹ and 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹. The farmer plans to use urea (46 % N) and single superphosphate (16 % P₂O₅). The expected yield response to nitrogen is 0.8 t per 100 kg N applied. Answer the following:

Question Parts

( a )
Interpret the soil test results and identify the nutrients that are limiting for maize production.
( b )
Propose a three‑season crop rotation sequence that would improve soil fertility for the next three years, giving a brief justification for each crop.
( c )
Calculate the quantities of urea and single superphosphate required per hectare to meet the recommended fertilizer rates of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ and 60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹.
( d )
Using the yield response factor, estimate the increase in maize yield (t ha⁻¹) that can be expected from the nitrogen application alone.

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About This Question

This is Neco 2021 Agricultural Science Question 5. It is one of the essay questions from the 2021 Neco Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Soil fertility, Fertilizer management, Crop rotation, Yield response .

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