Agriculture Lessons

  Explain the concept turgor and plasmolysis Define the term Tugor Turgor pressure is the force exerted by fluid inside a plant cell that pushes the cell membrane against the cell wall, contributing to the rigidity of living plant tissue.  .This pressure is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of plants, allowing them to stand upright and maintain their shape.  .A loss of turgor pressure, typically due to water loss, leads to wilting in flowers and leaves as the cells lose their firmness.  Define the term Plasmolysis Plasmolysis is defined as the process of contraction or shrinkage of the protozam of a plant cell and is caused due to the loss of water in the cell. Plasmolysis is an example of the results of osmosis and rarely occurs in nature. Differences between Turgor and Plasmolysis  .Plant Cells: Plants are made up of cells that cooperate to support growth and structural integrity. The proper maintenance of energy and operation of these...

Define the term fertilization in plants  Fertilization is the process of sexual reproduction that happens in plants following germination and pollination. The combination of the female (ovum) and male (pollen) gametes to create a diploid zygote is known as fertilization.  .It is a physicochemical process that happens following carpel pollination. The zygote goes through the entire sequence of events necessary for it to become a seed.  .Since flowers are angiosperms' (flowering plants') reproductive organs, they are important to the fertilization process. In plants, fertilization takes place when haploid gametes combine to form a diploid zygote. Describe the process of fertilization in a named plant: .In flowers, the pollen grain germinates after the pollination of the carpel and grows into the style by creating the pathway for the pollen grain to move down to the ovary. .The pollen tube opens into the ovule through the micropyle and bursts into the embryo sac. . Here, the...

  Explain what is meant by leaching   . Refers to the removal of inorganic and organic substances from aerial plant parts by the action of aqueous solutions such as rain, dew, mist, irrigation, and fog. . Substances leached from plants may include inorganic elements and organic compounds such as carbohydrates, amino acids,or vitamins. Discuss the effects of leaching on plant growth: .Leaching removes vital nutrients and micronutrients, such as water-soluble boron, from the soil, causing potential deficiencies in crops.   For example, when crops suffer from boron deficiency, they exhibit visual symptoms including: .Misshapen, thick, brittle, small leaves .Short stems and a "shrunken" appearance .Weak or dead growing points .Cracks and splits in petioles, stems, and sometimes fruit .Impaired root growth  . As nutrients leave the soil, the soil itself becomes more toxic, causing further harm to the crop, and limiting future uses for that plot of land unless the nutrient...

Define the term Artificial Insemination  .Is the introduction of semen directly into the female reproductive tract through means other than copulation. Procedures of artificial insemination of cow Discuss the advantages of artificial insemination  There are several advantages by artificial insemination over natural mating or servicing: .There is no need of maintenance of breeding bull for a herd; hence the cost of maintenance of breeding bull is saved. .It prevents the spread of certain diseases and sterility due to genital diseases’: contagious abortion, vibriosis. .By regular examination of semen after collection and frequent checking on fertility make, early detection of interior males and better breeding efficiency is ensured. .The progeny testing can be done at an early age. .The semen of a desired size can be used even after the death of that particular sire. .The semen collected can be taken to the urban areas or rural areas for insemination .Old, heavy and injured sire...

  What is a cultivar? A cultivar is a subspecies classification describing plants varieties which are produced through artificial selection. .  Is a plant that is propagated through human intervention to develop a desirable characteristic and ensure it retains the characteristics of its parent plant. Cultivars are created from stem cutting, grafting, tissue cultures, or cross-pollination.               Example of watermelon cultivar Examples of cultivars . Magnolia . Tomatoes  . Apples, etc.. Characteristics of a chosen cultivar, e.g tomatoes  .Climatic suitability Will this cultivar grow well at my site? Winter hardiness, temperatures during the growing season, length of growing season, and temperature during ripening are important to consider. .Markets What cultivars do my buyers want? Your buyers may include packers, farmers markets, retail stands and local stores. Your orchard will be more successful if you grow the apples your ...

  What is meant by a soil crumb? Soil crumbs are referred to as the large pieces of aggregated soil present as lumps. . They need to be crushed and grounded and this is done while ploughing and tilling of land before land is prepared for sowing.  .This is done with the help of iron leveller or wooden plank in smaller areas or power tillers in large areas.  .This is done so that there is proper space for roots to penetrate, for better air circulation and good germination of seedlings.                        Soil crumb sample Importance of forming a good crumb structure for optimum plant growth 1. Conducive to air circulation The larger pores between the granules are conducive to air circulation. The internal pores of the granules are dominated by water-holding pores. This kind of pore creates favorable conditions for the coordination of soil water, fertilizer, gas, and heat. 2. As a small reservoir of crop roots. ...

  Describe the main characteristics of Clay soil, Sand soil, and Loam soil Clay soils are heavy, high in nutrients, wet and cold in winter and baked dry in summer Characteristics   . Poor drainage  . Difficult to cultivate because the soil is sticky when wet. . High organic content . Poor aerated due to particles closely packed together  . Has blocky structure  Sandy soils are light, dry, warm, low in nutrients and often acidic Characteristics   . Low water holding capacity  . Low fertility . Fast drainage because of large particles  . Easy to cultivate  . It is structureless   Loams are mixtures of clay, sand and silt that avoid the the extreme of each type.                                    Loam soil Characteristics   . Right amount of air . Rich in organic matter . Easy to cultivate  . It has a crumb structure Click on the link below f...

Define the term weathering     Refers to the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles or altered in composition due to various natural forces. It is a key component in the rock cycle and contributes to soil formation. Identify the agents of physical, chemical and biological weathering and describe how soil is formed through these three processes  Physical Weathering: Definition: Physical weathering, also known as mechanical weathering, involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller fragments without changing their chemical composition. Agents: Temperature changes: Expansion and contraction due to heating and cooling. Freeze-thaw cycles: Water entering cracks in rocks and freezing, expanding, and causing the rock to break. Abrasion: Physical grinding by particles carried by wind, water, or ice. Root growth: Plant roots growing into rock crevices and causing fragmentation. Chemical Weathering: Definition: Chemical weathering involves the alte...

  Water cycle What is water cycle? .Refers to the ongoing movement of water in the Earth's atmosphere through a number of different processes, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration and runoff. Describe the water cycle    The water cycle operates as follows:  1. Evaporation:  Water from rivers, lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water is heated by the sun and turns into water vapor, which rises into the atmosphere.  2. Condensation:  As water vapor rises and cools, it condenses into tiny droplets, forming clouds in the atmosphere.  3. Precipitation:  These droplets combine and grow heavy enough to fall back to Earth as precipitation, which takes the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.   4. Infiltration:  Water seeps into the earth and becomes groundwater, which travels through subsurface layers of rock and soil.  5. Runoff:  Water travels over the ground and returns to seas and lakes, ready t...

  Discuss ways of adding value to Agricultural products for sustainability  .By freezing  . drying  . canning , etc Freezing                   Frozen vegetables   .Freezing helps maintain the nutritional quality of fruits, vegetables, and meats by slowing down the enzymatic processes that cause spoilage. .Frozen products last much longer than fresh ones, reducing the frequency of harvests and transportation, which lowers carbon footprints. Drying                             Dried fish .Drying removes moisture, which inhibits the growth of spoilage organisms, thus extending the shelf life of products like fruits, vegetables, and herbs. .Dried products are lighter and more compact, which reduces storage space and transportation costs. .Drying can retain much of the nutritional value of the produce, though some sensitive vitamins may be reduced. C...