Lesson Note on Agricultural

Science SS1 Second Term

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Agricultural Science E Learning Note

for SS 1 Second Term –
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SCHEME OF WORK AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE SS 1

1. Revision of Last Term Work

2 – 3. Cultural Practices: Pre-planting, Planting and Post-Planting

Operations

4-5. Husbandry and Cultivation of Some Selected Crops

6. Agricultural Ecology

7. Rock Formation and Types

8. Rock Weathering and Process of Rock Weathering

9. Factors of Soil Formation

10. Revision.

11-12. Examination

REFERENCES

Essential Agricultural Science by O. A. Iwena

Fundamental Agricultural Science by P. E. Okafor

Prescribed Agricultural Science by Omoruyi and Oruhue

SSCE Agricultural Science Pack

WEEK ONE DATE: __________

TOPIC: REVISION OF LAST TERM’S WORK

CONTENT

Answers to last term’s objective questions

Answers to last term’s theory questions

WEEK TWO AND THREE DATE: __________

TOPIC: CULTURAL PRACTICES

CONTENT

Pre-planting Operations

Planting Operations

Post-planting Operations

Cultural Practices: Cultural practices are the various activities carried

out on the farm before, during and after planting to ensure proper
growth and establishment of crops.Cultural practices are classified into:
pre-planting, planting, post-planting operations.

Pre-planting operations are the operations carried out before planting,

while planting is the sowing of seeds and post-posting operations
include thinning, supplying, irrigation, manuring, mulching and weeding.

PRE-PLANTING OPERATIONS
A. Land clearing: this is the removal of pre-existing vegetation on
the farm land. It is carried out by cutting the vegetation and grasses with
cutlass or hoes; and trees fell with axes. It can also be done mechanically
with the aid of bulldozers and tree pullers.

B. Stumping: This is the removal of stumps by digging them out

manually using cutlasses and axes. It can also be done mechanically by
using bulldozer. Stumps are the left over cut trees on the farm left on
the soil surface.
C. Farm layout: Farm layout is a judicious way of using the farmland
where the plots are

divided into sections and each section is used to give maximum yield.

D. Land preparation: this is ensuring the soil is put in the best

condition and state suited to the crop needs. The process of preparing
the soil involves carring out tillage, making beds, making heaps, making
ridges, leveling soil after stumping etc.

Tillage is the breaking or turning of the soil with a simple tool or farm
machine after the land has been cleared in preparation for planting
crops. It can bedone manually with a hoe or mechanically with a tractor
– driven plough.

Ploughing is cutting through the soil and making it into lumps or clods of
soil. It is called primary tillage. While secondary tillage (harrowing) is the
use of harrow to break down the large clods of soil into fine particles
and making it ready for ridging. Other implements used in carrying out
tillage are spring tine cultivator, mould board plough etc.

Importance of tillage
1. It loosens the soil and allows air and water to reach the roots of
plants.

2. It allows easy penetration of roots into the soil

3. Plant nutrients are brought to the reach of the plant root

4. Tillage helps to destroy pest by exposing them to the sun

5. It ensures proper mixture of manure and fertilizer with the soil

Ridginginvolves the making of ridges on the farm, sometimes heaps are

also made to serve the purpose of ridges on slopes ridges are made
across, with the ridges made at intervals to check erosion, ridges also
help to provide water for plant use and aids root penetration and
establishment of crops.

EVALUATION
 1. What is land clearing?

2. Define stumping.

3. Define tillage and state three importance of tillage.

4. What is ridging?

5. Differentiate between primary and secondary tillage.

PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION

1. Clear the school farm using cutlass and till the land

2. Do the layout.

3. Make ten ridges in preparation for maize cultivation.

4. State three importance of tillage

5. Differentiate between primary and secondary tillage.

PLANTING OPERATIONS – DISTANCE,

DATE, SEED RATE, NURSERY AND
NURSERY PRACTICE – ELEARNING
NOTE
CONTENT

Read Also

Civic Education Lesson JSS 3 Second Term

THIRD TERM SCHEME OF WORK FOR CIVIC EDUCATION

SS 2

Definition of planting operation

Planting method

Basic considerations in planting operation

Nursery and Nursery operation

PLANTING OPERATION: These are the operations carried out when
inserting the planting materials (cutting or seeds) into the soil. When
seeds are sown in the soil, they develop root and shoots, this is called
germinationand the young plants that emerge are called seedlings.

A seed when planted undergoes the following processes.

1. Germination: the process whereby the embryo of a seed resumes

growth under favourable conditions.

2. Emergence: this refers to the appearance of a seedling above soil

level.

Conditions necessary for germination

of seeds are
1. Adequate moisture

2. Viable seed (living embryo)

3. Optimum temperature

4. Adequate air

Methods of sowing
1. In-situ (directly into the field/farm land)

2. Nursery

In-situ planting/sowing is sowing directly in the field on flats (plain land)

ridges or garden beds e.g. of crops sown in-situ are maize, okra, cowpea,
millet etc.

Sowing/Planting methods
1. Drilling: sowing a seed by drilling with stick or knife, followed by
dropping seeds and covering them.

2. Broadcasting: sowing of seeds by spreading it broadly on prepared

seed bed

3. Dibbling: sowing of seeds up the bed at the planting point only and
placing the seeds at the correct depth.

BASIC CONSIDERATIONS IN PLANTING

OPERATIONS
 1. Planting space/distance

2. Planting time

3. Planting depth

4. Number of seed

5. Viability of seed

Planting space: This is the space between a sown or planted seed and
the next. It is the distance between two plants stand on the field.
Planting is usually in rows and the distance between plants on the same
row is called within row spacing (intra row spacing)while the distance
between plants in two adjacent rows is called between row spacing
(inter row spacing).

Planting time:This is the time of planting or sowing seeds in which the

crop can thrive or perform well. This is largely dependent on rainfall.

Planting depth: This is the distance of the sown seed in the soil from
the soil surface

Number of seeds: This is the amount of seeds sown per hole per
planting point (position)

Seed viability: This is the life in the seed or deadness of the seed.

NURSERY AND NURSERY OPERATIONS

Nursery is a special place prepared for raising seedlings which are later
taken to the field for proper planting (transplanting).

Seedlings are grown in nursery beds, seed trays or boxes, basket or

polythene bags may be used as boxes. E.g. of such crops are cocoa, kola,
tomatoes, citrus etc.

Why seeds are raised in nurseries:

 1. The seeds are tiny hence cannot be handled easily and sown as
required

2. The seedlings are weak and may not survive in field. They require
protection from sunlight and rainfall.

3. They are better protected from pest in the nursery

4. So as to select the healthiest or seedling with best vigor for

transplanting.

EVALUATION

1. What is germination?

2. Define sowing in-situ

3. What is planting space?

4. Mention two reasons why seeds are raised in the nursery.

5. State three conditions for seed germination.

POST -PLANTING OPERATIONS

CONTENT

Definition of post planting operations

Post planting operations

Post planting operations are the operations carried out after planting. It
creates a good condition and proper maintenance for plants growth.

Post planting operations include the following:

1. Thinning

2. Supplying

3. Irrigation/ watering

4. Use of manure and fertilizer

5. Mulching

6. Weeding

7. Harvesting

8. Processing

9. Storage, etc
Thinning is the removal of excess, weak or not well positioned seedlings
from a seedbed after the viable seeds have germinated

Advantages of Thinning
1. It helps to avoid over crowding

2. Proper aeration is ensured leading to high yield

Supplyingis the replanting of propagative materials where they fail to

germinate. Supplying should be done as soon as possible.

Advantages of supplying
1. Correct plant population can be maintained

2. The farmer can achieve uniform maturity

Irrigation(watering)is the artificial watering of farmland especially

during dry season.

Advantages of irrigation
1. It makes the soil temperature moderate for plant growth

2. It enables a good nutrient supply to plant

Manuring/fertilizer application is the addition of organic manure such

as poultry droppings, cow dung and green manure or inorganic manure
(made from chemicals) to the soil to maintain soil fertility. Manure can
be in form of:

1. Animal and plant refuse (organic manure)

1. Chemical manure (inorganic manure).

Types of Organic Manure

 1. Green manure: This involves growing of a crop usually a legume
and just before flowering it is ploughed into the top soil to rot down

2. Farmyard manure: This consists of faeces or excreta, urine and

other waste products of domesticated animals. Animals dropping
are usually mixed with straw.

3. Compost: Plant and animal remains and ashes heaped together

and allowed to decay properly by ensuring that there is plenty of air
in its making.It is then spread on the farmland to incorporate
nutrients into the soil.

Inorganic Manure (Fertilizer)

These are chemical substances which are usually prepared in the farm,
they are made in form of liquid, powder, granules, pellets or crystals
Fertilizers should be added to the soil only when the soil shows that
some important minerals are lacking commercial fertilizers usually
contain macro nutrients or elements which are removed in large
amount by crops. Fertilizers therefore usually contain nitrogen (N),
phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

Examples of Nitrogen fertilizers are ammonium sulphate, ammonium

nitrate urea, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate etc.

Examples of phosphate fertilizers are single super phosphate fertilizers

are single super phosphate, triple super phosphate. Examples of potash
fertilizer are potassium nitrate, sulphate of potash.

Care should be taken when applying in-organic fertilizer because it can

burn the plant if it comes in contact with it.

Ways of applying fertilizer

1. Broadcasting

2. Localized placement in the row or in a circle around the plant (side

placement)

3. Spraying

4. Foliar fertilizer application

Advantage of manuring/fertilizer
application
 1. It supplies the plants with essential nutrients.

2. It maintains good soil structure

Mulching is the covering of the surface of the soil with a layer of clean
dry vegetative part of plant such as grasses or leaves.

Advantages of mulching
1. It conserves soil moisture.

2. It regulates the soil temperature.

3. It reduces weed and prevent erosion.

4. It adds humus to the soil.

Weeding is the removal of unwanted plants (weeds) from the farm. It

can be done with the aid of cutlass and hoes or by spraying herbicide. It
is done for the following reasons:

1. To avoid competition for nutrients, moisture, sunlight and space

between crops and weed.

2. To prevent the buildup of pest and pathogens.

Harvesting is the removal of ripe or matured useful part of a crop is

known as harvesting. Commonly harvested parts of a plant are tubers,
leaves, fruits, seeds, roots etc.Harvesting tools like cutlass, hoe, knife,
sickle etc are usually used for harvesting and in mechanized farms,
harvesters are used.

Effects of timely versus late harvesting

Delayed harvesting can lead to a total loss of products, although some
crops like maize can be left on the field to get dry before harvesting,
others like tomatoes and other perishables must be harvested
immediately they are due for harvest. Delayed harvesting can lead to
pest attack on crops or rottening of products.

Post-harvesting operations
After harvesting, processing of the produce is required in order to make
the produce more acceptable and to prevent spoilage. In some farm
products, processing starts from the farm site, e.g. melon, groundnut,
cassava etc.Melon is usually extracted from its pod and pulp on the
farm, also groundnut is detached on the farm, at times, peeling of
cassava starts from the farm. Extraction of cocoa beans from its pods,
fermentation and drying of beans in most cases take place on the farm.

Other forms of processing like milling, de-husking etc which cannot be

done on the farm are done in factories where machines have been
installed for that purpose.

Storage
After crops have been processed to usage forms, storage which is the
keeping of farm products for future use is done. Methods of storage are:
usage of barns, cribs, silos, refrigerators, baskets, sacks etc.

EVALUATION

1. What is thinning?

2. List two weeding tools.

3. State two reasons for weeding.

4. Why is supplying important?

5. What is manure?

6. State the two main types of manure.

7. List three types of organic manure.

8. State three ways of applying chemical fertilizers.

GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISION QUESTIONS

1. What are cultural practices?

2. Distinguishing between the categories of cultural practices.

FIELD WORK ON LAND PREPARATION

Demonstration of all practices taught on the farm site using simple farm
tools.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Primary tillage is otherwise known as ____A. harrowing B. ploughing

C. ridging
D. stumping

Secondary tillage is otherwise known as ____ A. harrowing

B.ploughing C.mulching D. stumping

The operation that follows harrowing is ____ A. ridging B.

stumping C. clearing

D. layout

Stumping is carried out with the following except____ A.gun B.

cutlass C. bulldozer

D. axe

Which of these operations comes first? A. Tillage B. Ridges C.

Stumping D. Harvesting

Which of these operations involve the removal of left over

parts of plants in the soil?

A. tillage B. Stumping C. Harrowing D. Ridging

Which farm operation involves the breaking or turning of the soil?

A. Stumping

B. Ridging C. Tillage D. Harrowing

Which of these farm operations involves the division of plots for

farm work? A.Ridging B. Harrowing C. Tillage D. Farm layout

____ allows easy penetration of roots into the soil A. Harrowing

B. Tillage C. Stumping D. Land clearing

One of the following is not a basic consideration in planting

operation A. plating space B. planting depth C. planting time D.
seed pod

The distance between two sown seeds/plants is ___A. Planting

space B. Time

C. Planting depth D. Planting seed

 1. Some seeds are raised in the nursery because A. The seedlings are
weak B. The seedling are green C. The seedlings lovethe nursery D.
So that they can get enough sunshine

1. This is the distance of the sown seed in the soil A. Planting

time B. Planting Depth

C. Spacing D. Number of seeds

1. The covering of soil surface with vegetative material is known as A.

Weeding

B. Thinning C. Mulching D. Supplying

1. This is the removal of unwanted plants on the farm A. Weeding B.

Thinning C. Mulching D. Supplying

1. This is the removal of excess and weak seedling from the seed
bed A. Weeding

B. Thinning C. Supplying D. Mulching

1. Correct planting population can be maintained by ____ A. Thinning

B. Supplying

C. Weeding D. Mulching

1. Which of these is not an organic manure? A. Compost B. Farmyard

manure C. Green manure D. Ammonium nitrate

1. The growing of crops (legumes) and ploughing of the same into

the soil as soon as it flowers is called? A.Compost B. Farmyard
manuringC.Green manuringD. Yellow manuring

1. Which of these manure is faeces or dropping of animals usually

used in making.

A.Compost B. Farm yard manure C. Green manure D. In organic manure

THEORY
 1. What are cultural practices?

2. Write short note on the following: A. Land clearing B. tillage

3. Write short note on the following: A. planting distanceB. planting

depth,C. seed viability.

WEEK FOUR AND FIVE

DATE………

TOPIC: HUSBANDRY AND

CULTIVATION OF SOME SELECTED
CROPS – ELEARNING NOTE
CONTENT

Cultivation of Cereals

Cultivation of Legumes

Cultivation of Roots and Tubers

CULTIVATION OF CEREALS
RICE
MAIZE (Zeamays)
(Oryzasativa)

Maize also called corn is a

Rice is a member
member of the grass family
of the grass family
(Gramineae). It produces grains,
Description (Gramineae). The
use as food by human beings and
seed/ fruit is
livestock. The seed/fruit is called
called caryopsis
caryopsis.

Swamp rice
Varieties / Sweet maize, flint maize, dent (Toma) and
cultivar maize, flour maize and popcorn upland rice
(Agbede).

Clearing the land

Clearing the land and making
Land and making ridges
ridges either manually or
preparation either manually or
mechanically.
mechanically.

Climatic Temperature – 260C-300C, Rainfall Temperature of

requirement – 75cm-150cm per annum 200c, Rainfall of
75cm-120cm for
upland rice and
over 250cm for
swamp rice.

Soil
Sandy-loamy soil of PH 6-7 Loamy-clayey soil.
requirement

Method of
By seeds By seeds
propagation

South – April/May,
Planting Early maize – March/April Late
North – August/
date maize – July/August
September.

Planting can be
It can be done manually using
done by
Planting cutlass or mechanically by planter
broadcasting,
at 2-3 seeds per hole.
sowing or drilling.

65kg per hectare

Seed rate 20-30kg per hectare of land at 2-3 seeds per
hole.

25-30cm apart
80cm between row and
Spacing depending on
30cmwithin row
varieties.

Supplying,
thinning, weeding
Supplying, thinning, weeding
Cultural fertilizer
fertilizer application, control of
practices application,
pests and diseases.
control of pests
and diseases.

4-7 months
Maturity 90-120 days after planting
depending on
period depending on varieties.
varieties.

Harvesting Harvesting can be done manually Red heads of rice

with hand or using a hand sickle are harvested with
and mechanically using a knife, sickle or
combined harvester.
 combined
harvester.

Sun drying,
It can be eaten either boiled or threshing,
Processing roasted or processed into corn winnowing, per
flour or corn flakes. boiling, hulling
and polishing.

It is consumed by man and farm It is consumed by

Uses animals and as a raw material in man and farm
brewery industries animals.

Dried cobs are stored in cribs,

Processed form in
Storage rhombus or in a fire place, grains
silos or jute bags.
stored in a silo.

EVALUATION

1. Mention the nutritional value of the following class of crops A.

cereals B. legumes

C. vegetables D. spices E. beverage crops

Discuss the cultivation of a named cereal under the following

subheadings A. soil and climatic requirement B. cultural practices C.
planting date, materials and planting

D. maturity period (e) harvesting

READING ASSIGNMENT

Answer question 7 on page 177 of Essential Agricultural Science by O. A.

Iwena

CULTIVATION OF LEGUMES
COWPEA GROUNDNUT
(Vignaunguiculata) (Arachishypogea)

Description Cowpea is a member of Groundnut is a dual

 the pulses or legumes. It purpose crop. It serves as
belongs to the family oil crop as well as a pulse
leguminoseae. It is rich or leguminous crop.
in protein. The fruit of However, it is grown mainly
cowpea is called Pod. for its oil. The seed gives
about 40-45% of excellent
edible oil.

Erect type, creeping Bunch or erect type,

Varieties /
type, Ife brown, Ife creeping type, Kano local,
cultivar
bimpe Kano 50, castle cary.

Clearing the land and

Clearing the land and
Land making ridges either
making ridges either
preparation manually or
manually or mechanically.
mechanically.

Temperature of 27o- Temperature of 25o-30oC,

Climatic
35oC, Rainfall of 60- Rainfall of 70-100cm per
requirement
125cm per annum. annum.

Coarse textured sandy

loamy soil which is slightly
Soil Well drained sandy
acidic and rich in calcium
requirement loamy soil
and phosphorus for pod
formation.

Method of
By seeds By seeds
propagation

April to September
Planting South – March / April
depending on the
date North – May / June
ecological zone.

Planting can be done

Planting can be done
manually or
Planting manually or mechanically
mechanically at 2-3
at 2-3 seeds per hole.
seeds per hole.

Seed rate 20 – 25kg per hectare. 30 – 35kg per hectare.

Spacing Erect type – 30 x 75cm, Erect type – 60 x 15cm

Creeping type – 25 x Creeping type – 60 x 20cm
90cm
 Supplying, thinning,
Supplying, thinning, weeding and control of
Cultural weeding fertilizer pests and diseases.
practices application, control of Groundnut does not need
pests and diseases. fertilizer application except
on a very poor soil.

9 – 12 weeks after
Maturity
planting depending on 3 – 4 months after planting.
period
varieties.

It is ready for harvest when

the leaves turn yellow and
begin to wilt. It is done by
Hand picking of matured
Harvesting uprooting the plant
brown pods.
manually or mechanically
and allowing to dry for easy
removal of pods.

Sun drying, removal of

seeds from the pods by
Sun drying, threshing
Processing slightly pounding in mortar
and winnowing.
or using a decorticating or
shelling machine.

A source of plant protein

for man It serves as a For making oil For making
cover crop It serves as cake to feed man and farm
Uses
forage legumes It is used animals For making
for making green groundnut butter.
manure.

Seeds are stored in jute

bags silos or air tight
container after proper Dried groundnut seeds are
drying. Seeds should be stored in silos or rhombus.
Storage
treated with insecticide Unshelled pods are stored
and the store fumigated in jute bags.
to prevent weevils
attack.
EVALUATION

1. Mention the pre-planting operations in cowpea cultivation

2. Mention three uses each of a) groundnut b) cowpea

3. Outline five importance of legumes

READING ASSIGNMENT

Answer question 9 on page 178 of Essential Agricultural Science by O. A.

Iwena

CULTIVATION OF ROOTS AND TUBERS

YAM (Dioscoreaspp) CASSAVA (Manihotspp)

Yam belongs to the family Cassava is a root and

Dioscoreacea. It is a root tuber crop, rich in
Description and tuber crop grown in carbohydrate. It is easily
West Africa and it is rich in cultivated and can grow
carbohydrates. in relatively poor soil.

Water yam (Dioscoreaalata)

Yellow yam
(Dioscoreacayenesis) White Sweet cassava
Varieties / yam (Dioscorearotundata) (Manihotutilissima)
cultivar Bitter yam Bitter cassava
(Dioscoreadomentorum (Manihotpalmata)
Aerial yam
(Dioscoreabulbifera)

Clearing the land and

Clearing the land and
Land making ridges either
making ridges either
preparation manually or
manually or mechanically.
mechanically.

Temperature of 25o – 30oC, Temperature of 21o –

Climatic
Rainfall of 100cm – 180cm 35oC, Rainfall of 150 –
requirement
per annum. 200cm per annum.

Soil A well-drained sandy-loamy Dried loamy soil. It can

requirement soil, rich in humus. also tolerate poor soil.
Method of By yam seeds or yam sets. By stem cuttings (25 –
propagation 30cm long).

Early yam – November / March to September

Planting
December Late yam – depending on ecological
date
March / April zone.

Open a hole on the ridge

using a hoe and place one 2/3 0f the stem cuttings
yam sett inside with the cut are buried in slanting
Planting
surface turned upward and position or at an angle
slantly placed at an angle of of 45o.
45o

Seed rate 3 – 5 tonnes per hectare

Spacing 90cm x 100cm 100cm x 100cm.

Mulching, weeding,
Cultural Weeding and fertilizer
application of fertilizers,
practices application.
staking, training of vine.

Maturity 8 – 12 months depending 10 – 15 months

period on variety. depending on varieties.

This is done by digging

the soil gently around
This is done by digging the
the tubers and pulling
soil gently with a cutlass to
Harvesting the stem gently so that
remove the tuber from the
the tubers are pulled
soil.
along or use cassava
puller.

It can be processed into

It can be processed into
Processing cassava flour, garri or
yam flour.
foofoo.

It is consumed by man and It is consumed by man

Uses
farm animals. and farm animals.

Yam tubers are store in Cassava is stored in

Storage
barns. processed form in sacs.
EVALUATION

1. List three cultivars of yam and their botanical names.

1. Name the soil and climatic requirement, planting material,

maturity period and planting date in cassava cultivation

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. Discuss the cultivation of yam under the following subheadings A.

method of propagation B. planting date and planting C. harvesting
D. soil and climatic requirement

2. Discuss the production of a named legume under A. varieties B. soil

and climatic requirement C. method of propagation D. planting (e)
harvesting

3. State four uses of groundnut.

4. Discuss the cultural practices in yam cultivation.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Answer question 2 on page 177 of Essential Agricultural Science by O. A.

Iwena

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Legumes that produce edible seeds are called A. pulses B. spices C.

grains D. cereals

2. The following are cultural practices of yam cultivation except A.

thinning B. staking

C. mulching D. weeding

The following are importance of mulching in yam cultivation except

A. reduce soil temperature B. conserve soil moisture C. prevent
pests attack D. prevent yam rot

Cowpea processing involves the following except A. threshing B.

sun drying C. per boiling D. winnowing

Rice processing include the following except A. threshing B.

winnowing C. fermentation D. per boiling

THEORY
 1. Discuss the following practices in yam cultivation A. staking B.
mulching C. training of vine

2. Outline four importance of legumes.

WEEK SIX
DATE……………

TOPIC: AGRICULTURAL ECOLOGY – E

LEARNING NOTE
CONTENT

Meaning of Agricultural Ecology

Components of Farm Ecosystem

Interactions Among the Components of Agro-ecosysytem

MEANING OF AGRICULTURAL ECOLOGY

Agricultural Ecology is defined as the study of crop plants and farm
animals in relation to their environment. Ecology is derived from a Greek
word “Oikos” which means home or dwelling place. In order words,
agricultural ecology can be defined as a field of study which deals with
the relationship of living organisms with one another and with the
environment in which they live.

Agricultural Ecology is divided into:

A. Autecology

B.Synecology.

Autecology is concerned with the study of an individual organism, or a

single species of organism and its environment. For example the study
of a single cattle and its environment.

Synecology is concerned with the study ofthe inter-

relationshipsbetween groups of organisms or species of organisms living
together in an area. For example the study of different fishes in a fish
pond in relation to their aquatic environment.
Ecosystem refers to a community of crop plants and farm animals
functioningtogether with their non-living environment. In other words,
ecosystem consists of living factors(plants and animals) interacting with
the non-living factors in a farm environment.

EVALUATION

1. What is Agricultural Ecology?

2. Write short notes on the two aspects of ecology.

3. Define ecosystem.

COMPONENTS OF FARM ECOSYSTEM

The farm ecosystem is made up of two main components. These are:

Biotic (living) components

Abiotic (non-living) components

BIOTIC COMPONENTS: The biotic components include the living things

i.e. crop plants and farm animals. The biotic components can be
grouped into two classes which are; Autotrophism and Heterotrophism.

(i) Autotrophism: This is a group of organisms which makes use of

sunlight or chemicals to manufacture their foodfrom inorganic
substance during the process of photosynthesis. In other words,
autotrophs are organisms mainly crop plants which are capable of
synthesizing their own food, hence they are called producers.

(ii) Heterotrophism: This is a group of organisms mainly farm animals

which cannot manufacture their own food but depend directly or
indirectly on plants for their food, hence they are called consumers.
Farm animals that feed directly on green plants (producers) are called
herbivores or primary consumers e.g. cattle, sheep, goat and rabbit.

ABIOTIC COMPONENTS:The abiotic componentsof an ecosysteminclude

the non-living things which are:

Climatic factors like rainfall, temperature, wind, humidity and

sunlight.
(ii) Inorganic materials and nutrients such as carbondioxide, oxygen,
nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus.

(iii) Edaphic factors like soils, rocks, topography.

(iv) Other factors like dust, storm, fire and water.

EVALUATION

1. Differentiate between autotrophs and heterotrophs.

2. State five examples of climatic factors.

3. Write short note on primary consumers with relevant examples.

INTERACTION AMONG THE COMPONENTS

OF AGRO-ECOSYSTEM IN SOME FARM
SETTINGS
 In Mono-cropping/Sole Cropping: Mono-cropping is a system of
cropping where one type of crop is grown on a farmland at a
particular time. For example oil palm farm, kolanut farm, maize
farm, etc. The interaction between the biotic and abiotic factors in
the environment include:

Crop plants absorb nutrients from the soil to grow.

Crop plants also absorb water to grow and produce fruits.

Crop plants also take in carbondioxide from the air to carry out
photosynthesis.

In Mixed Cropping System:Mixed cropping is a system of cropping

which involves the growing of two or more crops on the same piece
of land at the same time. Crops like maize, cassava, cowpea etc can
be cultivated at the same time on the same farmland. Their
interactions include:

Crops like cowpea is capable of adding nutrients to the soil.

Crops like cassava obtain nutrients from the soil to grow and
produce fruits.

The leaves of all crops which fall on the ground,decayed and add
nutrients to the soil through decomposition by soil
microorganisms.

In Mixed Farming: Mixed farming involves the cultivation of crops

and rearing of animals simultaneously on the same piece of
farmland. The farm may be divided into two parts: one part for
growing crops and the other for growing grasses and keeping of
livestock. Their interaction include:

The grasses or the remains of crops serve as food for the animals.

The animal dungs and droppings are used as organic manure to

improve the soil fertility for the crops.

Some crops like cowpea and crop residue may decay to release
nutrients to the soil.

GENERAL EVALUATION
 1. What is Agricultural Ecology?

2. Write short notes on the two aspects of ecology.

3. Define ecosystem.

4. State five examples of climatic factors

5. Explain briefly the interaction among the components of ecosystem

in: A. mixed farming B. mixed cropping C. fish pond.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Essential Agricultural Science by O.A. Iwena, pages 37-40

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. All these farm animals are polygastric animals except A. cattle B.

goat C. rabbit

D. sheep

The branch of ecology which deals with the study of a single

speciesof organism and its interaction with the environment is
known as… A. autecology B. synecology

C. entomology D. pathology

Climatic factors include the following except… A. wind B. sunlight

C. rocks D. rainfall

….. involves the cultivation of crops and rearing of animals

simultaneously on the same piece of farmland. A. Mixed cropping
B. Mixed farming C. Bushfallowing D. Pastoral farming

The animal dungs and droppings are used as ………to improve the
soil fertility for the crops. A. inorganic manure B. organic manure
C. moisture D. mulch

THEORY

1. Write short notes on the two aspects of ecology

2. Explain briefly the interaction among the components of ecosystem

in: A. a fish pond B.a forest/savannah

WEEK SEVEN DATE………………..

TOPIC: ROCK FORMATION AND TYPES
E LEARNING NOTE
CONTENT

Meaning of Rock

Types of rock

ROCK
A rock is any mineral material of the earth. It may be a combination of
different mineral elements such as silica (silica contain silicon and
oxygen).

TYPES OF ROCKS
Rocks can be classified into three major groups based on how they are
formed and their appearances. These include

1. Igneous rock

2. Sedimentary rock

3. Metamorphic rock

MODE OF FORMATION OF IGNEOUS ROCK

They are formed as a result of cooling and solidification of molten
magma erupted from the earth crust. Magma occurs from high
temperature and pressure underneath the earth and forces itself
towards the earth surface through the cracks. As the magma
approaches the earth surface, it cools as a result of lower temperature
of the earth surface and solidify to form igneous rocks.

TYPES OF IGNEOUS ROCK

 1. PLUTONIC [OR INTRUSIVE] IGNEOUS ROCK:These are rocks
formed when molten magma solidifies slowly before it gets to the
surface of the earth to form large crystals. Prolonged erosion
makes the rock to be exposed later to the surface. Examples
include granite, gabbro, and diorite.

2. VOLCANIC [EXTRUSIVE] IGNEOUS ROCK: These are formed when

the molten magma cools and solidifies rapidly when it gets to the
surface to form crystals. Examples include basalt, pumice.

CHARACTERISTICS OF IGNEOUS ROCKS

1. They have glassy appearance

2. They contain crystals i.e they are crystalline in nature.

3. They do not occur in layers.

4. They do not contain fossils.

5. They are hard and impervious

6. They are resistant to erosion

EVALUATION

1. Describe the mode of formation of igneous rock

2. Outline four characteristics of igneous rocks

MODE OF FORMATION OF SEDIMENTARY

ROCKS
They are rocks formed from deposits of organic materials and existing
weathering rocks which accumulate and consolidate over time. They are
cemented together after a long time to form sedimentary rocks. The
sediments are deposited by natural agents such as water, wind and ice
and settle down in layers one on top of another.

There are three types of sedimentary rocks based on the process of

formation.
 1. Mechanically formed sedimentary rocks:These are rocks formed
from sediments of other rocks that are accumulated and cemented
over a long period of time. Examples include sandstones, shale,
clay, breccia, and conglomerate.

2. Organically formed sedimentary rocks: These are rocks formed

from the remains of living organisms. When the rocks are formed
from the remains of animals like coral or shellfish, they are called
calcareous rocks e.g. lime stone and chalk. When the rocks are
formed from vegetable matter such as swamps and forest are
called carbonaceous rocks e.g. coal, peak, and lignite.

3. Chemically formed sedimentary rocks: These are rocks formed

from precipitated chemically from rock solution. Examples include
gypsum, potash, and dolomite.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

1. They occur in layers or strata.

2. They are not in crystal form i.e they are not crystalline in nature.

3. They contain fossils of plants and animals.

4. They are not resistant to erosion

5. They may be coarse, fine soft or hard.

EVALUATION

1. Describe the mode of formation of sedimentary rocks

2. State four characteristics of sedimentary rocks

MODE OF FORMATION OF METAMORPHIC

ROCKS
These rocks result from igneous or sedimentary rocks due to combined
effect of pressure and heat. The composition and texture of unstable
parent rock minerals are changed under pressure and heat. Examples
are marble, quartzite, gneiss, schist, graphite and slate.
 Slate is formed from clay (sedimentary)

Marble is formed from limestone (sedimentary)

Quartzite is formed from sandstone (sedimentary)

Gneiss is formed from granite (igneous)

Schist is formed from shale (sedimentary)

Graphite is formed from coal (sedimentary)

CHARACTERISTIC OF METAMORPHIC ROCKS

1. Some may occur in layer or strata

1. The rock may be hard or soft

1. They are not in form of crystals

1. They exist in different colours and texture

1. They may contain fossils

EVALUATION

1. Describe the mode of formation of metamorphic rocks

2. Give four examples of metamorphic rocks and their parent

materials

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is a rock?

1. State three types of rock

1. Describe the mode of formation of the two types of igneous

rock

1. State four characteristics of sedimentary rocks.

1. Classify sedimentary rocks based on based on mode of

formation and give two examples in each case

BOOK REVIEW

Essential Agricultural science by O. A. Iwena chapter 10, page 61 – 64

READING ASSIGNMENT

Answer question 6 Essential Agricultural science by O. A. Iwena chapter

10, page 64
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. Which of the following is not a sedimentary rock? A. mica B.

sandstone C. limestone

D. dolomite

Granite is ——— rock A. igneous B. sedimentary C. metamorphic D.

weathered

Schist is formed from A. shale B. sandstone C. quartzite D. coal

A metamorphic limestone is A. marble B. gneiss C. schist D. shale

The type of rock formed from molten magma is known as A.

sedimentary B. schist C. igneous D. sandstone

THEORY

1. Write short note on the mode of formation and characteristics of A.

granite B. limestone

2. State three characteristics for each of the three rock types.

WEEK EIGHT DATE: …………………..

TOPIC: ROCK WEATHERING

CONTENT

Meaning of rock weathering

Types/Processes of rock weathering

ROCK WEATHERING
The process of soil formation is referred to as weathering.

Weathering is defined as the disintegration of rocks into smaller

particles to form soil.

PROCESSES OF ROCK WEATHERING

The processes of soil formation (rock weathering) include:
 1. Physical process

2. Chemical process

3. Biological process

PHYSICAL PROCESS OF ROCK WEATHERING

Agents of physical weathering include temperature, ice, rainfall, wind
and pressure.

1. Temperature: The rise and fall of temperature brings about the

expansion and contraction in rocks respectively. After a long time,
rocks begin to crack and break down which later give rise to soil.

2. Ice: When rivers overflow their banks or when it rains, water

collects in the openings. At a cool temperature or freezing point,
the water in the openings freezes and increases in volume, the
force of expansion makes the rock to expand thereby cracking
them to particles. As the temperature rises, ice melts and carries
the rock particles away from their origin to a different place to form
soil.

3. Rainfall /water:The splash of rainfall exerts force on the rock

surfaces. Flowing water also carries and hits rock particles against
one another turning them into fragments.

4. Wind: heavy winds carry particles of rock, hitting them against one
another or against hard surfaces to form smaller fragments.

5. Pressure: high pressure on hanging rock may cause such rocks to

fall and the process break into smaller particles to form soil.

EVALUATION

1. Define rock weathering.

2. What are the processes of rock weathering?

3. List three agents of physical weathering.

4. Describe two of the agents of physical weathering.

CHEMICAL PROCESS OF WEATHERING

Agents of chemical weathering include solution, hydration, hydrolysis,
carbonation and oxidation.
 1. Solution:This is when water dissolves soluble minerals present in
the rock and the minerals taken from one place to another while
flowing.

2. Carbonation: Carbon (iv) oxide reacts with water to form

trioxocarbonate (iv) acid, a weak acid which weakens and dissolves
rock minerals.

3. Hydration:This is the reaction of water with rock minerals which

result in chemical alteration of the mineral. Example is the
conversion of iron (ii) rocks to hydrated rocks.

4. Hydrolysis: This is the reaction of water with rock minerals to

produce a rock that is different from the original one.

5. Oxidation: This is the reaction of rocks with oxygen from the

atmosphere which then weakens the rocks.

EVALUATION

1. List five agents of chemical weathering

2. Explain two of the processes mentioned above

BIOLOGICAL PROCESS OF WEATHERING

This is the activities of plants and animals in the breaking down of rocks
to form soil.

1. The action can be brought about by some animals such as termites,

earthworms, millipedes and other soil organisms.

2. Movement of some organisms /heavy animals like cattle can cause

small fragments of rocks to disintegrate.

3. The roots of some crops penetrate through cracks in rocks making

them to expand and break to form soil

4. Activities of man during tillage can break small rocks into tiny
pieces.

EVALUATION

1. Outline four biotic factors of rock weathering

2. What are the processes of rock formation?

3. State three agents of physical weathering.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What is rock weathering?

1. What are the processes of rock formation?

1. State three agents of physical weathering

1. Describe five agents of chemical weathering.

1. List five factors of soil formation.

BOOK REVIEW

Essential Agricultural science by O. A. Iwena chapter 11, page 65 – 68

READING ASSIGNMENT

Answer question 1 and 2a from Essential Agricultural science by O.A.

Iwena chapter 11, page 86

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. The attachment of water to rock minerals resulting in chemical

alternation of the minerals is termed A.carbonation B. hydration C.
hydrolysis D. solution

1. The reaction of rock with oxygen from the atmosphere which

eventually weakens the soil is A. carbonation B. oxidation C.
hydrolysis D. solution

1. Which of these is not an agent of physical weathering A. ice B.

water C. animal

D. temperature

Which of the following is not a soil organism that disintegrates rock

particlesA. termite B. earthworm C. cattle D. millipede

____ is defined as the disintegration of rocks into smaller

particles to form soil.

A. Chemical reaction B. Weather C. Weathering D. Breaking down

THEORY

1. A. What is rock weathering?

B. Mention three processes of rock weathering.

List and discuss three agents of one of the processes mentioned

above.

WEEK NINE DATE: ……………………..

TOPIC: FACTORS OF SOIL FORMATION

CONTENT

Climate

Parent materials

Topography

Biotic factors

Time

FACTORS OF SOIL FORMATION

The factors that control soil formation include; climate, parent
materials, topography, biotic factors (living organisms) and time.

CLIMATE
Climate refers to the average weather condition of a place measured
over a long period of time. Elements of climate include sunlight,
temperature, wind, relative humidity, rainfall and pressure.

Rainfall: Running water as a result of from rainfall causes gradual

wearing away of rocks during erosion giving rise to soil. Impact of rain
drops can also break rocks to form soil.

Temperature: The alternate heating and cooling of rocks give rise to

continuous expansion and contraction of rocks. This causes cracks in
rock and over time lead to formation of soil.

Wind: High wind velocity most especially in desert regions carries tiny
rocks which hit themselves or other rocks leading to breakdown of rocks
into tiny pieces to form soil.
Pressure: High pressure in a hanging rock may cause the rock to fall
down and break into tiny pieces to form soil.

EVALUATION

1. What is climate?

2. List five elements of climate

PARENT MATERIAL
The physical and chemical features of parent materials determine the
type of soil that can be obtained from such material. Parent of
predominantly quartz mineral give rise to sandy soil while that of micas
and feldspars give rise to clayey soil.

TOPOGRAPHY
Soil erosion is more pronounced on sloppy area than flat land. Wind or
water easily wears away the soil and rock surfaces in sloppy area. As the
rock particles are washed down to the bottom of the slope, the particles
further break up into smaller particles due to combined effect of other
processes of weathering.

EVALUATION

1. Describe how parent materials affects soil formation.

2. What is topography?

BIOTIC FACTORS [LIVING ORGANISMS]

The action of microorganisms, plants and animals plays active part in
rock formation.
 Termite and earthworms mix the minerals and organic matter
together resulting in the formation of soil.

The burrowing activities of earthworm and crickets permit the air

and water movement in the soil which reacts with rock to cause
breakdown into soil.

Activities of man during tillage operation break rock into tiny pieces
to form soil.

Penetration of plant roots cause weathering of rocks.

The decaying of falling leaves of the trees with the aid of bacteria
result in the formation of humus rich in plant food.

EVALUATION

1. List five biotic factors of soil formation

2. Describe briefly the role of vegetation in soil formation

TIME

Time also plays an important role in soil formation. It takes a long time
for mature soil to be formed.It takes time for small pieces of rocks to
disintegrate into grains of soil. It also takes a long time for plants to
decay and become part of the soil.

GENERAL EVALUATION

1. What are the factors of soil formation?

2. What are the elements of climate

3. List five biotic factors that causes soil formation

4. List five biotic factors of soil formation

5. Describe briefly the role of vegetation in soil formation

BOOK REVIEW

Essential Agricultural science by O. A. Iwena chapter 11, page 65 – 66.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Answer question 5 and 9 from Essential Agricultural science by O. A.

Iwena chapter 11, page 86 and 87
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

1. The average weather condition of a place over a period of time is

referred to as

A.Climate B.Vegetation C.Biotic factor D.Humidity

Which of these is not a climatic factor of soil formation?

A.Temperature B.Wind

C.Humidity D.Erosion

The following are biotic factors influencing soil formation except

A.Termites activitiesB. soil pHC.Microorganism D.Tillage activities

The shape of the ground in relation to the underlying rock of the

earth surface is known as
_____A.slopeB.disintegrationC.topographyD.weathering

Which of the following is not a factor of soil formation?

A.Topography B.Vegetation C.Parent material D.Weathering

THEORY

1. Mention two major elements of climate

2. Discuss three ways by which vegetation affect soil formation.

WEEK TEN DATE: ……………

REVISION

One Comment

Jane
March 21, 2022 at 4:21 am

I really enjoyed the lesson and understood all of the teaching

thanks slot????

Reply