JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2019

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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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A crop not requiring more than 750mm of annual rainfall is most suitable for cultivation in the "Sahel savanna". The Sahel savanna is a region located in West and Central Africa, characterized by hot temperatures and low to moderate levels of rainfall, typically ranging from 500mm to 750mm per year. This makes it well-suited for crops that do not require high levels of moisture and can tolerate arid conditions. Rainforests, on the other hand, receive much higher levels of rainfall, typically over 2000mm per year, making them less suitable for crops that require less moisture. The Sudan and Guinea savannas, which are located further south, receive slightly higher levels of rainfall compared to the Sahel savanna, but not enough to support crops that require a lot of moisture.

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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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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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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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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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Land race is not a breed of rabbits. Landrace is actually a breed of domestic pigs that originated in Denmark, and is known for its good maternal instincts and high fertility. New Zealand White, Chinchilla, and Californian White, on the other hand, are all breeds of rabbits. New Zealand White is a breed that is commonly used for meat production, while Chinchilla is a breed that is valued for its soft and dense fur. Californian White is a breed that was developed in the United States, and is also commonly used for meat production. Therefore, Land race is the option that is not a breed of rabbits, but rather a breed of domestic pigs.

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The advantages of the sprinkler method of irrigation include the fact that the system can be made automatic, they are portable making them suitable for use, and the rate of application of irrigation water can be controlled. However, one disadvantage of the sprinkler method is that it may be difficult for local farmers to use. The sprinkler method of irrigation involves spraying water onto the crops from above, using a system of pipes and nozzles. This method is beneficial because it allows for water to be distributed evenly over the crops, which helps to ensure that each plant receives an adequate amount of water. The system can also be made automatic, which means that it can be set to turn on and off at specific times, making it a convenient option for farmers. Additionally, the portability of the sprinkler system makes it suitable for use in a variety of settings, including fields, gardens, and lawns. Farmers can easily move the sprinkler system from one area to another, allowing them to irrigate different parts of their land as needed. The rate of application of irrigation water can also be controlled with the sprinkler method. This means that farmers can adjust the amount of water that is applied to their crops, depending on factors such as weather conditions and the stage of growth of the plants. However, one disadvantage of the sprinkler method is that it may be difficult for local farmers to use, especially if they lack the technical knowledge and skills required to install and maintain the system. Additionally, the cost of setting up a sprinkler system may be prohibitive for some farmers, which can limit its accessibility.

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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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The maturity period of groundnut is typically between 4 to 5 months. This means that from the time the groundnut is planted until it is fully grown and ready for harvest, it takes between 4 to 5 months. During this period, the groundnut undergoes several stages of growth, including germination, flowering, and pod development, until it reaches maturity. The length of the maturity period can vary depending on the specific variety of groundnut and the growing conditions, such as climate, soil, and water availability. However, on average, it takes about 4 to 5 months for groundnuts to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.

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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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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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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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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 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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Minerals essential for animal life include common salt (sodium chloride), calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, iodine, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium. The last six of these can be toxic to animals if excessive amounts are eaten. Palm oil not a source of minerals in animal nutrition.

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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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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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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 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 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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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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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 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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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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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 part of the ruminant stomach from which digestive juices are secreted is the abomasum. Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, have a four-compartment stomach that allows them to break down tough plant material through a process of fermentation. The four compartments of the ruminant stomach are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen and reticulum are the first two compartments and work together to break down food through fermentation and mixing with digestive juices. The omasum is the third compartment and is responsible for absorbing water and some nutrients. The abomasum is the fourth and final compartment and is equivalent to the true stomach in non-ruminant animals. It is where the majority of digestive juices are secreted and where the final stages of protein digestion occur. The abomasum also secretes enzymes that help to break down fats and carbohydrates. In summary, while the rumen and reticulum of the ruminant stomach are responsible for fermentation and mixing of food, it is the abomasum where the majority of digestive juices are secreted and where the final stages of protein digestion occur.

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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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A soil may be called as alkaline when the pH of the soil is more than "7.0". The pH of a soil is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity, with a pH of 7.0 being neutral. Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 are considered alkaline, while soils with a pH less than 7.0 are considered acidic. Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 have a higher concentration of basic (alkaline) ions, such as calcium and magnesium, and a lower concentration of acidic ions, such as hydrogen. These soils can be challenging for some plants to grow in, as they can limit the availability of certain essential nutrients, such as iron and manganese. However, some plants, such as alfalfa and sweet clover, are well-adapted to growing in alkaline soils. Soils with a pH less than 7.0, on the other hand, have a higher concentration of acidic ions and a lower concentration of basic ions. These soils can be ideal for growing certain crops, such as blueberries and cranberries, but can also present challenges for other plants, such as lilacs and hydrangeas.

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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 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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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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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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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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The head of a tapeworm is known as the "scolex". The scolex is the attachment organ of the tapeworm that enables it to attach to the host's intestinal wall. It is a small, flattened structure that contains suckers and hooks, which the tapeworm uses to hold onto the intestine. The rostellum is a structure found on some tapeworms that helps them attach to the host's intestinal wall, but it is not the same as the scolex. Therefore, the correct answer is "scolex" when referring to the head of a tapeworm.

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The main difference between a disc plough and a disc harrow is their purpose and how they interact with the soil. A disc plough is used to turn over and break up the soil to create furrows for planting crops, while a disc harrow is used to break up clumps of soil, level the ground, and prepare it for planting by chopping up weeds, roots, and plant residue. The disc part of a plough is notched, which helps it to cut through the soil, while the disc part of a harrow is round, which allows it to smooth out the soil surface.

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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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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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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.