WASSCE: AGRIC. SCIENCE-THEORY-2009-Q1-Q4
An agricultural system is the way farming activities are organized and carried out to grow crops and rear animals for food and income.
i. List five agricultural systems practiced in West Africa**
1. Shifting cultivation
2. Pastoral farming
3. Plantation farming
4. Mixed farming
5. Mechanized farming
1b. State four ways in which non-governmental organizations (NGOs) contribute to agricultural production**
1. They provide financial support or loans to farmers.
2. They organize training and workshops for farmers.
3. They supply farm inputs like fertilizers, seeds, and tools.
4. They help in building roads and markets to help farmers sell their produce.
1c. Give one function of each of the following components of an incubator:**
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Counter | It records the number of days the eggs have stayed inside the incubator. |
| Thermostat | It controls the temperature inside the incubator to keep it at the right level. |
| Hygrometer | It measures the humidity or moisture level inside the incubator. |
| Egg Tray | It holds the eggs and keeps them in the correct position inside the incubator. |
| Heater | It supplies heat to keep the temperature suitable for the eggs to hatch. |
2a. Enumerate six factors that limit food production in West Africa
1. Poor storage facilities
2. Lack of modern farm tools and machines
3. Inadequate capital or funding
4. Pest and disease attack
5. Poor road networks and transportation
6. Low level of education among farmers
2b. State three advantages and three disadvantages of solar energy as a source of farm power
Advantages:
1. It is cheap after installation.
2. It does not pollute the environment.
3. It is available in sunny areas.
Disadvantages:
1. It is expensive to set up at first.
2. It depends on sunlight, so it is not available at night or during cloudy days.
3. It cannot power heavy machines easily.
2c. List four tractor-coupled implements
1. Plough
2. Harrow
3. Planter
4. Ridger
3a. State four characteristics of clay**
1. Clay has very small particles.
2. It holds water for a long time.
3. It becomes sticky when wet.
4. It is hard and cracks when dry.
3b. Mention four effects of drought on plant growth and development**
1. Leaves become dry and fall off.
2. Plants grow slowly or stop growing.
3. Flowers and fruits fall off early.
4. Seeds may not form well.
3c. List two symptoms of phosphorus deficiency in crops**
1. Leaves become dark green or purple.
2. Poor root development and stunted growth.
3d. State three ways in which each of the following soil properties is important in crop production**
Soil Reaction (pH):
1. It affects the availability of nutrients to plants.
2. It influences the activity of soil organisms.
3. It helps determine which crops can grow well in the soil.
Soil Temperature:
1. It affects the rate of seed germination.
2. It controls how fast roots absorb water and nutrients.
3. It influences the speed of chemical reactions in the soil.
4a. List four conservation practices that can be used to control erosion on gentle slopes
1. Contour ploughing
2. Strip cropping
3. Planting cover crops
4. Terracing
4b. Explain how each of the practices you have listed can be used to conserve the soil
1. Contour ploughing – This involves ploughing along the contour lines of the land to reduce the speed of water flow and prevent washing away of soil.
2. Strip cropping – Growing crops in alternating rows with grass or legumes to protect the soil from erosion.
3. Planting cover crops – Cover crops like beans or grasses protect the soil by covering it and reducing the impact of raindrops.
4. Terracing – Making steps on slopes to slow down water movement and reduce soil loss.
