Neco Model Questions Vol1 2025 Agricultural Science Question 2

Practice practical question 2 from the 2025 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Soil Science .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2025 Agricultural Science Practical
Topic: Soil Science
Question 2 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2025 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • practical

A soil sample was collected from a field to determine its physical properties. The following data were obtained from the laboratory: - Dry mass of the soil sample (after oven‑drying at 105 °C for 24 h): 560 g - Volume of the soil core taken for the sample: 1000 cm³ - After saturation and drainage, the mass of the soil plus water retained was 720 g. - After further drying to the permanent wilting point, the mass of the soil plus water was 640 g. Using this information, answer the following questions:

Question Parts

( a )
Calculate the bulk density (ρb) of the soil in g cm⁻³.
( b )
Determine the following water contents (expressed as % w/w): (i) Field capacity (FC) – water retained after drainage. (ii) Permanent wilting point (PWP).
( c )
Calculate the available water capacity (AWC) of the soil in mm (depth of water per metre of soil).
( d )
Based on the AWC obtained, comment on the suitability of this soil for maize production, which requires at least 100 mm of readily available water during the growing season.
( e )
List two important precautions that should be observed when performing the gravimetric water‑content determination.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2025 Agricultural Science Question 2. It is one of the practical questions from the 2025 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Soil Science .

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