Neco Model Questions Vol1 2023 Agricultural Science Question 5

Practice essay / theory question 5 from the 2023 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Soil Fertility, Phosphorus Management, Seed Rate, Plant Population, Nitrogen Fertilizer Application, Pest Management, Integrated Crop Management .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2023 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topics: Soil Fertility Phosphorus Management Seed Rate Plant Population Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Pest Management Integrated Crop Management
Question 5 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2023 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A farmer intends to increase the yield of maize on a 2‑hectare field. The current soil test indicates an available phosphorus level of 12 mg kg⁻¹, while the target level for optimum maize production is 30 mg kg⁻¹. The recommended phosphorus (P₂O₅) application rate is 20 kg ha⁻¹ for every 10 mg kg⁻¹ increase in soil phosphorus. The farmer also wishes to adjust the planting arrangement, apply nitrogen fertilizer, manage insect pests, and develop an overall management plan to achieve a target yield of 6 t ha⁻¹.

Question Parts

( a )
Calculate the amount of P₂O₅ fertilizer required (in kilograms) for the whole 2‑ha field to raise the soil phosphorus from 12 mg kg⁻¹ to the target 30 mg kg⁻¹.
( b )
The recommended seed rate for maize at a row spacing of 75 cm is 25 kg ha⁻¹. If the farmer decides to use a narrower row spacing of 60 cm, calculate the new seed rate per hectare, assuming plant population is inversely proportional to row spacing.
( c )
The farmer will use urea (46 % N) to supply the required nitrogen. The recommended nitrogen application is 120 kg ha⁻¹. Determine the quantity of urea needed per hectare and the total cost for the 2‑ha field if urea costs ₦45 per kilogram.
( d )
Identify two major insect pests of maize that are prevalent in the region and outline an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for each pest.
( e )
Based on the calculations above, prepare a concise management plan (max 150 words) that integrates soil fertility, seed rate, nitrogen application, and pest control to achieve the target yield of 6 t ha⁻¹.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2023 Agricultural Science Question 5. It is one of the essay questions from the 2023 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Soil Fertility, Phosphorus Management, Seed Rate, Plant Population, Nitrogen Fertilizer Application, Pest Management, Integrated Crop Management .

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