Lesson Note on Agricultural

Science JSS 2 First Term

Agriculture lesson note Jss2
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Agricultural Science Notes for JSS2

First Term – Edudelight.com
SCHEME OF WORK AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE JS2

1. Revision of J SS1 Work

2. Farm Structures and Building
3. Siting of Farm and layout of farm structures
4. Cultural Practices:  Pre-planting operations
5. Cultural practices:  Planting Operations
6. Cultural Practices: Post planting Operations
7. Farming System
8. Cropping Systems
9. Field Work
10. Revision
11. Examination

REFERENCE BOOKS

Presscribed Agricultural Scinece for Junior Secondary Schools Book

2 by S.A Omoruyi
Junior Secondary Agricultural for Nigerian Schools Book 2 by
Anthony Yandeowei, B.K. Kaigama, S.O Adesiyan, J.N Ogbazi, Terry
Olowu.

WEEK ONE

TOPIC:  REVISION AND GENERAL CLEANING.

CROP LESSON NOTE
CONTENT

Definition of crop
Classification of crop

DEFINITION
A crop is a plant that is grown by man in order to harvest it at some
point. The crops grown by the farmer can be classified as follows;

1. According to their uses

2. According to life cycle
3. According to the number of cotyledon

CLASSIFICATION OF CROPS ACCORDING TO

THEIR USES
Crops in this category are classified or grouped according to the main
food substances existing in them. They are as follows. (i) legumes(ii)
cereal (iii) roots and tubers (iv) vegetables (v) fruits (vi) beverages (vii) oil
(viii) latex (ix) fibres(x) spices (xi) drugs (xii) forage Crops (xiii) nuts

EVALUATION         

1. What is a crop?
2. Mention ten classification of crops  based on their uses.

CLASSIFICATION OF CROPS ACCORDING TO

THEIR LIFE CYCLE
On the bases of life cycle, crops are grouped into three. These are:

Annual Crops
Biennial Crops
Perennial Crops

(a) Annual Crops: These are crops that complete their life cycle in one
year or planting season. The crops are planted, grow and are harvested
or will die within one year. This group of crops are Maize, Rice, Millet,
Yam, Tomato, Millet and Guinea Corn

(b) Biennial Crops: These are crops that complete their life cycle in two
years. They use the first year to grow and store food. Reproduction and
maturity takes place in the second year. Examples are pineapple,
cocoyam, plantain, banana and sugar beet.

(c) Perennial Crops: This group of crop takes more than two years to
their life cycle. They are mainly tree crops. They include Rubber, Cocoa,
Oil Palm and Orange.

ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF SEED-LEAF

OR COTYLEDON
Crops can be classified according to the number of seed leaf or
cotyledon.

They are

Monocotyledonous crops
Dicotyledonous crops

(a) Mono-cot crops: These are crops that have only one seed leaf or
cotyledon. Examples are millet, rice, maize and oil palm.

(b) Di-cot crops: These are crops that have two seed leaves or cotyledon.
Examples are cowpea, melon, mango, pumpkin and soya beans.

EVALUATION

1. Define a crop
2. Classify crop based on their life cycle with examples
3. State three examples each of monocot and dicot

SUB-TOPIC- WEED

Definition of Weed of Pest

Types and Classification of pests
Physical control, Chemical control and Biological control
WEED
Weed is any plant which is not cultivated and grows where it is not
wanted. Such a plant is therefore a nuisance to the farmer. Examples
are commelina, goat weed or the common water leaf
(Talinumtriangulare) growing in a cassava field.

TYPES OF WEEDS
1. Annual weed: They grow and complete their life cycle in one year.
2. Perennial Weeds: They grow for more than one year.

PEST
A pest is any living organism, plant or animal, plant or animal, which can
cause damage to cultivated crops, farm animals and humans.

CLASSIFICATION OF PESTS
Pest can be classified as

1. Insect Pest- Insect pests are animals without backbones and they
belong to the group of animals called arthropods. Arthropod is a
very large group of animals which, in addition to insects, includes
crabs, shrimps, millipedes, spiders, centipedes and scorpions.
2. Non-insect pest- These are animals such as vertebrates like
nematodes, mites, snails, slugse.t.c. and vertebrates like rats,
squirrels, monkeys, glasscutters, birds, jackals that can cause
damage to crop.

EVALUATION

1. What is a pest?
2. Mention two classes of pests.
3. What are weeds?
4. List five examples of weeds and state three features of weeds.

CLASSIFICATION OF INSECT PESTS

Insect can be classified based on their mouth parts which are different
in different insect groups.
 1. Biting and chewing Pests.
2. Piercing and sucking Pests.
3. Boring insects.

NATURE OF DAMAGE
1. Destruction of crop tissues
2. Stunted growth
3. Weakened crop plant
4. Pierced holes can be infested with harmful organism like fungi,
bacteria and viruses
5. Transfer of harmful organism from infected crop to the healthy
one.
6. It causes ill-health to man and livestock.

CONTROL MEASURES
Physical Control
Chemical Control
Biological Control

SUB-TOPIC- Factors of Production

1. Land: refers to where productive activities such as growing of
crops, rearing of animals and establishment of farmstead, e.t.c are
carried out.
2. Labour: includes all forms of productive human efforts put into or
utilized in production. It also refers to man’s mental and physical
exertions generated in the process of production.
3. Capital: includes all man-made productive assets which are used in
production.
4. Farm Management: refers to the person or group of persons who
co-ordinate, organize and control the use of other factors of
production to produce goods and services.

Functions of Farm Manager

The functions of a farm manager can be grouped into five major
headings:
 Organization
Administration
Production
Marketing
Evaluation

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is agriculture?
2. State five examples of monocots.
3. State five examples of dicots.
4. Mention ten classifications of crops based on their uses.
5. a. What is a weed? b. What is a pest?
6. Describe four methods of controlling weeds.
7. State two types of insect-pests with two examples of each.
8. Mention five possible damage done by pest to crop.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Junior Secondary Agriculture for Nigerian Schools Bk 1 by A. Youdeowei,

B.K .Kaigama, J.N. Ogbazi, S.O. Adesiyan. Chapter 3, Page 23, 14 pages
76-81

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
 1. Dicotyledonous plants have ________a. four cotyledons b. three
cotyledons c. two cotyledons d. one cotyledon
2. Which of these is very difficult to use if the number of pest is high
a. chemical control b, physical control c. biological control d.
cultural control?
3. _________ involves the use of natural enemies of insect pests and
weeds against them a.  physical control b. chemical control  c.
cultural control d. biological control
4. Examples of crops that store food in their roots are these except
__________ a.Cassava b. potato c. Carrot d. sugarcane
5. Procurement of loan or capital for farming activity is one of ________
functions of a farm manager A. administration B. production C.
organisation D. marketing

THEORY

1. Classify crop according to: (a) economic uses (b) the life cycle (c)
number of cotyledons.
1. Define the following terms annuals, biennials and perennials.
1. What is management?
1. Mention and briefly explain five major functions of a farm
manager.

WEEK TWO

Read Also

Lesson Note on Agricultural Science SSS 3 Second

Term

DES MALADIES ET PROFESSIONNELS DE LA SANTE

TOPIC: FARM STRUCTURES AND

BUILDINGS
CONTENT

Definition of farm structures

Types of farm structures
Types of farm building

FARM STRUCTURES
A farm structure can be defined as any construction on the farm site
constructed to make certain farming operations easier. It can also be
said to be constructions made on a farm site to increase the efficient
operation of the farm. The type of farm structure on any farm depends
on the type of farm operated, the scope of operations, the condition
prevailing on the site and the amount of money available for the
farming operations.

TYPES OF FARM STRUCTURES AND THEIR

USES
The structures which may be found on any farm include:
1. Silos: A silo is a tall circular or rectangular farm structure made of
concrete, mud or stainless steel. It is called elevators. Silos are
structures preplanned mainly for the storage of grains and silage.
The humidity in modern silos is controlled and grains put in them
can be stored in good condition for a long time. They are expensive
and difficult to maintain.
2. Cribs: Cribs are simple grain storage structures made of wood and
wire gauze on the sides and floor with a thatch or zinc roof. Cribs
are used for drying maize which is still on the cob. The floor of the
crib is raised well above the ground on wooden legs, which have
rodent guards, to prevent rats from eating the grains
3. Rhumbus: These are round structures made from mud with a
grass or thatch roof. They are used for storing grain such as maize,
sorghum, millet, cowpeas and groundnuts etc, they are very
common in the drier northern parts of Nigeria, especially Sokoto
and Kano States.
4. Feed mill: This is a structure constructed for the purpose of
making animal feed. It is economical for a large scale animal farmer
to have a feed mill where the feed of his animals are produced.
5. Barns: These are temporary structures made on the farm for
storing yam, cassava, grass or hay. A barn can cheaply be
constructed with sticks, mud and thatch.
6. Abattoirs: These are special structures constructed for
slaughtering and butchering of animals (goats, sheep, pigs, cattle
e.t.c). They are also called slaughter houses. An abattoir is made up
of a passageway through which an animal passes to the slab where
it is held down and slaughtered (slaughter slab).
7. Animal Dips and  Sprays: Dips and concrete bath or plastic vessels
set on to the ground. It is filled with water, then disinfectants are
added e.g. acaricides for destroying ecto parasites as the animals
are made to pass through it. While a spray is an overhead tank
containing disinfectant and a sprinkler through which the
disinfectant drips onto the animals and performs the same
function as the dip.
8. Weighbridge: this is constructed for determining the weight of
farm animals.
 9. Crushes: These are made of 2 wooden or metal narrow
passageway found on animal farms, used for restricting animals,
for check-up or vaccination by veterinary officer.
10. Water supply structures: These include dams, water tanks and
irrigation channels or canals.
11. Dams: These are concrete or wooden barriers constructed across a
river or stream so that the flow of water is reduced. This
accumulated water can be used to irrigate the farm or for domestic
water supply.
12. Water tanks: These are constructed from galvanized metals, plastic
materials or reinforced concrete and are mostly raised on concrete
or steel pillars. Water tanks are used for storing water for domestic
use and watering farm animals.
13. Canals: These are used to carry water from rivers to the field for
growing crops. This is an irrigation canal while a drainage canal is
constructed to remove excess water from the farm.
14. Compost manure pits: They are pits dug for the collection of plant
and animal remains or waste which are allowed to decompose and
turned  to manure for soil fertilizer.
15. Electricity supply structures: These are electric poles, wires and
connections for supplying electric power to the farm.
16. Waste/Disposal pits: These are large pits dug on the outskirts of a
farm for dumping all waste and useless products of the farm. They
are usually covered to prevent flies from carrying germs to human
food (vectors).
17. Fences: Fences are physical barriers specifically constructed
around an area for the following purposes.
18. Prevention of unwanted person or animals into the farm
19. Prevents animals from leaving the farm site
20. Controls grazing in the pasture
21. To protect crops from being damaged by animals.
EVALUATION

1. What is farm structure?

2. Mention and explain eight types of farm structures

FARM BUILDINGS -LESSON NOTE

Farm buildings are all the buildings on the farm. The types, number, and
size depend on the type and scope of operations on the farm.

USES/IMPORTANCE OF FARM BUILDINGS

Farm buildings are useful in the following ways:

1. They protect animals and farm workers from the weather

2. They protect farm supplies farm supplies, products, animals and
farm workers from thieves and harmful animals.
3. They are convenient means for caring for the farm animals.
4. They provide hygienic system for processing and storing farm
products.
5. They are needed for efficient administrative and farm progress
purpose

TYPES OF FARM BUILDINGS

There are mainly two types of farm buildings on the farm. They are:

1. Temporary farm building.

2. Permanent farm building.

TEMPORARY FARM BUILDINGS

These are simple buildings constructed from cheap or locally available
materials such as bamboo, sorghum, stalks, wood (timber) or palm
fronds, mud and corrugated iron sheet or asbestos. They are usually
inexpensive and farmers find it easy to leave or destroy. They are
abandoned immediately the farmer has completed using them. They are
also called “make shift” buildings and those commonly constructed on
farms include storage shed for keeping machines and equipment,
nurseries for raising seedlings, animal pens, construction sheds and
garages for machines. Due to the nature of the materials used to
construct temporary buildings, they need frequent care.

PERMANENT FARM BUILDINGS

These are solid buildings normally constructed to last for a very long
time. The walls and floors are usually constructed with cement, sand
and gravel, wood, corrugated iron sheets,aluminum or asbestos are
used for the roof.

Permanent buildings are expensive to construct but they do not require

frequent maintenance like the temporary buildings. The roof should
however be constantly examined and mended when in bad shape.
Examples of permanent buildings are:

1. Farm office
2. Stores for farm supplies and harvests
3. Workshops, generator house and water storage tanks
4. Living quarters for farm workers
5. Animal houses e.g. cattle, sheep, goat, poultry
6. Processing e.g. milking house.

EVALUATION

1. Define farm structures and give two examples.

2. State four examples of temporary farm buildings.

MAINTENANCE OF FARM STRUCTURES AND

BUILDINGS
Maintenance of farm structures and buildings refers to keeping the
structures on the farm in a good condition for continuous use. Farm
structures and buildings are subject to wear and tear due to usage and
exposure to adverse weather conditions. Damage of wood by termites
and of practically all forms of fabric by agro-chemicals like fertilizers also
makes their own contribution to wear and tear.

MAINTENANCE OF FARM STRUCTURES

 1. Silos should be cleaned and kept air tight; any leaks should be
blocked immediately.
2. Abattoirs should be cleaned and disinfected after each operation.
3. Dips should be drained regularly.
4. Nozzles of sprayers should be cleaned to ensure even distribution
of chemicals during spraying.
5. Water tanks should be cleaned regularly.
6. Soak away and manure pits should be emptied when they are full.
7. Drainage should be cleaned regularly with chemicals.
8. Electric poles must be checked for breaks or damage and replaced
immediately.
9. Fences should be checked regularly and all broken parts should be
repaired.

MAINTENANCE OF FARM BUILDINGS

1. Painting is a maintenance operation desirable for wooden and
metal parts of farm buildings. Parts exposed to rain should be
treated with oil paint.
2. Damaged roofing sheets must be promptly replaced.
3. Cracks on walls should be patched.
4. Badly pitted cement floors should be resurfaced again.
5. Insect damage preventive chemicals e.g.Solignum should be
applied on wooden parts.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Mention two factors that bring about wear and tear in farm
structures and buildings.
2. State the maintenance methods for the following:
3. Silo.
4. Nozzles of sprayers.
5. Mention and define two types of farm building.
6. State three examples of temporary farm building.
7. State three examples of permanent farm building.

READING ASSIGNMENT
Junior Secondary Agriculture for Nigerian Schools Bk 3 by A. Youdeowei,
B.K .Kaigama, J.N. Ogbazi, S.O. Adesiyan. Chapter 8, Page 32-33

Prescribed Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools.By S.A

Omoruyi, U.X Orhue, A.A Akerobo and C.I Aghimien.Pgs 253-254.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Wooden and metal structures should be ________________ to prevent

waering away.

(a) Painted (b) coloured (c) Decorated (d) swept

______________ should be cleaned and disinfected after each

operation.

(a) Silos (b) Poles (c) Abattoirs (d)Fences

______________ should be cleaned and kept air tight.

(a) silos (b) Poles (c) Abattoirs (d)Fences

The chemical that can be used to prevent the activities of insects

on wooden materials is

            called (a) sodium hydroxide (b) solignum(c) potassium chloride (d)
oxygen

A round farm structures constructed from mud with a grass or

thatch roof is

(a) Barns (b) Rhumbus (c) Barns (d) Silos 

THEORY

1. How can farm buildings be maintained?

2. State three farm structures and state the ways of maintaining
them.

WEEK THREE
TOPIC: SITING OF FARM AND LAYOUT
OF FARM STRUCTURES
CONTENT

Factors guiding siting of farm structures

Factors guiding layout of farm structures and building
Importance of siting farm structures and buildings

A farm is a piece of land on which crops are grown and animals are
raised. The school farm is the practical site for students of Agricultural
Science.

FACTORS GUIDING THE SITING OF FARMS

 1. Availability of land: There can’t be a farm without a land, this is the
first factor that must be considered.
2. Good soil: A land with fertile soil should be selected, in order to
reduce cost of applying manure. Water logged soil should be
avoided, so also, stony and over-used soils. Well drained soils such
as loamy, sandy-loam or clay-loam are preferable.
3. Water supply: The farm must be located close to good source of
water supply. Water is needed for irrigation, processing, drinking
and cleaning of farm tools.
4. Nearness to school: This is closeness of the farm, it must be close
enough in order to make movement to and from the farm easy for
both teachers and students to aid monitoring against thieves and
plots.
5. Accessibility: This will ease movement, the farm should have good
roads and paths. This aids movements of inputs and outputs.
6. Security: The farm must be secure enough, to prevent thieves from
stealing farm produce and tools.
7. Slope of the land: A flat level land should be used, in order to
reduce erosion and cost of operation. The slope of the land will
determine: (a) The direction of beds or ridges (b) Type of erosion
control to adapt.
8. Aspect: The farm must not be surrounded by shades or tall trees,
because they will hinder photosynthesis. The farm should be fully
exposed to solar radiation.

EVALUATION

1. What is a farm?
2. Mention six factors guiding the siting of farm.

FACTORS GUIDING LAYOUT OF FARM

STRUCTURE AND BUILDING
The following factors must be considered before constructing farm
structures and building
 1. Fertility of the soil: structures should not be erected onfertilesoil,
this can rather be used for planting. Farm buildings or structures
should be located on the least fertile parts of the farm.
2. Topography: Flat land should be used for construction to prevent
erosion.
3. Accessibility: farm buildings or structures should be linked with
good roads for easy access, should be constructed on easily
accessible parts.
4. Construction Materials: materials available for construction must
also be considered during farm layout, this is largely dependent on
the financial status of the farmer e.g cement blocks, bamboo or
sawn planks
5. Protection: Structures or buildings should be considered in areas
where they will be protected from excessive winds, erosion or fire
hazards.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is a farm?
2. Mention five factors guilding the layout of farm strutures and
buildings
3. List seven factors guilding the sitting of farm
4. Mention five importance of farm building
5. Give two reasons why school farm is important.      

READING ASSIGNMENT

Prescribed Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools. By S.A

Omoruyi, U.X OrhueA.AAkerobo and C.I Aghimien. Pgs 2530-254

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
 1. The first factor that must be considered before siting a farm is: (a)
nearness to school (b) accessibility (c) availability of land (d) security
2. Protection of farm structures mean? (a) presence of security (b)
protection from wind and erosion (c) protection from thieves (d)
vigilante watch
3. A flat level land should be used for the school farm for the
following reasons except (a) to increase fertility of soil (b) to reduce
erosion (c) to reduce the cost of production (d) to promote
percolation
4. The best soil type for farming is? (a) sandy soil (b) clayed soil (c)
loamy soil (d) sand-clayed soil
5. Monocotyledonous plants have ________a. four cotyledons b. three
cotyledons c. two cotyledons d. one cotyledon

THEORY

1. State and explain two factors to be considered before sitting farms

2. Mention four uses of water in the farm.

WEEK FOUR

TOPIC: CULTURAL PRACTICES

PRE-PLANTING OPERATION

Land Preparation
Stumping
Farm lay-out
Tillage
Ridging

Cultural Practices: Cultural practices are the various ways of ensuring

the good growth and establishment of crops. Cultural practices are
classified into pre-planting, planting, post-planting, harvesting and
storage operations

PRE-PLANTING OPERATIONS
These are the operations carried out before planting, while planting is
the sowing of seeds. Post-planting operation include thinning, supplying,
irrigation, manuring, mulching and weeding.

(a)        Land Preparation: It is carried out by cutting the vegetation and

grasses with cutlass  or hoes and felling of trees with axes. It can also be
done mechanically.

            Burning of thrash (grasses) cut down is not a good habit since it
destroys the organic matter content of the soil including soil microbes.

(b)        Stumping: This is the removal of stumps by digging them out

manually using cutlasses and axes. It can also be done mechanically by
using bulldozer. Stumps are the left over of already cut trees on the
farm on the soil surface.

(c)        Farm layout: Farm layout is a judicious way of using the

farmland where the plots are divided into sections and each section is
used to give maximum yield.

(d)        Tillage: This is the breaking or turning of the soil with a simple
tool or farm machine after the land has been cleared in preparation for
planting crops, it can be done manually with a hoe or mechanically with
a Tractor – driven – disc- plough.

Ploughing is cutting through the soil and making it into lumps or clods of
soil called primary tillage. While secondary tillage (harrowing) is the use
of harrow to break down the large clods of soil into fine particles and
making it ready for ridging.

EVALUATION

1. What is a cultural practice?

2. Mention and explain three pre-planting operation

IMPORTANCE OF TILLAGE
 1. It loses the soil and allows air and water to reach the roots of
plants.
2. It allows easy penetration of roots into the soil.
3. Plant nutrients are brought to the reach of the plant root.
4. Tillage helps to destroy pest by exposing them to the sun.
5. It ensures proper mixture of manure and fertilizer with the soil.

Ridging: This involves the making of ridges on the farm, sometimes

heaps are also made to serve the purpose of ridges on slopes.Ridges are
made across, with  the ridges made at intervals to check erosion.Ridges
also help to provide water for plant use and aid root penetration and
establishment of crops.

GENERAL EVALUATION

What is land clearing?

What is stumping
Define tillage and state three importance of tillage
What is ridging?

READING ASSIGNMENT

Junior Secondary agriculture for Nigerian schools Bk 2 by A. Youdeowei,

B.K. Kaigama, J.N Ogbazi, S.O. Adesiyan. Chapter 9 pages 37 – 40

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1.         Primary tillage is otherwise known as ______(a) harrowing (b)

ploughing (c) ridging  (d) stumping

2.         Secondary tillage is otherwise known as _____(a)harrowing (b)

ploughing (c)        ridging (d) stumping

3.         In farm layout, plots undergo _______ (a)    division (b)

multiplication (c) digging  (d) covering

4.         The operation that follows tillage is   (a)        ridging (b) stumping
(c) clearing (d) layout
5.         Stumping is carried out with the following except ________(a)gun 
(b) cutlass (c) bulldozer  (d) axe

THEORY

1. What is cultural practice?

2. Define the following terms:    (a)  land clearing  (b)  ridging

WEEK FIVE

TOPIC:  PLANTING OPERATION –

DISTANCE, DATE, SEED RATE,
NURSERY AND    NURSERY PRACTICE
CONTENT

Definition of planting operation

Planting method
Basic considerations in planting operation

PLANTING OPERATION: These are the operations carried out when

sowing the planting materials (seeds). When seeds are sown in the soil,
they develop root and shoots, this is called GERMINATION and the
young plant that emerge are called SEEDLINGS.

METHODS OF SOWING
1. In-situ (directly into the field/farm land)
2. Nursery

1.         In-situ (directly sowing in the field) This is sowing directly in the
field on flats (plain land) ridges or garden beds e.g of crops sown in-situ
are maize, okra, cowpea, milled etc.

PLANTING METHODS
 Drilling: – sowing a seed by drilling with stick or knife, followed by
dropping seeds and covering them.
Broadcasting: – Sowing of seeds by casting (spreading) it broadly on
prepared seed bed
Dibbling: – sowing of seeds up the bed at the planting point only
and placing the seeds at the correct depth.

EVALUATION

1. What is planting operation?

2. Mention three planting methods

BASIC CONSIDERATIONS IN
PLANTING OPERATIONS
Spacing (Planting, space/distance)
Time (planting date)
Depth
Number of seeds
Viability of seed

(A)       SPACING (Planting space): This is the space between a sown or

planted seed and the next or it’s the distance between two plants.
Planting is usually in rows and the distance between plants on the same
row is called within row spacing while the distance between plants in
two adjacent rows is called between row spacing.

(B)       PLANTING TIME: This is the time of planting or sowing seeds in

which the             crop can thrive or perform well.

(C)       PLANTING DEPTH: This is the distance of the sown seed in the
soil from the          soil surface.

(D)       NUMBER OF SEEDS: This is the amount of seeds sown per hole
per planting          point (position).

(E)        SEED VIABILITY: This is the life in the seed or deadness of the
seed.
GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is germination?
2. State two method of sowing.
3. Define sowing in-situ.
4. Mention and explain five basic consideration in planting
operations.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Junior Secondary agriculture for Nigerian schools Bk 2 by A. Youdeowei,

B.K. Kaigama, J.N Ogbazi, S.O. Adesiyan. Chapter 10  pages 41 – 44 , 48,

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1.         One of the following is not a basic consideration in planting

operation

(a)spacing (b) depth (c) time (d) pod

2.         When seeds are sown in soil, it develops roots and shoots. This is
called

(a) germination (b) seedlings (c) sowing (d) development

3.         The distance between two sown seeds/plants is ___

(a) planting space (b)  time (c) planting depth (d) planting seed

4.         Some seeds are raised in the nursery because (a) the seedlings
are weak (b) the seedling are green (c) the seedling love the nursery (d)
so that the can get enough sunshine

5.         This is the distance of the sown seed in the soil

(a) planting time (b) planting depth (c) spacing (d) number of seeds

THEORY
 1. What is planting operation?
2. Explain sowing in-situ.
3. Explain five basic considerations in planting operations.

WEEK SIX

TOPIC: POST-PLANTING OPERATION

POST PLANTING OPERATIONS

Post planting operations are the operations carried out after planting. It
creates a good condition and proper maintenance for plants growth.

Post planting operations include the following:

(a)        Thinning.

(b)        Supplying.

(c)        Irrigation/watering.

(d)        Use of manure and fertilizer.

(e)        Mulching.

(f)        Weeding.

THINNING
This is the removal of excess, weak or not well positioned seedlings from
a seedbed after the viable seeds have germinated.

ADVANTAGES OF THINNING
1. It helps to avoid overcrowding.
2. Proper aeration is ensured leading to high yield.

SUPPLYING
This is the replanting of propagative materials where they fail to
germinate, especially when no germination trial was carried out before
planting. Replanting should be done as soon as possible.

ADVANTAGES OF SUPPLYING
1. Correct plant population can be maintained.
2. The crop plant attains uniform maturity.

EVALUATION

1. Define post-planting.
2. Mention two advantages of thinning.

IRRIGATION OR WATERING
Irrigation is the artificial watering of farmland especially during dry
season.

ADVANTAGES OF IRRIGATION
1. It makes the soil temperature moderate for plant growth.
2. It enables a good nutrient supply to plant.

USE OF MANURE & FERTILIZER

This is the application of organic manure such as poultry droppings, cow
dung and green manure or inorganic manure (made from chemicals) to
the soil to maintain soil fertility.

ADVANTAGE OF MANURE/FERTILIZER
It supplies the plants with essential nutrients.

MULCHING
This is the covering of the surface of the soil with a layer of clean dry
vegetative part of plant such as grasses or leaves.

ADVANTAGES OF MULCHING
 1. It conserves soil moisture.
2. It regulates the soil temperature.
3. It reduces weed and prevent erosion.
4. It adds humus to the soil.

EVALUATION

1. What is post planting operations?

2. State and explain five post planting operations.
3. Mention two advantages of supplying.

WEEDING LESSON NOTE

This is the removal of unwanted plants (weed) from the farm. It is done
for the following reasons:

1.         To avoid competition for nutrients moisture and sunlight

between crops and weed.

2.         To avoid overcrowding in order to create enough space for the

crop

3.         To prevent the build-up of pest and pathogens which may

destroy the crops.

HARVESTING OPERATION
Harvesting: The removal of ripe or matured useful part of a crop is
known as harvesting. Commonly harvested parts of a plant are tubers,
leaves, fruits, seeds, roots etc.

Harvesting tools like cutlass, hoe, knife, sickle etc are usually used for
harvesting and in mechanized farms, harvesters are used.

EFFECTS OF TIMELY VERSUS LATE

HARVESTING
Delayed harvesting can lead to a total loss of products, although some
crops like maize can be left on the field to get dry before harvesting,
others like tomatoes and other perishables must be harvested
immediately they are due for harvest. Delayed harvesting can lead to
pest attack on crops or rottening of products.

POST-HARVESTING OPERATIONS
After harvesting, processing of the produce is required in order to make
the produce more acceptable and to prevent spoilage. In some farm
products, processing starts from the farm site, e.g. melon, groundnut,
cassava etc.

FARM LEVEL PROCESSING

Melon is usually extracted from its pod and pulp on the farm, also
groundnut is detached on the farm, at times, peeling of cassava starts
from the farm. Extraction of cocoa beans from its pods, fermentation
and drying of beans in most cases take place on the farm.

Other forms of processing like milling, de-huskingetc which cannot be

done on the farm are done in factories where machines have been
installed for that purpose.

STORAGE
After crops have been processed to usage forms, storage which is the
keeping of farm products for future use is done. Methods of storage are:
usage of barns, cribs, silos, refrigerators, baskets, sacks etc.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Define post planting operations?

2. What is harvesting?
3. List five harvesting tools.
4. Mention two consequences of delayed harvesting.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Prescribed Agricultural Science for junior Secondary Schools,Bk 3.by A

Youdeovei.  pgs 141-142.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1.         Harvesting involves the removal of ——– crops.  A. big  B. 
matured C. small D. smooth

2.         Harvesting tools include the following except  A.  basketB.  knife 
C.  harvesterD. secateurs

3.         One of the effects of late harvesting is……… A. increase of harvest

B. loss of product C. sale of product D. enhanced market

4.         One of the reasons for processing is………. A. to increase the
quantity of the product B. to make it scarce C. to prevent spoilage D. to
increase demand

5.         Methods of storage include the following except? A. use of barns
B. use of shops C. use of baskets. D. use of silos

THEORY

1. What is storage?
2. Mention two crops whose processing starts from the farm.

WEEK SEVEN

TOPIC:  FARMING SYSTEM: TYPES OF

FARMING SYSTEM
CONTENT

–           Mixed Farming

–           Bush Fallowing or Shifting Cultivation

–           Pastoral Farming

FARMING SYSTEM
Farming system is a given method for the production of crops and
animals.  Soil, climate and availability of land can influence the choice
of any system.
A)   MIXED FARMING

This is a farming system where the farmer grows crops and rears
animals on the same farm.

ADVANTAGES OF MIXED FARMING

1.         Animal droppings and dungs can be used as manure to improve
soil fertility, and invariably increase crop yield.

2.         Crop residue from crop production can serve as feeding

materials for ruminant animals (i.e. corn cobs and rice bran etc.)

3.         Large animals like cattle can be used to till the ground for crop
production.

4.         If either crop or animal sector of the farm fails, the farmer has
the other to fall back on.

DISADVANTAGES OF MIXED FARMING

1.         The farmer has a divided attention and he may not function well.

2.         If the animals are not properly managed, they can graze on the
planted crops and destroy them.

B)  BUSH FALLOWING OR SHIFTING CULTIVATION

Bush fallowing is a system of farming whereby a farmer abandons

unproductive land for a productive one and allows the unproductive
land to fallow or rest for some period of years (i.e. 3-5 years) before
returning to it. This type of farming system is also known asland
rotation.  In shifting cultivation, the farmer never returns to the
previous land.

ADVANTAGES OF BUSH FALLOWING

1.         It is very cheap and simple to practice.

2.         If the fallowing years are long enough, it is less injurious to the
soil.
3.         If the fallow period is not enough the soil quickly loses its fertility
and becomes useless for further crop production.

DISADVANTAGES OF BUSH FALLOWING

1.         A very large piece of land is needed for an effective practice of
bush fallowing.

2.         Bush fallowing is the main practice for land clearing, in bush
fallowing the land clearing results in reduced organic matter of the soil.

3.         If the fallow period is not enough the soil quickly loses its fertility
and becomes useless for further crop production.

EVALUATION

1. What is farming system?

2. State two advantages and disadvantages of bush fallowing

C)  PASTORAL FARMING

This is an extensive system of livestock production where the animals

are unrestricted left to roam and graze in the fields.

TYPES OF PASTORAL FARMING

There are three types of pastoral farming, these are:

1.         Nomadic farming

2.         Ley farming

3.         Ranching

Nomadic Farming:  The farmer moves his animals from one place to
another in search of food and water.

Ley Farming:  This is the system of combining pasture with crop

production in alternation.  The planting of pasture can follow the
harvest of arable crops e.g. cereal.  The planted pasture is usually a
mixture of grasses and legumes with different grazing characteristics.  It
is also known as rotation pasture.

Ranching:  It’s the semi-intensive system of animal production.  The

animals are kept on a large but enclosed expanse of land.

ADVANTAGES OF PASTORAL FARMING

1.         Livestock kept on pasture are more comfortable and sanitary
than those kept indoors in feed lots.

2.         The livestock harvest the pasture crops by grazingthereby saving

labour cost.

3.         It does not require large financial investment for building and
equipment.

4.         The soil fertility is improved on through the manure they drop.

5.         Animals raised on pasture tend to produce more milk than those
kept indoors in feed lots.

DISADVANTAGES OF PASTORAL FARMING

1.         It requires a large piece of land to be successfully practiced.

2.         Animals in the open as well as their herdsmen are exposed to

various hazards.

3.         Unplanned breeding which leads to the production of poor

quality animals.

4.         Irregular supply of feed to animals and this result in slow weight
gain.

5.         High incidence of disease, pest and death of both young and old
animals.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1.         Define farming system.

2.         Differentiate between mixed farming and mixed cropping.

3.         Mention two advantages of mixed farming.

4.         What is the difference between bush fallowing and shifting

cultivation?

5.         Define pastoral farming and explain its types.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Junior Secondary Agricultural Science for Nigerian Schools Bk 3.by A

Youdeovei.  Pages 2-6

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1.         Which of these farming systems involve crops production?

            (a) ley farming    (b) ranching    (c) mixed farming    (d) nomadic
farming

2.         The land is left for ……….. to ………… years to rest in bush fallowing.

            (a) 3 – 5 years    (b) 7 – 10 years    (c) 15 – 20 years    (d) 20 – 30

years

3.         Which of these farming systems involves the production of crops

and the rearing of animals?(a) mixed farming    (b) pastoral farming    (c)
bush fallowing    (d) ranching

4.         Ranching is a form of ……….. animal production system.

            (a) extensive    (b) semi-intensive    (c) intensive    (d) semi-

extensive

5.         In which of these farming systems is pasture grown for farm

animals?

            (a) ley farming    (b) mixed farming    (c) bush fallowing    (d)
shifting cultivation
THEORY

1.         State two disadvantages of mixed farming.

2.         What is nomadic farming?

WEEK EIGHT

TOPIC:  TYPES OF CROPPING SYSTEM

CONTENT

Monocropping or Sole Cropping

Multiple Cropping
Continuous Cropping
Crop Rotation

CROPPING SYSTEM
The different patterns of growing crops and mixtures of crops is known
as cropping system.

A. MONOCROPPING
Monocropping is a cropping system that involves the growing/planting
of only one type of crop on a farm at any given time.  e.g. oil palm
plantation.

ADVANTAGES OF MONOCROPPING
1.         Easy mechanization of the farm.

2.         Application of fertilizer at proper level is made easy.

3.         Control of weeds, pests and diseases are easily carried out.

DISADVANTAGES OF MONOCROPPING
1.         There is the possibility of exposing the land to erosion after
harvest.
2.         The farmer may lose heavily if the sole crop is attacked by pest or
diseases.

3.         Reduced selling price, if the demand for the crop is low in market
due to much supply.

EVALUATION

1. Define cropping system.

2. State two side effects of mono cropping system.

B. MULTIPLE CROPPING
Multiple cropping is the practice of growing two or more crops on the
same farm in the same

year. There are two types of multiple cropping, these are:

1.         Relay cropping

2.         Inter cropping

Relay Cropping:  is the act of growing two or more crops one after the
other on the same farm in the same year.

Inter Cropping: entails the growing of two or more different crops on

the same farm at the same time.

ADVANTAGES OF MULTIPLE CROPPING

1.         Maximum use of farm land is achieved.

2.         Mixture of crops provides cover for the soil and it helps reduce
soil erosion as well as the growth of weeds.

3.         Mixture of crops discourages the buildup of insects and diseases

known with a particular crop.

4.         Mixture of crops serves as a form of insurance for the farmer.

DISADVANTAGES OF MULTIPLE CROPPING

1.         Competition between crop plants is very high and less
competitive plants suffer with low yield.

2.         It is difficult to use machine to carry out farm operations under

this system.

3.         Chemicals especially herbicides are difficult to apply to a mixture

of crops.

C. CONTINUOUS CROPPING
This involves the growing of the same crop or mixture of crops on the
same piece of land every year for five or more years.

ADVANTAGES OF CONTINUOUS CROPPING

It is highly useful where there is shortage of land and the environmental
condition limits the types of crop to be grown.

DISADVANTAGES OF CONTINUOUS CROPPING

1.         The soil nutrients are depleted fast and there is the need for
fertilizer application.

2.         There is rapid buildup of weeds, insect pests and diseases every
cropping year.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1.         Define mono cropping.

2.         Mention two advantages of mono cropping.

3.         What is multiple cropping?

4.         Explain continuous cropping.

5.         Mention two disadvantages of continuous cropping.

6.         Differentiate between crop rotation and land rotation.

READING ASSIGNMENT
Junior Secondary Agricultural Science by A. Youdeowei Bk. 3, Chapter 2,
Pages 7-11.

Junior Secondary Agricultural Science by O. Akinsanmi, Chapter 6, pages

25-26

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1.         The different patterns of growing crops and mixture of crops is

known as ………..

            (a) multiple cropping    (b) sole cropping    (c) cropping system   
(d) continuous cropping

2.         The system in which only one kind of crop is planted is called
………..

            (a) multiple cropping    (b) mono cropping    (c) mixed cropping   
(d) mixed farming

3.         Planting more than one crop on a piece of land at the same time
is ………..

            (a) mixed farming    (b) multiple cropping    (c) mono cropping    (d)
mono farming

4.         Which of the following is not an agricultural cropping system?

            (a) mixed farming    (b) crop rotation    (c) mono cropping    (d)
multiple cropping

5.         This is the growing of crops on the same piece of land non-stop
for a very long time.

            (a) multiple cropping    (b) sole cropping    (c) cropping system   
(d) continuous cropping

THEORY

1.         State two advantages of multiple cropping.

2.         Enumerate two disadvantages of Mono cropping.

WEEK NINE

Field Work

WEEK TEN

Revision

WEEK ELEVEN

EXAMINATION