2024 NECO GCE Agric Science Obj & Essays Answers

2024 Neco Gce Agric Science

Monday, 9th December 2024

Agricultural Science (Objective & Essay)
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
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AGRICULTURE-OBJ
01-10: CCEBBDEAAA
11-20: CBCDCBEDCC
21-30: DEBABCCEAC
31-40: ABEABCACBD
41-50: ABCBDDCDDC
51-60: ECADAACAAA

COMPLETED

*NECO GCE AGRIC SCIENCE*

(1ai)
VETERINARY MEDICINE:
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Improvement of animal breeding through artificial insemination and genetic advancements.
(ii) Control of zoonotic diseases, ensuring the safety of meat and dairy products.
(iii) Enhanced productivity through regular vaccination programs.
(iv) Provision of veterinary extension services to farmers for better livestock management.
(v) Reduction of livestock mortality rates, increasing food availability.
(vi) Improvement of feed efficiency in animals through health monitoring.

(1aii)
SOIL SCIENCE:
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Development of organic farming practices to reduce chemical dependence.
(ii) Improvement of soil structure through scientific tillage and management.
(iii) Study and mitigation of soil erosion, ensuring sustained productivity.
(iv) Promotion of crop rotation systems to prevent nutrient depletion.
(v) Identification of suitable soil types for specific crops to optimize yield.
(vi) Implementation of soil reclamation projects to convert barren lands into arable ones.

(1bi)
UNPREDICTABLE CLIMATE:
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Construction of dams and water reservoirs for better water management.
(ii) Adoption of climate-smart agricultural techniques (e.g., agroforestry).
(iii) Establishment of weather monitoring and early warning systems.
(iv) Provision of government subsidies for irrigation and adaptive technologies.
(v) Training farmers on modern weather adaptation strategies.
(vi) Encouragement of mixed cropping to reduce crop failure risks.

(1bii)
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION:
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Enforcement of environmental protection laws to reduce deforestation.
(ii) Promotion of organic farming to minimize chemical pollution.
(iii) Recycling agricultural waste to improve soil quality.
(iv) Advocacy for reduced overgrazing by promoting rotational grazing systems.
(v) Education of farmers on the importance of sustainable practices.
(vi) Incentives for farmers to adopt renewable energy sources for agricultural operations.

(1c)
*Plz put this in a Tabular form*

(i) Spring – Acts as a shock absorber to protect the plough from damage caused by obstacles like stones.
(ii) Standard – Connects the beam to the disc and provides structural support.
(iii) Furrow Wheel – Maintains balance and regulates the depth of the ploughing operation.
(iv) Beam – Serves as the main framework, holding all other parts of the disc plough together.

(1d)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Limited access to machinery in rural areas due to poor infrastructure.
(ii) Dependence on imported machines, leading to high costs and delays.
(iii) Difficulty in repairing machines due to unavailability of spare parts.
(iv) Reduction of employment opportunities for manual laborers.
(v) Challenges posed by inadequate fuel supply for operating machinery.
(vi) Potential damage to ecosystems, such as loss of biodiversity from large-scale mechanized farming.

(2a)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Land fragmentation due to division among heirs.
(ii). Disputes among family members over land allocation.
(iii) Inequitable distribution of land among heirs.
(iv) Lack of incentives for long-term land improvements.
(v) Difficulty accessing loans due to unclear ownership.
(vi) Decreased productivity from small, scattered plots.
(vii) Exclusion of certain heirs, such as women, in some traditions.

(2b)
(PICK ANY FOUR )
(i) Creation of employment opportunities.
(ii) Processing agricultural products adds value and reduces post-harvest losses.
(iii) Encourages the development of rural areas.
(iv) Provides raw materials for other industries.
(v) Enhances foreign exchange earnings through export of processed goods.
(vi) Promotes industrial growth and economic development.
(vii) Facilitates the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
(viii) Reduces dependency on imported agricultural products.

(2c)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Ensure animals are healthy and well-fed before use.
(ii) Use the appropriate harness to avoid injury to the animals.
(iii) Avoid overworking the animals, especially in hot weather.
(iv) Ensure the soil is not too wet or too dry to prevent compaction or equipment damage.
(v) Maintain the plough to ensure it is in good working condition.
(vi) Train the animals properly for efficient ploughing.
(vii) Plough along the contour to prevent soil erosion.
(viii) Provide adequate rest for the animals during ploughing.

(2d)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Proximity of essential facilities to save time and labor.
(ii) Proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and soil erosion.
(iii) Adequate spacing for ventilation and future expansion.
(iv) Accessibility of roads and paths for easy movement of machinery and produce.
(v) Separation of residential areas from livestock pens to maintain hygiene.
(vi) Placement of storage facilities in secure, accessible locations.
(vii) Provision of shade and shelter for workers and animals.
(viii) Use of windbreaks to protect the farmstead from strong winds.

(4a)
(i)Soil Erosion
(ii)Waterlogged Soils
(iii)Increased Risk of Pests and Diseases
(iv)Disruption of Farming Activities

(4b)
(i)Clownfish and Sea Anemone
(ii)Bees and Flowers
(iii)Oxpeckers and Rhinoceros
(iv)Fungi and Tree Roots

(4c)
Plutonic rocks are formed when magma cools and solidifies slowly beneath the Earth’s surface. This slow cooling process allows for the formation of large crystals, resulting in a coarse-grained WHILE Volcanic rocks, on the other hand, are formed when magma is ejected from a volcano and cools quickly on the surface. This rapid cooling process prevents the formation of large crystals, resulting in a fine-grained or glassy texture.

(4d)
(i) Potassium:
(i)Yellowing of Leaf Edges
(ii)Weakened Stem and Roots

(ii) Calcium:
(i)Stunted Plant Growth
(ii)Blossom-End Rot

(iii) Magnesium:
(i)Interveinal Chlorosis
(ii)Reduced Fruit Production

(5ai)
Supplying: is the process of replacing seedlings that failed to germinate or establish in a field by planting new ones to ensure an even crop stand.

(5aii)
Thinning: is the removal of excess or overcrowded seedlings in a field to provide adequate spacing for proper growth and development of crops.

(5aiii)
Transplanting: is the act of moving young seedlings from a nursery or another location to their permanent position in the field where they will mature.

(5bi)
Land Preparation: Preparing the land for maize involves several steps to ensure the soil is suitable for planting and crop growth. The land must first be cleared of weeds, bushes, and stumps to make it ready for ploughing. Ploughing loosens the soil to allow air and water to penetrate easily, improving root growth. Harrowing then breaks down larger soil clumps into finer particles, creating a smooth seedbed for even planting. In waterlogged areas, ridges or mounds are made to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can damage maize plants.

(5bii)
Soil Requirement: Maize grows best in well-drained loamy soil rich in nutrients and organic matter. The soil must have good water retention without being waterlogged. It also needs to be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, to support nutrient availability. Proper soil fertility, with adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is essential for healthy plant growth and a high yield.

(5biii)
Method of Propagation: Maize is propagated using seeds. The seeds are planted directly into the soil. Healthy, certified seeds are used to ensure good germination and disease resistance. The seeds should be spaced properly, typically 75 cm between rows and 25 cm within rows, to allow adequate space for growth and easy access during weeding. Seeds are usually planted at a depth of 2–5 cm, depending on soil moisture levels, to ensure they germinate well.

(5biv)
Planting Date: The best time to plant maize is at the beginning of the rainy season because the seeds require adequate moisture for germination and initial growth. For areas with irrigation systems, maize can be planted year-round, provided there is enough water supply. Early planting helps the crop avoid pests and diseases and ensures that critical growth stages, such as pollination, occur during favorable weather conditions.

(5bv)
Two Cultural Practices:
(i) Weeding:Maize fields should be weed-free, especially during the early growth stages, to reduce competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Weeding can be done manually, mechanically, or chemically (using herbicides). Regular weeding ensures that the maize plants have the resources they need to thrive.
(ii) Fertilization: Applying fertilizers improves maize growth and yield. Nitrogen is essential for vegetative growth, phosphorus supports root development, and potassium enhances grain formation. Fertilizers like urea, NPK, or organic manure should be applied at specific growth stages to maximize benefits.

(5ci)
=YAM=
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Yam beetle.
(ii) Yam tuber moth.
(iii) Nematodes.
(iv) Mealybugs.
(v) Termites.
(vi) Rodents (eg, rats).

(5cii)
=COWPEA=
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Pod borer.
(ii) Cowpea aphid.
(iii) Maruca vitrata
(iv) Thrips.
(v) Bruchid beetle (cowpea weevil).
(vi) Leafhopper.