Neco 2024 Agricultural Science Question 9

The diagram shows a mature maize plant with the following labelled measurements: stem height \(2.4\,\text{m}\); three leaves with lengths \(0.8\,\text{m},\,0.9\,\text{m},\,0.85\,\text{m}\) and a uniform width of \(0.15\,\text{m}\); ear length \(0.25\,\text{m}\). The dry‑biomass distribution is: roots 20\%, stem 30\%, leaves 35\%, ear 15\% of the total dry biomass. The ground area occupied by the plant is \(0.5\,\text{m}^2\). If the total dry biomass of the plant is \(1.2\,\text{kg}\), calculate (i) the dry weight of the ear, (ii) the average leaf length, and (iii) the leaf‑area index (LAI), defined as total leaf area divided by ground area. Give your answers to three decimal places where appropriate.