neco 2023 agricultural_science | Practical

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Question 1 View Details
A mixed‑farm field of 1 ha was surveyed for insect pollinators on a clear day. The counts of each species observed are given below: | Species | Count | |---------|-------| | A | 25 | | B | 15 | | C | 30 | | D | 10 | | E | 20 | Using this data, answer the following: (a) Calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) where \(D = \frac{\sum n_i (n_i-1)}{N(N-1)}\). (b) Express the reciprocal index \(1/D\) and interpret the value in terms of ecosystem stability. (c) Recommend one practical management measure that could further enhance pollinator diversity based on your interpretation.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index (D).
(b)
Find the reciprocal index \(1/D\) and interpret the result.
(c)
Suggest one management practice to improve pollinator diversity.
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Question 2 View Details
A soil core (100 cm³) was taken from a field intended for maize production. The following gravimetric measurements were recorded: - Saturated weight (after soaking) = 210 g - Weight after draining for 2 h (field capacity) = 190 g - Weight at permanent wilting point = 165 g - Oven‑dry weight = 150 g - Bulk density of the soil = 1.3 g cm⁻³ Using these data, answer the questions below: (a) Determine the gravimetric water content at field capacity (\(\theta_{g,FC}\)) and at wilting point (\(\theta_{g,WP}\)). (b) Convert the gravimetric water contents to volumetric water contents (\(\theta_{v}\)) using the bulk density. (c) Calculate the plant‑available water holding capacity (PAWHC) in mm for a 30 cm root zone. (d) State whether the soil is suitable for maize, which requires a minimum PAWHC of 40 mm, and justify your answer.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate \(\theta_{g,FC}\) and \(\theta_{g,WP}\).
() Gravimetric water content at field capacity.
() Gravimetric water content at wilting point.
(b)
Convert the gravimetric values to volumetric water contents.
() Volumetric water content at field capacity.
() Volumetric water content at wilting point.
(c)
Find the PAWHC (mm) for a 30 cm root zone.
(d)
Comment on the suitability of the soil for maize.
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Question 3 View Details
A student carried out a tillage experiment on a rectangular plot measuring 5 m by 4 m (20 m²). Using a hand hoe the student required 12 minutes to till the whole plot, while using a garden fork the same plot was tilled in 9 minutes. Assume that the time taken varies directly with the area tilled.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the time required to till 1 hectare (10 000 m²) with each tool.
(b)
Determine the percentage reduction in time when the garden fork is used instead of the hand hoe.
(c)
Based on the results, recommend the more suitable tool for large‑scale farms and give two reasons for your choice.
(d)
Identify two possible sources of error in the experiment and suggest a method to minimise each error.
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Question 4 View Details
A small tractor equipped with a single‑point plough is to be used on a field. The plough requires a draft force of 1 500 N when the tractor moves at a speed of 5 km h⁻¹. The tractor’s engine is rated at 25 kW at 2 000 r.p.m. The width of the plough is 1.2 m and a field efficiency of 80 % is expected. Fuel consumption of the tractor at full load is 5 L h⁻¹.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the power required to pull the plough at the given speed.
(b)
Compare the required power with the tractor’s rated power and state whether the tractor is adequately powered.
(c)
Assuming fuel consumption varies proportionally with engine load, estimate the fuel used when the tractor operates for 8 hours at the calculated load.
(d)
Calculate the theoretical field capacity (ha h⁻¹) of the plough under the given conditions.
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