JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2019

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The parent material of a soil is formed from the disintegration of rock. Soil is made up of many different components, including organic matter, minerals, water, and air. However, the most important component of soil is the parent material, which is the rock or mineral that the soil is derived from. Over time, rock is broken down into smaller and smaller pieces by physical and chemical weathering processes. This process can take thousands of years, but eventually, the rock is reduced to small particles like sand, silt, and gravel. These smaller particles become the building blocks of soil, and they provide the structure and nutrients that plants and other organisms need to grow. In conclusion, the parent material of a soil is formed from the disintegration of rock, which is broken down over time into smaller particles like sand, silt, and gravel. These particles become the foundation of soil and provide the structure and nutrients that plants and other organisms need to grow.

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Out of the four options, "Involvement in local politics" is not a quality of a good extension worker. An extension worker is a professional who helps farmers and rural communities to adopt new technologies and improve their agricultural practices. To be effective in this role, an extension worker should have certain qualities, such as: - Organizational Ability: The ability to plan and carry out activities efficiently, and to manage resources effectively. - Clear Judgement: The ability to analyze information, make sound decisions, and provide advice to others. - Initiative: The ability to take the lead in solving problems and identifying opportunities for improvement. Involvement in local politics is not a quality of a good extension worker because extension workers should maintain impartiality and not align themselves with any particular political party or interest group. They should be focused on providing impartial and evidence-based advice to support the development of the rural communities they serve.

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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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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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Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons. It is done so that the soil of farms is not used for only one set of nutrients. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility and yield crop. Choice A is correct. Crop rotation involves the growing of crops one after other in a particular sequence

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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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Prevention, or at least alleviation, of the effects of viruses, involves:
(1) Elimination of sources of virus.
(2) Elimination of the virus from infected plants.
(3) Control of vectors.
(4) Breeding for resistance and the use of cross-protection methods.
Each of these approaches to control will be considered.
Planting resistant varieties of a plant/crop is the most effective method of controlling or preventing viral diseases since, the varieties can resist viral infections.

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The factor of production whose reward is profit is entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship involves the ability to identify business opportunities, take risks, and organize resources (such as land, labor, and capital) in order to create and run a successful business. Entrepreneurs are typically the ones who invest their own time, money, and effort into starting and managing a business. In return for taking on the risks and uncertainties associated with starting and running a business, entrepreneurs are rewarded with profits. Profit is the return on investment that entrepreneurs receive for successfully creating and managing a business that provides goods or services that are valued by consumers. So, to sum up, the factor of production whose reward is profit is entrepreneurship, as it is the driving force behind the creation and success of businesses that generate profits.

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Fertilizers are applied to fishponds to serve as nutrients for plankton. Plankton are tiny organisms that live in water and are a primary source of food for fish. Fertilizers contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that are necessary for the growth and reproduction of plankton. As the plankton grow and multiply, they provide a valuable food source for fish in the pond. Additionally, the plankton consume nutrients in the water, which can help purify it by reducing the levels of harmful chemicals and pollutants. Therefore, applying fertilizers to fishponds can help promote the growth of plankton and ultimately support a healthy ecosystem for fish.

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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 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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Blast is caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. It can affect all above ground parts of a rice plant: leaf, collar, node, neck, parts of panicle, and sometimes leaf sheath. Blast of rice is a fungal disease. Therefore, choice C is correct.

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The most unreliable source of power on the farm is wind. This is because wind is a highly variable and unpredictable resource that can change in strength and direction quickly. Unlike other sources of power, such as electricity or heat engines, which are more consistent and controllable, wind power is subject to the whims of nature and can't be relied upon to provide consistent and reliable power for farming operations. Additionally, wind turbines require a minimum wind speed to generate power, and in calm weather conditions, they may not produce any power at all.

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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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Land-use practices can harm soil. The way people use land can affect the levels of nutrients and pollution in soil. Any activity that exposes soil to wind and rain can lead to soil loss. Farming, construction and development, and mining are among the main activities that impact soil resources. Flooding, over grazing and bush burning all have a harmful effect on the soil. Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons.

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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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There are various forms of land tenure systems in Nigeria ranging from communal ownership, inheritance tenure system, leasehold tenure system, rent tenure system, gift tenure system, freehold tenure system and tenant at government will. Land are popularly and commonly inherited in Nigeria, this has been the oldest and commonest land tenure in Nigeria.

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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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General symptoms include stunted growth, delayed maturity, reduced fertility, lowered milk yield, unthrift ness, fragile bones and paralytic syndromes. This can be rectified by feeding of good quality roughages and including mineral mixtures in ration of young and producing stocks and by use of salt bricks. Deficiency in vitamin cannot improve fertility rather it decreases it, leads to loss of appetite, scurvy and rickets.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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. Dure, Tenera and Pisifera are cultivate varieties of oil palm. Choice B is correct.

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The following options are the importance of agriculture except for "Lack of good food." Agriculture is the practice of cultivating land, rearing animals, and producing food, fiber, and other products. It is a crucial sector of the economy and plays a significant role in the social and economic development of many countries. The importance of agriculture includes the following: 1. Provision of food: Agriculture is essential for the provision of food for humans and animals. It provides raw materials for the production of various food products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal products. 2. Provision of employment opportunities: Agriculture is a significant source of employment in many countries, especially in rural areas. It provides jobs for millions of people, including farmers, farm workers, and those involved in processing, storage, and transportation of agricultural products. 3. Contribution to the economy: Agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy of many countries. It provides raw materials for various industries, including the textile, pharmaceutical, and food industries. 4. Environmental conservation: Agriculture plays a crucial role in environmental conservation through sustainable land management practices such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops. In summary, agriculture is essential for the provision of food, employment opportunities, contribution to the economy, and environmental conservation. However, "Lack of good food" is not an importance of agriculture but rather a challenge that agriculture seeks to overcome by providing adequate and quality food for all.

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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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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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Demand for most farm products is inelastic. People can consume only so much then they are satiated. Even if price drops they will not buy much more. When demand is inelastic a drop in price that spurs more quantity being sold results in lower revenue and profit for the producer.
Choice B is correct. A price inelastic demand would mean that an increase in price would not necessarily lead to a decline in quantity demanded or in case it does proportion of quantity change would be lesser vis a vis the change in price.
Demand tends to be price inelastic for agricultural produce for the following reasons.
1. Price changes don't affect consumption much
2. These produce are mostly necessities
3. Possibility of postponement is not there for most of these produce

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Rural farmers can obtain loans from various sources, but the most common ones are government agencies, merchant banks, and money lenders. Government agencies, such as agricultural development banks, offer loans to farmers at subsidized interest rates to encourage agricultural production and improve food security. These loans are often long-term and have flexible repayment terms. Merchant banks, on the other hand, offer loans to farmers based on their creditworthiness and ability to repay. These loans typically have higher interest rates than government loans, but they may offer more flexibility in terms of loan amount and repayment terms. Money lenders are private individuals or organizations that offer loans to farmers, often at very high interest rates. Farmers who are unable to obtain loans from government agencies or merchant banks may turn to money lenders as a last resort. However, borrowing from money lenders can be risky as the high interest rates and fees can make it difficult for farmers to repay the loan, leading to a cycle of debt and financial insecurity. Overall, it is important for farmers to carefully consider their options and choose the source of loans that best suits their needs and financial situation.

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Extension teaching methods are the tools and techniques used to create situations in which communication can take place between the rural people and the extension professionals. These are the methods of imparting new knowledge and skills to the rural people by drawing their attention towards such technologies, thereby arousing their interest and helping them to have a successful experience of the new practice. Newspaper can only be read by the literate farmers and majority of the farmers are ILLITERATE.

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Crops grown primarily for feeding animals are known as forage. Forage crops are grown specifically to be used as animal feed, either by grazing animals directly on the pasture or by harvesting the forage and feeding it to animals as silage or hay. Forage crops can include grasses, legumes, and other plants that are high in fiber and provide the necessary nutrients for animal growth and development. These crops can be grown for a variety of animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Vegetables, cereals, and shrubs, on the other hand, are not primarily grown for feeding animals. Vegetables are grown for human consumption, while cereals can be grown for both human consumption and animal feed. Shrubs, although they can be used as animal feed in some cases, are typically not grown specifically for this purpose. Therefore, forage is the term used to describe crops that are grown primarily for feeding animals.

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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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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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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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Farm operations are done by different sources of power, namely human, animal, oil engine, tractor, power tiller, electricity and renewable energy (biogas, solar and wind). Human beings are the main source of power for operating small tools and implements. Choice D is correct. Plough is not 2 source of farm power.

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Cowpea is the non-oil crop among the following. While coconut, beniseed (sesame), and melon are all oil crops that are grown primarily for their oil-rich seeds, cowpea is a legume crop that is grown for its edible seeds, which are rich in protein and other nutrients. Cowpea is commonly consumed as a food crop in many parts of the world, and it is also used as a forage crop for livestock. Unlike coconut, beniseed, and melon, which are all highly valued for their oil content, cowpea is not typically grown for oil production. While it does contain some oil, the oil content of cowpea seeds is relatively low compared to oil crops like coconut and beniseed. Instead, cowpea is grown primarily for its nutritional value and as a source of protein for human and animal consumption. So, of the options given, cowpea is the non-oil crop, as it is not primarily grown for its oil content.

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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.