NABTEB GCE 2023 AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE(ESSAY & OBJ) ANSWERS(4th December)

(1a)
Drainage refers to the process of removing excess water or liquid from an area, usually through a system of pipes, channels, or natural pathways. It plays a crucial role in managing the water flow and preventing waterlogging or flooding in various environments and structures.

(1b)
(PICK TWO ONLY)

(i) Cost: Installing and maintaining an underground drainage system can be expensive. It requires excavation, pipe installation, and regular maintenance, which can accumulate significant costs over time.

(ii) Difficulty of repairs: Underground drainage systems are challenging to access and repair. If there is a blockage or damage, it may involve excavating the pipes or using specialized equipment, making repairs time-consuming and costly.

(iii) Lack of visibility: Unlike above-ground drainage systems, underground drainage pipes are not visually accessible. This makes it difficult to identify potential issues such as clogs, leaks, or root infiltration, unless they cause significant problems.

(iv) Risk of blockages: Underground drainage systems are more susceptible to blockages caused by debris, tree roots, or sediment buildup. Clearing blockages can require professional assistance, leading to additional expenses.

(v) Limited access for maintenance: Regular maintenance and cleaning of underground drainage systems can be challenging due to limited access. This can lead to reduced efficiency and inadequate drainage performance.

(vi) Environmental impact: Underground drainage systems can contribute to the pollution of water sources if improperly designed or maintained. Contaminants from wastewater or chemical spills can seep into the ground and affect nearby soil and water quality.

(1c)
(PICK FOUR ONLY)

(i) Soil pH: The pH level of the soil plays a significant role in the availability of nutrients. Some nutrients are more readily available in acidic soils, while others are more accessible in alkaline soils. The pH affects the chemical reactions that occur in the soil, ultimately influencing nutrient availability.

(ii) Soil texture: The texture of the soil determines its ability to retain and release nutrients. Clay soils tend to have higher nutrient-holding capacity, while sandy soils have lower nutrient retention. The texture influences the soil’s ability to retain water, oxygen, and organic matter, which in turn affects nutrient availability.

(iii) Organic matter content: The presence of organic matter in the soil improves nutrient availability. Organic matter acts as a reservoir for nutrients, slowly releasing them as it decomposes. It also enhances the soil’s water-holding capacity and facilitates nutrient absorption by plants.

(iv) Nutrient content and balance: The initial nutrient content and balance in the soil impact nutrient availability. If certain nutrients are deficient or imbalanced, it can limit their availability to plants. Adequate levels of essential nutrients in the soil are essential for sustainable plant growth and crop productivity.

(v) Soil moisture: The availability of soil nutrients is strongly influenced by soil moisture levels. Excessive moisture can leach away essential nutrients, reducing their availability to plants. Conversely, drought conditions can hinder nutrient absorption by plant roots due to limited water uptake.

(vi) Soil compaction: Compacted soils have reduced pore space, restricting root growth and impeding nutrient uptake. Compaction can reduce the soil’s ability to hold water and promote proper aeration, negatively impacting nutrient availability.

(vii) Microbial activity: Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient availability. They decompose organic matter, releasing nutrients for plant uptake. Beneficial microbial activity improves nutrient cycling and availability in the soil.

(viii) Nutrient interactions: The interactions between different nutrients affect their availability. Some nutrients can compete with each other for uptake by plants, while certain nutrient ratios can inhibit or enhance availability.

(1d)
(i) Maize – Zea mays
(ii) Cassava – Manihot esculenta
(iii) Rubber – Hevea brasiliensis
(iv) Rice – Oryza sativa
(v) Ginger – Zingiber officinale
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(2a)
Farm mechanization refers to the use of various types of machinery and equipment in agricultural practices to facilitate and enhance farm operations.

(2b)
(PICK SIX ONLY)

(i) High initial investment: The cost of purchasing farm machinery and equipment can be a significant financial burden for farmers, especially for small-scale or resource-limited farmers.

(ii) Dependency on technology: Farm mechanization requires a certain level of technical expertise to operate and maintain the machinery. This can create a dependency on technical support and training, which may not always be readily available in all areas.

(iii) Limited flexibility: Mechanized farming systems are designed for specific tasks and may not offer the same level of flexibility as manual labor. This can be challenging when dealing with diverse or changing agricultural practices.

(iv) Vulnerability to breakdowns: Mechanical equipment is prone to breakdowns and requires regular maintenance. If breakdowns occur during critical production periods, they can significantly impact farm operations and yield.

(v) Increased energy consumption: Farm mechanization often relies on fossil fuel-powered machinery, leading to increased energy consumption and environmental pollution.

(vi) Loss of traditional farming practices: Mechanization may result in the loss of traditional farming practices, local knowledge, and cultural heritage associated with manual labor and sustainable agricultural practices.

(vii) Reduced employment opportunities: Mechanization can lead to a decline in employment opportunities, particularly for manual laborers in agriculture. This can negatively impact rural communities and contribute to rural unemployment.

(viii) Limited suitability for small farms: Certain mechanized technologies, such as large-scale machinery, may not be suitable or affordable for small-scale farms, where manual labor remains the primary mode of production.

(ix) Soil compaction and erosion risks: Heavy machinery used in mechanized farming can result in soil compaction and increased erosion, particularly on fragile or sloping terrains, which can negatively impact soil fertility and long-term productivity.

(x) Potential for income inequality: Mechanization can contribute to income inequality within the farming sector, as larger and wealthier farmers are more likely to afford and adopt advanced machinery, thereby gaining a competitive advantage over smaller-scale and less affluent farmers.

(2c)
(PICK SIX ONLY)

(i) Financial Management: Keeping farm record books helps track income and expenses, enabling better financial management and decision-making.

(ii) Budgeting: By maintaining records, farmers can create budgets, allocate resources efficiently, and plan for the future.

(iii) Tax Compliance: Detailed records provide accurate information for filing taxes and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

(iv) Profitability Analysis: Farm record books allow farmers to analyze their income, expenses, and overall profitability. This analysis helps identify areas for improvement and enables more strategic decision-making.

(v) Inventory Management: Keeping track of inventory levels and usage helps optimize production and minimize waste.

(vi) Production Planning: Record books assist in planning for planting, harvesting, and rotational schedules, improving overall productivity and efficiency.

(vii) Risk Management: By maintaining records, farmers can identify potential risks, such as disease outbreaks or crop failures, and implement effective risk management strategies.

(viii) Compliance with Regulations: Detailed records ensure compliance with governmental and industry regulations, such as environmental stewardship or food safety standards.

(ix) Benchmarking: Comparing farm performance over time or against industry benchmarks becomes easier with well-maintained record books, helping identify areas of improvement.

(x) Access to Financing: Accurate and comprehensive records enhance farmers’ credibility when seeking loans or other financial assistance from banks and investors.

(2d)
(PICK FOUR ONLY)

(i) Decreased production: Diseases can lead to reduced productivity in farm animals, such as decreased milk yield in dairy cows or slower growth rates in meat-producing animals.

(ii) Increased mortality: Diseases can result in higher mortality rates among farm animals, leading to financial losses for farmers and reduced population sizes of the affected species.

(iii) Cost of treatment: Treating diseases in farm animals can be expensive. Farmers need to bear the costs of veterinary services, medications, and additional treatments, which can strain their financial resources.

(iv) Quarantine and biosecurity measures: In response to the outbreak of diseases, farmers may have to implement quarantine and biosecurity protocols. These measures can be costly and time-consuming, disrupting normal farming operations.

(v) Trade restrictions: Disease outbreaks may lead to trade restrictions imposed by other countries or regions. This can result in limited market access for farm animal products, leading to reduced profitability for farmers and the overall industry.

(vi) Decline in consumer confidence: Disease outbreaks in farm animals can erode consumer confidence in the safety and quality of animal products. This can result in reduced demand and market prices for these products.

(vii) Economic impact on ancillary industries: The economic effects of diseases can extend beyond the farm sector. Ancillary industries, such as feed suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and transportation services, may also experience reduced demand and financial losses.

(viii) Increased cost of insurance: After disease outbreaks, farmers might face increased insurance premiums for their farm animals as insurers perceive higher risks associated with disease-related losses.
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(3a)
Farm surveying is the process of collecting, analyzing, and mapping information about a farm or agricultural land.

(3b)
(PICK TWO ONLY)
(i) Total Station
(ii) Automatic Level
(iii) Digital Level
(iv) GPS receiver
(v) Builders Level
(vi) Laser Level

(3c)
(PICK TWO ONLY)
(i) Gunter’s chain
(ii) Engineer’s chain
(iii) Metric chain
(iv) Steel tape chain
(v) Measuring wheel chain
(vi) Fiber tape chain

(3d)
(PICK FIVE ONLY)

(i) Ecological disruption: Chemical pesticides can have unintended consequences on the ecosystem by killing non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and mammals. This disrupts the natural balance and can lead to a loss of biodiversity.

(ii) Resistance development: Prolonged use of chemical pesticides can lead to the development of resistance in pest populations. Over time, pests can evolve and become less susceptible to the pesticides, making them less effective.

(iii) Environmental pollution: Chemical pesticides can contaminate soil, water bodies, and air, leading to environmental pollution. This pollution can have adverse effects on aquatic life, plants, and other organisms in the ecosystem.

(iv) Health risks for humans: Exposure to chemical pesticides can pose health risks to humans. Prolonged or excessive exposure can lead to various health problems such as respiratory issues, skin irritations, neurological disorders, and even cancer.

(v) Harm to beneficial insects: Chemical pesticides not only kill pests but also harm beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. This can disrupt pollination processes and negatively impact ecosystems.

(vi) Crop damage: Misuse or overuse of chemical pesticides can result in crop damage. Some pesticides may harm the targeted pests but also affect the crops, reducing yield and quality.

(vii) Soil degradation: Chemical pesticides can have long-lasting effects on soil health. They can disrupt the soil microbiome, deplete essential nutrients, and reduce soil fertility, impacting long-term crop productivity.

(viii) Residue accumulation: Some chemical pesticides can persist in the environment for extended periods and accumulate in plants, animals, and even human food sources. This leads to the potential consumption of pesticide residues, which can have harmful effects on human health.

(ix) Water contamination: Chemical pesticides can enter water bodies through runoff, leading to water contamination. This can affect aquatic organisms and disrupt the water ecosystem, including fish and other marine life.

(x) Negative impact on natural pest control: Chemical pesticides can disrupt the natural pest control mechanisms, such as biological control methods. By eliminating natural predators and beneficial organisms, chemical control methods can disrupt the balance that keeps pest populations in check.

(3e)
(PICK SEVEN ONLY)

(i) Educator: Extension agents educate individuals and communities on various agricultural, environmental, and community development practices.

(ii) Advisor: They provide expert advice and guidance to farmers, gardeners, and community members on topics such as crop cultivation, pest control, and resource management.

(iii) Facilitator: Extension agents facilitate workshops, training programs, and meetings to foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration among farmers and community members.

(iv) Researcher: They conduct research to identify innovative techniques, technologies, and practices to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

(v) Consultant: Extension agents provide consulting services to farmers and community members regarding agricultural business planning, marketing strategies, and financial management.

(vi) Problem Solver: They assist farmers in troubleshooting issues related to crop diseases, pest outbreaks, soil fertility, and other agricultural challenges.

(vii) Advocate: Extension agents represent the interests and concerns of farmers and rural communities to policymakers, advocating for favorable policies and resources.

(viii) Network Builder: They help build and strengthen networks and partnerships among farmers, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to foster collaborative efforts in rural development.

(ix) Innovator: Extension agents encourage the adoption of innovative technologies, practices, and approaches, promoting sustainable agriculture and natural resource conservation.

(x) Community Developer: They actively engage with local communities, organizing events, supporting grassroots initiatives, and empowering individuals to address local challenges and improve livelihoods.
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(4a)
(PICK FOUR ONLY)

(i) Enhanced Nutritional Value: Parboiling helps retain more vitamins and minerals, including thiamine, niacin, and minerals like calcium and iron, in the rice grain.

(ii) Improved Texture: Parboiled rice tends to have a firmer texture and is less likely to become mushy when cooked, making it ideal for dishes that require separate and fluffy rice grains.

(iii) Reduced Starch Content: Parboiling helps remove surface starch from rice grains, resulting in rice that is less sticky and clumpy when cooked.

(iv) Increased Shelf Life: Parboiled rice has a longer shelf life compared to raw rice because the parboiling process enhances its resistance to pests, fungal growth, and rancidity.

(v) Better Cooking Efficiency: Parboiled rice cooks faster than raw rice, as the initial parboiling process partially cooks the grains. This makes it more convenient for large-scale food production and reduces energy consumption during cooking.

(vi) Reduced Breakage: Parboiling strengthens the rice grains, reducing the risk of breakage during the milling and processing stages.

(vii) Removal of Impurities: Parboiling involves soaking the rice in water and then draining the water, which helps remove impurities, dirt, and debris from the rice.

(viii) Enhanced Aroma: Parboiled rice has a unique, nutty aroma and flavor profile, which adds depth to various dishes.

(4b)
(PICK SIX ONLY)

(i) Food consumption: Cassava is primarily consumed as a staple food in many parts of the world.

(ii) Livestock feed: Cassava leaves and stems can be used as nutritious feed for livestock, including pigs, poultry, cattle, and fish.

(iii) Starch production: Cassava is a significant source of starch, which is used in various industries, such as food processing, textile, paper, and pharmaceuticals.

(iv) Alcohol production: Cassava can be used as a raw material to produce bioethanol, an alternative fuel source that can be used for transportation and industrial applications.

(v) Flour production: Cassava flour is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and can be used in baking, food processing, and as a thickening agent.

(vi) Snack production: Cassava chips and fries are popular snacks in many countries and can be produced on a commercial scale.

(vii) Indigenous food products: Cassava is used to produce various traditional food products like garri, fufu, tapioca, and many others, which have diverse culinary uses.

(viii) Cassava starch in food processing: Cassava starch is utilized by the food industry as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and to improve the texture of products like sauces, soups, and baked goods.

(ix) Textile production: The fiber extracted from cassava stems can be used to produce textiles and yarns for weaving and sewing.

(x) Pharmaceutical applications: Cassava has medicinal properties and is used in the production of drugs for treating certain diseases.

(4c)
(PICK FOUR ONLY)

(i) Crop damage: Callosobruchus maculatus is a major pest of stored cowpea grains. It infests the seeds and causes significant damage to the crop, leading to economic losses for farmers and food producers.

(ii) Reduced marketability: Infestation by Callosobruchus maculatus renders the cowpea grains unsuitable for human consumption or sale. The presence of weevils and their damage reduce the market value of the crop, making it less desirable for buyers.

(iii) Post-harvest losses: The presence of Callosobruchus maculatus in stored cowpea grains can result in considerable post-harvest losses. The weevils consume and damage the seeds, leading to reduced yields and economic losses for farmers.

(iv) Need for pest control measures: Controlling Callosobruchus maculatus infestation requires the implementation of pest control measures. This creates economic opportunities for pesticide manufacturers, pest control service providers, and other related industries.

(v) Seed treatment and storage techniques: The presence of Callosobruchus maculatus has prompted the development and improvement of seed treatment and storage techniques.

(vi) Research and development: The economic importance of Callosobruchus maculatus has spurred research and development efforts to understand its biology, behavior, and effective control measures.

(vii) Export market regulations: The presence of Callosobruchus maculatus in cowpea grains can impact international trade regulations. Exporting countries must ensure their products meet the required standards and regulations of the importing countries.

(viii) Increased demand for resistant cowpea varieties: The economic impact of Callosobruchus maculatus infestation has stimulated the demand for cowpea varieties resistant to the weevil.

(4d)
(PICK FOUR ONLY)
(i) Crop rotation
(ii) Companion planting
(iii) Inter-cropping
(iv) Mulching
(v) Proper irrigation and drainage
(vi) Timing of planting and harvesting
(vii) Use of trap crops
(viii) Mechanical and physical barriers.
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(5a)
A rangeland is a type of land ecosystem characterized by predominantly grasses, shrubs, and other non-woody vegetation.

(5b)
(PICK FIVE ONLY)
(i) Abundant vegetation
(ii) Diverse plant species
(iii) Adequate water availability
(iv) Well-distributed forage
(v) Low weed invasion
(vi) Balanced wildlife habitat
(vii) Sustainable grazing capacity
(viii) Effective soil management

(5c)
(PICK SEVEN ONLY)

(i) Site selection: This involves choosing an appropriate location for the fish pond, considering factors like access to water, availability of suitable soil, and proximity to a source of electricity.

(ii) Clearing and excavation: The selected site needs to be cleared of any vegetation or obstacles. Excavation is then carried out to create the desired size and shape of the pond.

(iii) Pond design: The pond’s design includes determining the depth, shape, and layout, as well as incorporating features like inflow and outflow systems, water circulation, and drainage.

(iv) Lining: Depending on the soil quality and water retention capabilities, the pond may need to be lined to prevent water leakage. Liners can be made from materials like clay, concrete, geomembranes, or synthetic liners.

(v) Installation of inlet and outlet pipes: Inflow and outflow pipes are essential for maintaining water levels, controlling water quality, and facilitating water exchange. These pipes are installed to regulate the flow of water into and out of the pond.

(vi) Water supply: To ensure a steady water supply, methods such as rainwater harvesting, well installation, or redirection of nearby water sources may be employed to fill the pond.

(vii) Pond filling: After the pond is fully prepared, it is filled with water. This may involve the use of pumps or gravity-fed water sources.

(viii) Fish stocking: Once the pond is filled, suitable fish species are introduced into the pond. The selection of fish species depends on various factors such as climate, water quality, and intended purpose of the pond.

(ix) Water quality management: Regular monitoring and maintenance of water quality parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, and nutrients are crucial for ensuring the well-being and growth of the fish. This may involve installing aeration systems, water testing, and implementing appropriate treatments.

(x) Maintenance and monitoring: Ongoing maintenance involves pond cleaning, removing excess vegetation, inspecting and repairing any damages, regular feeding, disease management, and closely monitoring the overall health and performance of the fish pond.

(5d)
(PICK FOUR ONLY)

(i) Population growth and size: An increase in population can result in higher demand for food, leading to increased demand for agricultural produce.

(ii) Income levels: Higher income levels generally lead to increased demand for higher-quality and more diverse agricultural products.

(iii) Consumer preferences and tastes: Changes in consumer preferences and tastes can impact the demand for specific agricultural products. For example, there may be increased demand for organic or locally grown products.

(iv) Price of substitutes: If the price of substitute products, such as synthetic alternatives or imported goods, decreases, it can reduce the demand for particular agricultural produce.

(v) Government policies and regulations: Government policies, such as import/export restrictions, subsidies, and tariffs, can affect the demand for agricultural produce by influencing domestic and international markets.

(vi) Seasonality and climatic conditions: Seasonal variations and weather conditions can impact agricultural production and, consequently, the availability and demand for certain agricultural products.

(vii) Health and nutritional awareness: Increasing awareness of health and nutrition can lead to changes in dietary choices and demand for specific agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

(viii) Technological advancements: Technological advancements in agriculture, such as improvements in irrigation techniques, genetic engineering, and precision farming, can affect productivity and availability of agricultural produce, thus influencing demand.
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(6a)
(PICK FIVE ONLY)

(i) Biodiversity preservation: Clean clearing can result in the loss of diverse plant and animal species that contribute to a balanced ecosystem.

(ii) Soil erosion: Clearing vegetation can increase the risk of soil erosion, as the roots of plants help bind the soil together.

(iii) Nutrient depletion: Vegetation plays a vital role in maintaining nutrient-rich soil. Clearing can lead to the depletion of essential nutrients necessary for crop growth.

(iv) Climate change impact: Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping mitigate climate change. Clearing can result in higher carbon dioxide levels and contribute to global warming.

(v) Water cycle disruption: Vegetation helps regulate the water cycle and prevent floods. Removing vegetation can disrupt this balance and increase the risk of flooding.

(vi) Loss of pollinators: Clearing can eliminate habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, impacting crop pollination and reducing yield.

(vii) Pest control: Vegetation provides a natural habitat for beneficial insects and predators that control pests. Clearing can disrupt this ecological balance and lead to increased pest issues.

(viii) Wildlife habitat loss: Removing vegetation can destroy natural habitats for various wildlife species, leading to their displacement or extinction.

(ix) Air pollution: Vegetation acts as a natural filter, absorbing pollutants and improving air quality. Clearing can result in higher levels of air pollution in agricultural areas.

(x) Long-term sustainability: Incorporating agroforestry practices, such as avoiding clean clearing, promotes sustainable farming practices that benefit both the farmer and the environment in the long run.

(6b)
(PICK FIVE ONLY)

(i) Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, around plants to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.

(ii) Watering techniques: Use watering techniques like drip irrigation or soaker hoses, where water is delivered directly to the base of plants, minimizing evaporation and keeping the soil moist for longer.

(iii) Timing of irrigation: Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce moisture loss due to evaporation.

(iv) Companion planting: Grow plants with varying water needs together, as some plants can shade the soil and reduce water evaporation.

(v) Proper spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to prevent overcrowding and competition for water.

(vi) Organic matter: Incorporate compost or organic matter into the soil to improve its water-holding capacity and prevent excessive runoff.

(vii) Use of drought-tolerant plants: Select and plant species that are naturally adapted to your climate and require less water to thrive.

(viii) Weed control: Regularly remove weeds, as they compete with your plants for water and nutrients.

(ix) Contouring and terracing: Modify the landscape by creating contour lines or terraces to prevent water runoff and encourage water infiltration into the soil.

(x) Improving soil structure: Use soil amendments like sand, clay, or organic matter to improve the soil’s ability to retain moisture.

(6c)
(i) Compound fertilizers: Compound fertilizers are blends of different nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with other trace elements. These fertilizers are manufactured by combining multiple ingredients to provide a balanced nutrient supply to plants.

(ii) Straight fertilizers: Straight fertilizers contain only a single nutrient, typically nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. They are commonly used when a specific nutrient deficiency is identified in the soil or when a particular nutrient requirement of a crop needs to be met.

(iii) Leaching: Leaching refers to the process in which water carries soluble substances, such as nutrients or minerals, through the soil layers and out of the plant root zone. This movement of nutrients can result in their loss from the soil, potentially leading to nutrient deficiencies in plants and environmental pollution.

(iv) Crop rotation: Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops sequentially on the same piece of land over a period of time. It involves the systematic rotation of crops to help maintain soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and optimize yields. By diversifying the types of crops grown, crop rotation can reduce the risk of pest and disease buildup while improving soil health and nutrient availability.
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(7a)
(PICK FIVE ONLY)

(i) Rapid growth: Weeds have fast growth rates, allowing them to quickly outcompete desired plants for resources.

(ii) Seed production: Weeds produce large quantities of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for several years, leading to continuous reinfestation.

(iii) Seed dispersal: Weeds have various mechanisms, such as the wind, animals, or water, to disperse their seeds over wide areas, making them difficult to control.

(iv) Adaptability: Weeds possess traits that allow them to thrive in diverse environments and tolerate adverse conditions, including poor soil fertility, drought, or high salinity.

(v) Root systems: Many weeds have robust root systems that enable them to compete for water, nutrients, and space with desirable plants, making them challenging to remove.

(vi) Rhizomes and stolons: Some weeds spread through underground structures like rhizomes and above-ground runners called stolons, allowing them to persist and spread rapidly.

(vii) Herbicide resistance: Over time, weeds can develop resistance to commonly used herbicides, reducing the effectiveness of chemical control methods.

(viii) Allelopathy: Certain weed species release chemicals that inhibit the growth of neighboring plants, giving them a competitive advantage in the ecosystem.

(ix) Regrowth ability: Weeds often possess the ability to regrow from fragments or remnants left behind during control efforts, making eradication more challenging.

(x) Lack of natural predators: Invasive weed species may have escaped their natural predators or diseases, allowing them to proliferate unchecked in new environments.

(7b)
(PICK SIX ONLY)

(i) Wind dispersal: Some weed species produce lightweight seeds or fruits with structures like wings or tufts of hair, which enable them to be easily carried by the wind to new areas.

(ii) Water dispersal: Weed seeds or plant parts can be dispersed by water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and streams. They may float on the water’s surface or get carried along with the water flow.

(iii) Animal dispersal: Certain weed species have structures or adaptations that facilitate attachment to the fur, feathers, or bodies of animals. As animals move from one place to another, they inadvertently carry these weed seeds and disperse them.

(iv) Gravity dispersal: Some weed species produce seeds or fruits that are heavy and fall directly beneath the parent plant, relying on gravity to disperse them closer to the ground.

(v) Human-mediated dispersal: Human activities such as agriculture, landscaping, construction, and transportation contribute significantly to weed dispersal. Weed seeds can attach to clothing, machinery, or vehicles and be carried to new areas.

(vi) Explosive dispersal: Certain weed species possess pods or fruits that, when mature, burst open and forcefully eject their seeds, dispersing them over a relatively short distance.

(7c)
(PICK FIVE ONLY)

(i) Increase yield: One of the primary objectives of crop improvement is to develop varieties that have higher yields, resulting in increased productivity and food production.

(ii) Improve nutritional value: Crop improvement aims to develop varieties that have improved nutritional content, such as higher levels of vitamins, minerals, proteins, or essential nutrients.

(iii) Enhance disease resistance: Developing crops with improved resistance to diseases and pests is crucial to minimize yield losses and reduce the use of chemical pesticides.

(iv) Enhance abiotic stress tolerance: Crops are susceptible to various environmental stress factors like drought, salinity, heat, and cold. Crop improvement aims to develop varieties that can withstand these stresses, ensuring stable and improved production under adverse conditions.

(v) Improve quality traits: Crop improvement focuses on developing varieties with desirable quality traits, including improved taste, aroma, texture, color, and shelf life. This helps meet consumer preferences and market demands.

(vi) Increase water use efficiency: Water scarcity is a major concern in agriculture. Crop improvement aims to develop varieties that can utilize water efficiently, reducing water requirements and minimizing water wastage.

(vii) Shorten maturity duration: Reducing the time taken for crop maturity allows for multiple cropping cycles and faster responses to changing climatic conditions, leading to more efficient resource utilization and increased productivity.

(viii) Enhance soil fertility: Crop improvement aims to develop varieties with traits that improve soil fertility, such as nitrogen fixation abilities or increased nutrient uptake efficiency. This helps maintain soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

(ix) Develop biofortified crops: Crop improvement aims to develop varieties that are fortified with essential nutrients or bioactive compounds, addressing specific nutritional deficiencies in certain regions or populations.

(x) Ensure sustainability: Crop improvement aims to develop varieties that are environmentally sustainable and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This includes reducing pesticide use, conserving biodiversity, and minimizing the impact on natural resources.

(7d)
(PICK FIVE ONLY)

(i) Biodiversity conservation: Forests are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, helping to maintain and protect biodiversity.

(ii) Carbon sequestration: Forests play a crucial role in capturing and storing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. They act as carbon sinks, reducing the impact of global warming.

(iii) Climate regulation: Forests influence local and regional weather patterns, acting as natural air conditioners and regulating temperature and humidity.

(iv) Water cycle regulation: Forests help in regulating the water cycle by intercepting rainfall, reducing soil erosion, and maintaining streamflow, therefore preventing floods and ensuring a reliable water supply.

(v) Oxygen production: Through the process of photosynthesis, forests produce oxygen, which is vital for human and animal survival.

(vi) Soil fertility: Forests contribute to nutrient cycling and help maintain soil fertility by recirculating organic matter and preventing soil erosion.

(vii) Watershed management: Forests help in maintaining the health of watersheds by filtering and purifying water, ensuring its quality for human consumption and supporting aquatic ecosystems.

(viii) Economic value: Forests provide a wide range of economic benefits, including timber and non-timber forest products, tourism, recreational activities, and employment opportunities.

(ix) Health and well-being: Access to forests promotes physical and mental well-being, providing opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and stress reduction.