neco model questions vol1 2022 agricultural_science | Practical

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Question 1 View Details
A farmer wants to evaluate the biodiversity of a 1 ha field of mixed crops and fallow patches. Four 1 m² quadrats (Q1–Q4) are randomly placed and the number of individuals of five plant species (A, B, C, D, E) recorded as shown: | Quadrats | Species A | Species B | Species C | Species D | Species E | |----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | Q1 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | | Q2 | 7 | 10 | 6 | 2 | 5 | | Q3 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 2 | | Q4 | 5 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 6 | Using this data, answer the following: (a) Determine the species richness of the field. (b) Calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) for the whole field. (c) Interpret the value of D obtained in terms of the field’s ecological stability. (d) Recommend one agronomic practice that could increase the field’s biodiversity. (e) Identify one probable source of error in the quadrat method and suggest a precaution to minimise it.
Question Parts
(a)
Determine the species richness of the field.
(b)
Calculate Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) for the whole field.
(c)
Interpret the value of D obtained in terms of the field’s ecological stability.
(d)
Recommend one agronomic practice that could increase the field’s biodiversity.
(e)
Identify one probable source of error in the quadrat method and suggest a precaution to minimise it.
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Question 2 View Details
A soil scientist is determining the water‑holding characteristics of a loamy soil using the gravimetric method. A 250 g oven‑dry soil sample is taken and the following weights are recorded: - Saturated soil (after soaking) = 400 g - Soil at field capacity (after draining for 2 h) = 340 g - Soil at wilting point (after drying at 105 °C until constant weight) = 280 g The bulk density of the soil is 1.3 g cm⁻³ and the effective rooting depth in the field is 15 cm. Answer the following: (a) Compute the gravimetric water content (%, w) at field capacity and at wilting point. (b) Convert these gravimetric values to volumetric water content (θ, %) using the bulk density. (c) Calculate the amount of water (in litres) that can be stored in 1 m² of soil at field capacity and at wilting point, and state the available water (difference) for plant use. (d) Briefly discuss how the obtained available water capacity influences irrigation scheduling for a rain‑fed crop. (e) Mention two possible sources of error in this gravimetric method and one precaution for each.
Question Parts
(a)
Compute the gravimetric water content (%, w) at field capacity and at wilting point.
(b)
Convert these gravimetric values to volumetric water content (θ, %) using the bulk density.
(c)
Calculate the amount of water (in litres) that can be stored in 1 m² of soil at field capacity and at wilting point, and state the available water (difference) for plant use.
(d)
Briefly discuss how the obtained available water capacity influences irrigation scheduling for a rain‑fed crop.
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Question 3 View Details
A farmer wants to assess the efficiency of two hand hoes, Type X and Type Y, for weeding a 0.5 ha cassava field. He conducts a timed trial on a 0.1 ha strip for each hoe and records the following data: - Type X: time taken = 45 min, weeds removed = 180, weight of hoe after use = 2.8 kg. - Type Y: time taken = 30 min, weeds removed = 150, weight of hoe after use = 2.5 kg. The initial weight of each hoe before use is 2.0 kg. The farmer defines work efficiency as: \[ \text{Efficiency}=\frac{\text{Weeds removed per minute}}{\text{Increase in weight (kg)}} \] Using the trial data, the farmer wishes to: a) calculate the work efficiency for each hoe; b) decide which hoe to adopt based on the highest efficiency; c) identify one possible source of error in the trial and suggest a method to minimise it.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the work efficiency for each hoe.
(b)
State which hoe the farmer should adopt based on the calculated efficiencies.
(c)
Identify one possible source of error in the trial and suggest a way to minimise it.
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Question 4 View Details
A farmer uses a 25 kW diesel tractor to plough a field. The tractor's fuel tank capacity is 60 L. During a field test the tractor ploughs a 2.5 ha field in 4 hours, consuming 45 L of diesel. The diesel has an energy content of 38.6 MJ per litre. The farmer also records the average soil resistance encountered as 12 kN and the average travelling speed of the tractor as 2.0 km/h. Using this information the farmer wants to: a) determine the average power delivered to the soil (in kW) from the measured force and speed; b) calculate the overall mechanical efficiency of the tractor (ratio of power delivered to soil to the rated engine power); c) estimate the specific fuel consumption (SFC) in litres per kilowatt‑hour for the tractor based on the field test; d) discuss two practical measures that could be taken to improve the tractor's fuel efficiency in field operations.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the average power delivered to the soil (kW).
(b)
Calculate the overall mechanical efficiency of the tractor.
(c)
Estimate the specific fuel consumption (SFC) in L kWh⁻¹ for the tractor based on the field test.
(d)
Discuss two practical measures that could be taken to improve the tractor's fuel efficiency in field operations.
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