JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2019

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A good silage should be free of moulds. Silage is made by fermenting green fodder in a silo or pit to preserve it as animal feed. Moulds can grow on the silage if the conditions are not right, such as when there is too much moisture or oxygen in the silo. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of the silage, as well as potential health problems for the animals consuming it. Mouldy silage can contain mycotoxins, which are toxic substances produced by certain types of moulds. When consumed by animals, mycotoxins can cause a range of health problems, including reduced milk production, poor weight gain, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it is important to ensure that silage is made under the right conditions, such as with the correct moisture content and sufficient compaction to exclude oxygen. This will help to prevent the growth of moulds and ensure that the silage is of good quality for animal consumption.

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Surface irrigation is where water is applied and distributed over the soil surface by gravity. It is by far the most common form of irrigation throughout the world and has been practiced in many areas virtually unchanged for thousands of years. Mole drainage is a subsurface method of draining clay soils that experience regular waterlogging from irrigation or high rainfall

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Out of the given options, none of them directly requires Silicon (Si) for their growth. However, some plants can benefit from having Silicon available in their environment, and may grow better and healthier as a result. Silicon is not an essential nutrient for plants, meaning that they can grow without it. However, some research suggests that Silicon can improve plant growth, especially in harsh environmental conditions like drought, high salinity, and pests or diseases. Of the plants listed, Rice is one of the crops that has been shown to benefit significantly from Silicon supplementation. This is because Rice is a heavy user of Silicon, which it takes up and accumulates in its tissues, contributing to the structural stability of the plant and enhancing its resistance to pests and diseases. In summary, while none of the given plants require Silicon for their growth, Rice is one of the crops that can benefit from it. However, it's important to note that Silicon is not a magic bullet for plant growth and should be used in conjunction with other best practices for plant health and productivity.

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Sources of credit include:
- Licensed banks
- Deposit-taking companies
- Money lenders
- Government agencies
The informal sources of credit to smallholder farmers as identified in the study area were family or friends, money lenders, produce buyers and farmers' cooperatives, while the formal sources of credit were Nigerian agricultural cooperative and rural development bank, microfinance banks and commercial banks.
Mortgage banks are banks that specializes in originating and / or servicing mortgage loans. A mortgage is a loan in which property or real estate is used as collateral. The borrower enters into an agreement with the lender (usually a bank) wherein the borrower receives cash upfront then makes payments over a set time span until he pays back the lender in full.

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A castrated cockerel is called a "capon". A cockerel is a young male chicken, and when it is castrated, its testicles are removed, which affects its growth and development. Capons are typically larger and fattier than uncastrated chickens, and their meat is considered to be more tender and flavorful. The terms "boiler", "pullet", and "hen" refer to other types of chickens, but they do not describe a castrated cockerel specifically. Therefore, the correct answer is "capon" when referring to a castrated cockerel.

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Phalaris minor is a species of grass native to North Africa, Europe, and South Asia. The bunchgrass is widely naturalised elsewhere. Common names include little seed canary grass, small-seeded canary grass, small canary grass, lesser-canary grass, guli danda (Hindi), and sittee booti (Urdu). Phalaris minor is a crop associated with wheat. Choice A is correct.

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To calculate the amount of manure required per hectare, we need to use the ratio of phosphorus in manure to the amount of phosphorus required per hectare. Given that 1kg of manure contains 0.32kg of phosphorus, we can calculate the amount of manure required to supply 1.5kg of phosphorus per hectare as follows: 1.5 kg phosphorus / 0.32 kg phosphorus per 1 kg manure = 4.69 kg manure per hectare Therefore, the amount of manure required per hectare to supply the required amount of phosphorus is 4.69 kg. So, (4.69kg) is the correct answer.

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Surface irrigation is where water is applied and distributed over the soil surface by gravity. It is by far the most common form of irrigation throughout the world and has been practiced in many areas virtually unchanged for thousands of years. Mole drainage is a subsurface method of draining clay soils that experience regular waterlogging from irrigation or high rainfall

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The causative organism of maize rust is a fungus. Maize rust is a fungal disease that affects maize plants and is caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora. The fungus infects the leaves of the maize plant, causing yellow to brownish-orange rust-like pustules or spots on the leaves. Maize rust can have a significant impact on crop yield and quality, and it is important for farmers to take steps to prevent and control the disease. This can include the use of disease-resistant maize varieties, crop rotation, proper sanitation practices, and timely application of fungicides when necessary. So, the correct answer is fungus.

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Farm surveying is the process of measuring and mapping out the position, height, size and boundary of an area of farmland. Chain is not a farm survey equipment but it is kind of used in measurement.
Therefore, choice D is correct

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The option "Kidding" is not a branch of agriculture. Agriculture is the science, art, and business of cultivating land, raising crops, and raising livestock for food, fuel, and other products. Agriculture includes many branches such as agronomy, horticulture, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics, among others. Forestry is the science of managing and conserving forests, including the study of trees, woodlands, and their ecosystem. Fishery is the study and management of fish and other aquatic species for commercial, recreational, and conservation purposes. "Kidding" is not a recognized branch of agriculture and is not related to the field.

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Soils are formed through the interaction of five major factors: time, climate, parent material, topography and relief, and organisms. The relative influence of each factor varies from place to place, but the combination of all five factors normally determines the kind of soil developing in any given place. All other options apart from farming systems affects the soil type, farming system only affects the soil texture.

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To eliminate food shortage, farmers should cultivate more varieties of crops. This means growing different types of crops that are suitable for the local climate and soil conditions. By growing a variety of crops, farmers can reduce their dependence on a single crop, which can be vulnerable to pests, diseases, and other environmental factors. Furthermore, farmers can also use crop rotation, a farming technique where different crops are planted in a specific sequence, to improve soil fertility and reduce pests and diseases. This helps to increase crop yields and ensure a more sustainable food supply. While land tenure by inheritance and constructing farm buildings can be helpful for farmers, they may not directly address food shortage. Similarly, shifting from crop to animal production may not be the most effective solution, as it can require more resources and land to produce the same amount of food.

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Oil palm trees do well in soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, and it affects the availability of nutrients to plants. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 considered neutral. Values below 7 are considered acidic, and those above 7 are alkaline. Oil palm trees have specific nutrient requirements, and the availability of these nutrients can be affected by soil pH. Soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 are considered slightly acidic to neutral, which is optimal for oil palm growth and production. In soils that are too acidic or alkaline, certain nutrients may be unavailable to the plant, leading to nutrient deficiencies and reduced yields. It's worth noting that different soils have varying levels of acidity or alkalinity, and it's important to test the soil pH level before planting oil palm trees to ensure the soil is suitable for the crop. Soil pH can be adjusted through the application of soil amendments such as lime to increase the pH or sulfur to decrease the pH, depending on the specific needs of the soil and the crop.

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Turkeys incubate for 27 - 28 days at 100.5 degrees. There are two methods of incubation. In the case of natural incubation with broody hens, for instance, naturally turkeys are good brooders and the broody hen can hatch 10-15 numbers of eggs. 27 days is the incubation period of turkey while 21 days is for chicken.

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Maize grows best on loamy soil. Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, and is considered one of the best soil types for growing crops like maize. This is because loamy soil has a balanced mix of particles that allows it to hold water and nutrients well while also providing good drainage. The balance of sand, silt, and clay in loamy soil allows for good aeration, which is important for healthy root growth in maize plants. Sandy soil, on the other hand, has larger particles that do not hold water or nutrients well and can lead to poor crop growth. Sandy-clay soil and silty-clay soil have higher clay content, which can lead to poor drainage and waterlogging in wet conditions, making them less suitable for growing maize. In summary, maize grows best on loamy soil, which has a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay that provides good drainage, aeration, and nutrient holding capacity for healthy crop growth.

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The pox disease in livestock are caused by "viruses". Pox diseases are a group of viral infections that affect livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. These diseases are highly contagious and can spread rapidly through populations of animals, causing skin lesions, respiratory symptoms, and, in severe cases, death. Bacteria, protozoa, and fungi are not the cause of pox diseases in livestock. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause a wide range of diseases in livestock, but they are not responsible for pox diseases. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can also cause diseases in livestock, but they are not the cause of pox diseases. Fungi are multicellular organisms that can cause infections in livestock, but they are not the cause of pox diseases.

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The majority of the world's yam production takes place in Africa, and the rest of it in Asia. The optimum temperature for storing yam tuber under cold storage is 280K (7°C). Therefore, 7°C is correct.

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Irrigation is not a factor to consider when planning a farmstead because it is not a requirement for a farmstead. A farmstead refers to a farm and the buildings and other structures on the farm, such as a house, barn, and outbuildings. Accessibility, topography, and soil type are all important factors to consider when planning a farmstead because they can impact the type of crops or livestock that can be raised on the farm, as well as the design and placement of buildings and other structures. Accessibility refers to the ease of getting to and from the farm, which can impact the transportation of goods and people. Topography refers to the natural features of the land, such as hills and valleys, which can impact the placement of buildings and the type of crops that can be grown. Soil type refers to the type of soil on the farm, which can impact the type of crops that can be grown and the fertility of the soil.

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The wear and tear of farm structures over time is described as depreciation. Depreciation refers to the decrease in value of an asset over time due to age, usage, or obsolescence. Farm structures such as barns, sheds, and fences are subject to wear and tear due to exposure to weather, use, and other factors. As they age, their value decreases, and this decrease is referred to as depreciation. Depreciation is an important concept in accounting and financial management as it affects the value of assets and can impact a farm's financial performance.

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The type of land tenure system is the freehold system. The freehold system is a type of land tenure system in which an individual or entity owns the land outright and has the right to use, occupy, and sell the land as they see fit. This type of system is common in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Under the freehold system, the owner of the land has complete control over it, and can use it for any legal purpose, such as agriculture, residential or commercial development, or conservation. The owner is also responsible for paying property taxes on the land and any structures or improvements that are built on it. This system is different from other types of land tenure systems, such as leasehold or communal systems, where individuals or groups have limited rights to use or occupy the land, and ownership may be held by a government entity or a community as a whole. Overall, the freehold system is designed to provide individuals or entities with secure and exclusive rights to use and manage the land, which can encourage investment, development, and long-term planning.

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Newcastle disease is a viral disease that primarily affects poultry birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. This disease can cause severe respiratory, nervous and digestive symptoms in infected birds and can lead to high mortality rates in flocks. In severe cases, Newcastle disease can also spread to other birds in the area and cause outbreaks. It is important to maintain good biosecurity measures and to seek veterinary advice if any signs of the disease are suspected in a flock.

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Fertilization or fertilizer application is the supplemental application of plant nutrients to crop plants to augment the supply from natural sources. This consists of applying nutrient-containing materials, called fertilizers, generally into the soil in proximity to receptor plants.

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The target groups of an agricultural Extension agent are typically individuals or groups who are involved in agriculture or rural development. These can include farmers, rural youth, women's groups, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and others who are engaged in agricultural activities. Of the options given, the one that is not a target group of an agricultural Extension agent is political parties. Political parties are not directly involved in agricultural activities or rural development, and therefore would not typically be a target group for agricultural Extension services. Extension agents are typically tasked with providing education, training, and other forms of support to help farmers and rural communities improve their productivity, sustainability, and economic well-being. They may work with individual farmers or groups, providing information and guidance on topics such as crop and livestock management, pest and disease control, soil fertility, marketing, and other issues that can affect agricultural productivity and profitability. So, the correct answer is political parties.

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The degree of responsiveness of demand to a change in the price of goods or produce is referred to as price elasticity of demand. Price elasticity of demand is a measure of how much the quantity of a good or product demanded will change in response to a change in its price. If the quantity demanded changes a lot in response to a change in price, the demand is said to be elastic, and the price elasticity of demand will be high. If the quantity demanded changes only a little in response to a change in price, the demand is said to be inelastic, and the price elasticity of demand will be low. For example, if the price of a gallon of milk were to increase by 50%, and the quantity of milk demanded were to decrease by only 10%, the demand for milk would be said to be inelastic. On the other hand, if the price of a luxury car were to increase by 50% and the quantity demanded were to decrease by 50%, the demand for luxury cars would be said to be elastic. Price elasticity of demand is an important concept in economics, as it helps producers and policymakers understand how consumers will respond to changes in price. It can also help businesses make decisions about pricing strategies, such as whether to lower prices to increase demand or raise prices to increase profits.

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The New Zealand is a breed of rabbit, which despite the name, is American in origin. The breed originated in California, possibly from rabbits imported from New Zealand.

New zealand is a breed of Rabbit

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The reduction of ten seedlings of maize to two per stand is referred to as Thinning. Thinning is the process of removing some of the weaker or excess seedlings in a plant stand to allow the remaining plants to have enough space, light, and nutrients to grow properly. This helps to ensure that each plant has enough resources to reach maturity and produce a good yield. In the case of maize seedlings, if there are too many plants growing in close proximity, they may compete with each other for resources, leading to smaller and weaker plants. By thinning the stand down to two seedlings per stand, you are providing the remaining plants with the necessary resources they need to grow strong and healthy.

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Most biological activity in soil occurs in the A-horizon. The A-horizon, also known as the topsoil, is the uppermost layer of soil that is composed of a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms. This layer is particularly rich in organic matter, which provides a food source for microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that play a vital role in breaking down organic materials and releasing nutrients that plants can use for growth. Additionally, the A-horizon is where plant roots grow and interact with soil organisms, which can influence the health and productivity of both plants and soil. Therefore, the A-horizon is considered the most biologically active layer of soil.

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The engine oil in a tractor is something that requires daily checking. Engine oil is a vital component of any engine, including those found in tractors. It helps lubricate the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and heat buildup that can damage the engine over time. It also helps remove contaminants and debris from the engine, keeping it clean and operating smoothly. Because tractors are often used in dusty, dirty, and challenging environments, the engine oil can become contaminated quickly. Therefore, it is important to check the oil level and quality on a daily basis to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated and functioning at optimal levels. While other components like the spark plug, air cleaner, and battery are also important and should be checked regularly, they do not require daily checking like the engine oil. In summary, the component that requires daily checking in a tractor is the engine oil.

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Features of subsistence farming are as follows:
(a) It is practised by majority of the farmers in the country.
(b) It is characterised by small and scattered land holdings and use of primitive tools.
(c) The farmers do not use fertilisers and high yielding variety of seeds as they are poor.
Choice A, C and B explains the features of subsistence agriculture but option D did not state the feature of subsistence agriculture.
Choice D is correct.

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There are different varieties of oil palm: dura palms have kernels with a thick shell; pisifera palms have kernels with no shell; tenera palms have kernels with a thin shell. Tenera is a variety of oil palm. Choice C is correct

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Calcium is not a micro-nutrient. Nutrients required by plants for growth and development can be classified into two categories: macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Macro-nutrients are nutrients that are required in larger amounts by plants, while micro-nutrients are required in smaller amounts. Calcium is a macro-nutrient that is essential for plant growth and development. It is required in relatively large amounts and plays an important role in cell wall formation, root development, and the regulation of other nutrients in the plant. In contrast, Iron, Manganese, and Boron are micro-nutrients that are required by plants in smaller amounts. These micro-nutrients are important for various functions in the plant, such as photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and hormone regulation. Therefore, Calcium is not a micro-nutrient because it is required in larger amounts by plants compared to micro-nutrients like Iron, Manganese, and Boron.

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Soil texture is a classification instrument used both in the field and laboratory to determine soil classes based on their physical texture. Soil texture can be determined using qualitative methods such as texture by feel, and quantitative methods such as the hydrometer method. Soil Texture is the classification of soil based on its physical texture and characteristics, particularly the size of the particles that make up the soil.

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The by-product of fish that is not on the list is "leather." Fish can be a valuable source of various by-products that are useful in various industries. For example, fish can be processed into fish meal, which is a high-protein feed ingredient used in animal feed production. Fish oil is another by-product that is commonly extracted from fish, which has a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Fish silage is another by-product that is produced when fish waste is ensiled, which can then be used as a fertilizer or feed ingredient. However, leather is not a by-product that is typically associated with fish. Leather is usually made from the skin or hide of animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. Therefore, leather is not a by-product of fish. In summary, while fish can be processed into a range of useful by-products like fish meal, oil, and silage, leather is not one of them.

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Coffee is cultivated in many places in tropical Latin America, Asia and Africa between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. It grows best in places with rich soil, reliable rainfall and altitudes between 3000 and 6000 feet. As a rule, the higher the elevation the coffee is grown the better the quality. The ideal pH of coffee is between 6.5 to 7.5. Therefore, choice D is correct.

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In agriculture, a harrow (often called a set of harrows in a plurale tantum sense) is an implement for breaking up and smoothing out the surface of the soil. In this way it is distinct in its effect from the plough, which is used for deeper tillage. The farm machinery used to sow seeds and apply fertilizer at the same time is a harrow. Therefore, choice D is correct.

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The main mode of infection of rinderpest disease in cattle is through inhalation. Rinderpest is a viral disease that affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals. The virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through herds. The virus is shed in large amounts in nasal and ocular discharges, saliva, and feces of infected animals, which can contaminate the environment and infect other animals. Inhalation of the virus occurs when healthy animals breathe in the virus from the air or from contaminated surfaces, such as feed and water troughs or fences. The virus can survive for several days in the environment, which means that even if an infected animal has been removed from a location, the virus can still be present and infect other animals. While grazing and drinking contaminated water can also lead to infection, inhalation is the primary mode of transmission for rinderpest. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects or through the handling of infected animals, but these modes of transmission are less common compared to inhalation. In summary, the main mode of infection of rinderpest disease in cattle is through inhalation of the virus, which can be present in the air or on contaminated surfaces.

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The process of mating in sheep is called "tupping." Tupping refers to the act of a male sheep (also known as a ram) mounting a female sheep (also known as a ewe) to engage in sexual intercourse. The ram uses its front legs to stand on the ewe's back and align its reproductive organs with hers, while also using its hind legs to thrust and achieve penetration. This process is a natural part of the sheep breeding cycle and is essential for producing new lambs. In summary, tupping is the specific term used to describe the act of a male sheep mating with a female sheep to facilitate reproduction.

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A capsule is a dry, usually dehiscent fruit which develops from a compound ovary, splitting open in multiple sutures into several seed-bearing sections or carpels, e.g. cotton, durian, kapok, castor bean, okra. A capsule is a type of simple, dry, though rarely fleshy dehiscent fruit produced by many species of angiosperms. Only okra in the options is a capsule.

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Rice is the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices. Rice is typically started from seed in a controlled nursery environment before being transplanted to the field. This process is known as "direct seeding" and it involves sowing the rice seeds in a seedbed or nursery, where they can be carefully tended and protected from pests and other threats until they are strong enough to be transplanted. Nursery practices for rice can include things like preparing the seedbed, selecting high-quality seeds, managing water and nutrients, controlling pests and diseases, and ensuring proper spacing between seedlings. Once the seedlings have grown to a certain size and are strong enough to withstand transplanting, they are carefully uprooted and moved to the main field. While other cereal crops like maize, millet, and guinea corn can also benefit from certain nursery practices, they are typically started directly in the field through methods like broadcasting or drilling. Rice, on the other hand, is more commonly transplanted from a nursery, making it the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices.