neco model questions vol1 2023 agricultural_science | Practical

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Question 1 View Details
A farmer wishes to evaluate the effect of intercropping maize with cowpea on the incidence of stem borer. He sets up a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks. Each block contains two treatments: T1 – monoculture maize, and T2 – maize‑cowpea intercropping. Each plot is a rectangle 10 m × 5 m. After eight weeks the number of stem‑borer‑infested plants in each plot is recorded as follows: Block 1: T1 = 12 plants, T2 = 7 plants Block 2: T1 = 15 plants, T2 = 9 plants Block 3: T1 = 11 plants, T2 = 6 plants Using this data, answer the questions below.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the mean number of infested plants for each treatment (T1 and T2).
(b)
Using the RCBD data, compute the F‑ratio to test whether the treatments differ significantly at the 5 % level. The critical F value at \(\alpha = 0.05\) with \(df_{treatment}=1\) and \(df_{error}=2\) is 4.10.
(c)
Suggest two agronomic practices, based on ecological principles, that could further reduce stem‑borer incidence in maize.
(d)
Identify two possible sources of experimental error in this trial and propose how each could be minimised.
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Question 2 View Details
A soil sample was taken from the top 30 cm of a cultivated field. The following laboratory data were obtained: - Bulk density (ρb) = 1.35 g cm⁻³ - Particle density (ρs) = 2.65 g cm⁻³ - Gravimetric moisture content at field capacity (wFC) = 0.28 g water g⁻¹ soil - Gravimetric moisture content at wilting point (wWP) = 0.12 g water g⁻¹ soil Using these data, answer the questions below.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the total porosity of the soil expressed as a percentage.
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Question 3 View Details
A farmer is using a hand hoe to prepare a garden plot. The hoe has a blade width of 5 cm, a blade length of 30 cm and a handle length of 120 cm. The farmer makes 45 strokes per minute. Each stroke penetrates the soil to a depth of 12 cm and moves the blade forward 25 cm. The bulk density of the soil is 1.3 g cm⁻³. Assume that the only work done is lifting the soil vertically through the depth of penetration.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the volume of soil displaced in one stroke (in cm³).
(b)
Determine the total volume of soil displaced per minute (in m³).
(c)
Find the mass of soil displaced per minute (in kg).
(d)
Assuming the soil is lifted vertically through the 12 cm depth, calculate (i) the work done per minute (in joules) and (ii) the average power output of the farmer’s effort (in watts). Use g = 9.81 m s⁻².
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Question 4 View Details
A small tractor is used to pull a single‑bottom plough across a field. The tractor’s engine is rated at 20 kW at 2000 rpm and its fuel consumption at full load is 8 L h⁻¹. The transmission efficiency is 85 %. The plough creates a furrow 30 cm wide and 15 cm deep. The soil bulk density is 1.4 g cm⁻³ and the average soil resistance to cutting is expressed as a pressure of 0.12 MPa acting on the cross‑sectional area of the furrow. The field to be ploughed is 2 ha. Assume the only power required is to overcome this soil resistance.
Question Parts
(a)
Calculate the theoretical pulling force required to cut the furrow (in newtons).
(b)
Determine the usable power at the wheels after accounting for the transmission efficiency (in kilowatts).
(c)
Using the usable power, find the maximum forward speed of the tractor while pulling the plough (in km h⁻¹).
(d)
Calculate the maximum area that can be ploughed per hour at this speed (in hectares).
(e)
Based on the fuel consumption rate, compute the fuel used per hectare (in litres).
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