Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Agricultural Science Question 2

Practice essay / theory question 2 from the 2021 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Field capacity, Gravimetric method, Soil water, Error analysis .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topics: Field capacity Gravimetric method Soil water Error analysis
Question 2 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2021 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A student is required to determine the field capacity (FC) of a loamy soil sample using the gravimetric method. The experimental setup consists of a 500 mL beaker, a funnel, a pre‑weighed filter paper (mass = 10 g), a balance (accuracy 0.01 g), and a water source. The procedure is as follows: (i) 200 g of air‑dry soil is placed in the beaker, (ii) water is added slowly until the soil is saturated and excess water drains freely, (iii) the soil is allowed to stand for 30 min, (iv) the saturated soil together with the filter paper is weighed and the combined mass recorded as 260 g. The oven‑dry mass of the soil (after drying at 105 °C for 24 h) is 150 g.

Question Parts

( a )
Calculate the field capacity of the soil sample expressed as grams of water per gram of dry soil.
( b )
Explain why the 30 minute standing period is necessary before weighing the saturated soil.
( c )
Identify two possible sources of error in this gravimetric method and suggest how each can be minimised.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Agricultural Science Question 2. It is one of the essay questions from the 2021 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Field capacity, Gravimetric method, Soil water, Error analysis .

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