2023 JAMB AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE PAST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Farm surveying is primarily used for mapping land boundaries to determine the layout of agricultural land. This allows farmers to properly manage and utilize their land for efficient agricultural practices. Other options like determining soil fertility or assessing crop yield are important but not directly related to the function of surveying.

A plow is a farm implement used to prepare soil for planting by turning over and loosening the soil. Seeders, sprayers, and harvesters are used for planting, pest control, and harvesting, respectively, but not for soil preparation.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in food production, ensuring food security, and providing employment. It is not limited to cash crops or rural areas but impacts the entire economy and society.

Rock weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller fragments. This process can release nutrients into the soil, benefiting agricultural activities. Other options, like erosion or decomposition, are not the correct descriptions of weathering.

Biotic factors refer to the living organisms within an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Abiotic factors, on the other hand, are related to non-living elements like weather and soil.

Dehorning is the process of removing the horns of cattle to prevent injury to other animals and humans. Mating, dipping, and castration are unrelated to horn removal.

Crop science is the study of plants, including their growth, genetics, and breeding for improved production. Other disciplines like weather patterns or soil fertility management are also important but are not included under crop science.

Abiotic factors are non-living elements like temperature, climate, and soil properties that affect agricultural ecosystems. Biotic factors refer to living organisms.

The N’dama breed is primarily known for its resistance to disease and is often used for draft power and milk production, although it is not a primary breed for meat.

The Uda breed is a common Nigerian sheep breed known for its meat production. The West African Dwarf is more known for its adaptability, while Barbados Blackbelly and Dorper are foreign breeds.

A scythe is a hand tool used for cutting grass or crops. Harrows, plows, and seeders are larger implements used for other farming tasks like soil preparation and planting.

Soil properties like pH, organic matter content, and water-holding capacity are essential for determining soil fertility and supporting healthy crop growth.

Promoting biodiversity conservation is important but not typically categorized as a principle of agronomy, which focuses on managing soil, pests, and maximizing crop yields.

Enhancing sustainable agricultural practices is a key objective of agricultural development programs, as it helps ensure long-term productivity and environmental conservation.

Agronomy is the science of crop production and soil management, aiming to optimize yields while maintaining soil health. Other fields, such as animal breeding or pest control, are not included in agronomy.

Animal husbandry is not a component of agronomy, which primarily deals with crop production, soil management, and pest control.

Irrigation is an agricultural technology that improves water use efficiency in farming. Crop rotation and composting are traditional practices, while organic farming is an agricultural method.

Fungi are not typical agents of pollination; bees, wind, and water are primary pollinators for plants.

Crop pests are biotic factors, as they are living organisms that affect agricultural ecosystems. Abiotic factors would include temperature, soil pH, and rainfall.

Soil fertility is influenced by factors like pH, structure, organic matter content, and nutrient availability. Soil texture and drainage also contribute but are part of the broader fertility context.

A chicken is an example of a monogastric animal, having a single-chambered stomach. Goats, cows, and sheep are ruminants with multiple stomach compartments.

The Sokoto Gudali is a breed of cattle known for its resilience and adaptability in Nigeria. It is not a breed of chicken, goat, or horse.

Grafting is a method of plant propagation that involves joining parts of different plants. Seed propagation, tissue culture, and layering are other propagation methods but do not specifically involve plant parts.

Zoology is the study of animals, not a direct branch of agriculture, which includes fields like horticulture, agronomy, and forestry.

The Balami is a breed of cattle, not a pig, sheep, or goat.

Soil consists of organic matter, minerals, air, and water, each contributing to its fertility and ability to support plant growth.

Inadequate market infrastructure is a common issue in agricultural economics, preventing farmers from accessing profitable markets. Other issues, like overreliance on chemicals or lack of tech, also hinder growth but are not as directly related to extension services.

Agricultural marketing involves the promotion and selling of agricultural products. It is not the production, transportation, or preservation of the products, though those are also important components of the agricultural supply chain.

Subsistence agriculture is farming primarily for self-sufficiency, where farmers grow food for personal consumption rather than for profit or export.

Soil conservation refers to methods used to prevent soil erosion, degradation, and loss of fertility. It is crucial for maintaining productive farmland and preventing environmental damage.

Monocots and dicots differ in leaf vein structure, flower parts, and root systems. Monocots have parallel leaf veins and fibrous root systems, while dicots have branched veins and taproots.

Agricultural ecology studies the interactions between agricultural systems and the environment, including the impact of farming on ecosystems and biodiversity.

A soil profile is a vertical section that shows the different layers (horizons) of the soil, revealing its composition, texture, and nutrient content. This is important for determining soil suitability for crops.

Farmstead planning focuses on efficiently utilizing space for both crop production and livestock management. Proper planning optimizes productivity and minimizes waste of resources.

Animal production involves the management and care of livestock for purposes such as milk, meat, and wool production. Other related fields include breeding and genetic improvement.

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part (anther) to the female part (stigma) of a flower, enabling fertilization and seed formation.

Commercial agriculture involves large-scale farming aimed at producing crops and livestock for profit, typically for sale in domestic and international markets.

Farmer field schools are an effective method of agricultural extension, providing hands-on learning and fostering direct farmer engagement. Other methods like crop rotation and irrigation are not primary forms of extension.

Agronomy and horticulture are key branches of agriculture that focus on crop production and the cultivation of plants, respectively.

Agricultural extension services aim to promote sustainable farming practices, helping farmers to improve productivity while preserving environmental and economic resources.