neco 2022 agricultural_science | Practical

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Question 1 View Details
A field survey was carried out to assess the biodiversity of weed species in a 1 ha maize field using the 1 m² quadrat method. Five quadrats were randomly placed and the number of individuals of each species recorded is shown in the table below. | Quadrant | Species X | Species Y | Species Z | Species W | |----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | 1 | 12 | 5 | 3 | 0 | | 2 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 1 | | 3 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 2 | | 4 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 3 | | 5 | 11 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Using the data, answer the following: (a) Determine the total number of weed individuals recorded across all quadrats. (b) Calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) and express the Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1‑D) to two decimal places. (c) Based on the value of (1‑D), comment on the level of biodiversity in the field and suggest one practical management measure that could improve biodiversity.
Question Parts
(a)
Determine the total number of weed individuals recorded across all quadrats.
(b)
Calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) and express the Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1‑D) to two decimal places.
(c)
Based on the value of (1‑D), comment on the level of biodiversity in the field and suggest one practical management measure that could improve biodiversity.
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Question 2 View Details
A laboratory experiment was performed to determine the water‑holding characteristics of three soil types (A, B and C). For each soil, a 100 g oven‑dry sample was taken and the following weights were recorded: - Saturated weight (after submerging the sample and allowing excess water to drain) - Field‑capacity weight (after allowing the sample to drain for 24 h at room temperature) - Wilting‑point weight (after further drying the sample in a controlled environment until the moisture content corresponds to the permanent wilting point). The bulk densities of the soils are given. | Soil | Bulk density (g cm⁻³) | Saturated weight (g) | Field‑capacity weight (g) | Wilting‑point weight (g) | |------|----------------------|----------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------| | A | 1.30 | 180 | 130 | 115 | | B | 1.45 | 170 | 140 | 120 | | C | 1.20 | 190 | 150 | 130 | Using the data, answer the following: (a) Calculate the volumetric water content at field capacity (θ_fc) for each soil (expressed as a percentage). (b) Calculate the volumetric water content at the permanent wilting point (θ_wp) for each soil (percentage). (c) Determine the available water capacity (AWC = θ_fc – θ_wp) for each soil and identify which soil has the highest AWC. (d) A crop requiring a minimum of 25 % available water is to be cultivated. Recommend the most suitable soil(s) and justify your choice.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the volumetric water content at field capacity (θ_fc) for each soil (expressed as a percentage).
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Question 3 View Details
A student is investigating the effectiveness of two hand tools – a wooden hand hoe and a steel garden fork – for loosening soil in a vegetable garden.
Question Parts
(a)
Describe a suitable experimental procedure that will give reliable data on the time required to loosen a 5 m² plot with each tool. Include details of control of variables, number of repetitions and method of recording results.
(b)
The recorded times (in minutes) for the three trials are:
() Hand hoe: 12.5, 13.2, 11.8 Garden fork: 9.4, 10.1, 9.7 Calculate the mean time for each tool.
() Determine the percentage reduction in mean time when using the garden fork compared with the hand hoe.
(c)
Identify two possible sources of error in the experiment and suggest one method to minimise each.
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Question 4 View Details
A farmer uses a 2‑tonne 4‑stroke diesel tractor to cultivate a field. The tractor's engine is rated at 20 kW at 1500 rpm. During a field test the draw‑bar pull recorded was 2.5 kN while the tractor moved at a constant speed of 4 km h⁻¹. The fuel consumption rate is 5.0 L h⁻¹ and the calorific value of diesel is 35 MJ L⁻¹.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the actual power being delivered at the draw‑bar in kilowatts.
(b)
Determine the mechanical efficiency of the tractor based on the rated engine power and the draw‑bar power.
(c)
The tractor consumes fuel at 5.0 L h⁻¹. Using the calorific value given, calculate (i) the fuel energy supplied per hour and (ii) the overall energy efficiency using the draw‑bar power as useful output.
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