AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

THEME: AGRICULTURE ECOLOGY

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1) 

TOPIC – ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Environmental Factors that Affect Agricultural Productivity

3. Inter Relationship Among Living Things

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, most of the students should have attained the following objectives –

1. State the environmental factors that affect agricultural productivity.

2. Explain inter – relationships among living things.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Charts and diagrams showing ectoparasite and endoparasite.

2. Real organisms of ecto – and endoparasites.

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons. 

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of Work

2. National Curriculum for SSS Classes

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Crops and animals play a vital role in the global food production system, providing essential nutrients and resources for human consumption. The distribution and production of crops and animals are intricately connected, with inter-dependencies that contribute to the sustainability and productivity of Agriculture.

Crops, such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, are grown on farms around the world to supply food, feed, fiber, and fuel for human and animal consumption. These crops are distributed across various regions based on factors such as climate, soil conditions, water availability, and market demand. The production of crops involves planting, cultivation, harvesting, and processing to ensure a continuous and reliable food supply.

Animals, such as livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry) and fish, are raised for meat, dairy products, eggs, and other by-products. The distribution of animals is influenced by factors such as land availability, feed availability, climate, and market demand. Animal production requires careful management of breeding, feeding, housing, and healthcare to ensure the well-being and productivity of the animals.

The inter-relationship between crops and animals is crucial in agriculture, with each playing a role in supporting the other. For example, animal manure can be used as fertilizer for crops, while crops can provide feed for animals. Grazing animals on crop residues or grasslands can help improve soil health and control weeds. Pollinators, such as bees, play a key role in crop production by facilitating fertilization.

Integrated farming systems that combine crops and animals in a sustainable and holistic manner are becoming increasingly popular as a way to maximize resource efficiency, reduce waste, and promote environmental stewardship. By understanding the complex interactions between crops and animals, farmers and food producers can work towards a more resilient and sustainable food production system that supports the needs of a growing global population.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING CROPS AND ANIMALS DISTRIBUTION AND PRODUCTION

Agricultural activities involves the production and distribution of crops and animals. There are several environmental factors that can significantly impact agricultural productivity. These factors include:

1. Climate – Climate, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind patterns, has a direct impact on agricultural productivity. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves can result in crop failure and loss of productivity.

2. Soil Quality – Soil fertility, texture, structure, and pH levels all play a crucial role in determining agricultural productivity. Poor soil quality can lead to reduced crop yields and lower productivity levels.

3. Water Availability – Adequate water supply is essential for crop growth and development. Water scarcity or improper irrigation practices can negatively affect agricultural productivity.

4. Pests and Diseases – Pests, weeds, and diseases can cause significant damage to crops and reduce overall productivity. Effective pest management strategies are essential to minimize losses.

5. Land Degradation – Soil erosion, deforestation, and land degradation can diminish soil fertility and reduce agricultural productivity over time.

6. Biodiversity Loss – Loss of biodiversity can negatively impact ecosystem services that are essential for agricultural productivity, such as pollination and natural pest control.

7. Air and Water Pollution – Pollution from agricultural practices, industrial activities, and urban development can have negative effects on soil, water, and air quality, ultimately impacting agricultural productivity.

8. Climate Change – Climate change includes rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, can have profound effects on agricultural productivity, leading to shifts in cropping patterns and reduced yields.

INTER RELATIONSHIP AMONG LIVING THINGS

Inter-relationships among living things refer to the complex interactions and dependencies that exist between different species within an ecosystem. These relationships can be categorized into three main types: mutualism, commensalism, and Parasitism.

1. Mutualism – Mutualistic relationships are interactions between two species in which both benefit from the interaction. For example, pollinators such as bees benefit from nectar and pollen provided by flowers, while the plants benefit from the pollinators transferring pollen and aiding in reproduction. Both species rely on each other for survival and reproduction.

2. Commensalism – Commensalistic relationships occur when one species benefits from the interaction while the other is neither helped nor harmed. An example of this is the relationship between barnacles and whales. Barnacles attach themselves to the skin of whales and benefit from the whale’s movement through water, while the whale is not affected by the presence of the barnacles.

3. Parasitism – Parasitic relationships involve one species (parasite) benefiting at the expense of another species (host). Parasites rely on the host for resources such as food and shelter, while the host suffers from the negative effects of the parasite. Examples of parasitic relationships include ticks feeding on the blood of animals and tapeworms living in the intestines of their host.

HOW CLIMATE FACTORS THAT AFFECT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Climate factors play a critical role in determining the success of agricultural production. Farmers need to adapt to changing climate conditions by implementing sustainable practices and investing in climate-resilient crops and technologies. Policymakers also need to take action to address the root causes of climate change and support farmers in adapting to its impacts.

Climate factors determine the success or failure of agricultural production. Here are some of the key ways in which climate factors can impact agricultural production:

1. Temperature – Temperature can have a significant impact on crop growth and development. Different crops have specific temperature requirements for optimal growth, so variations in temperature can lead to reduced yields or even crop failure. Extreme temperatures, such as frost or heatwaves, can also damage crops.

2. Precipitation – Adequate and well-distributed rainfall is essential for crop growth. Insufficient rainfall can lead to drought, while excessive rainfall can cause waterlogging and root rot. Changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change can have a significant impact on agricultural production.

3. Humidity – Humidity levels can affect crop diseases and pests. High humidity can create conditions conducive to fungal diseases, while low humidity can increase the risk of pests infestations. Humidity can also impact the evaporation rate of water from the soil, affecting plant water uptake.

4. Wind – Strong winds can damage crops, especially during storms or hurricanes. Wind can also lead to soil erosion, which can reduce soil fertility and impact crop productivity. Wind can also affect pollination and lead to poor yields in wind-pollinated crops.

5. Sunlight – Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Changes in sunlight intensity or duration can affect crop growth and development. Inadequate sunlight can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields.

6. Climate Variability and Change – Climate change is leading to more frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. These events can have a devastating impact on agricultural production, leading to crop failures, livestock losses, and food shortages. Climate change can also impact the distribution of pests and diseases, further affecting agricultural productivity.

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

Teacher,

1. guides class discussion on the major environmental factors affecting agricultural production in Nigeria.

2. leads the students on how climate factors that affect agricultural production.

3. guides the students in practical activity.

4. summarizes the lesson on the board.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

Students,

1. participate in the class discussion.

2. grow plants under different conditions of moisture and light for comparison purpose.

3. copy note on the board.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks students to:

1. state 3 major environmental factors affecting agricultural production in Nigeria.

2. discuss 4 climatic factors that affect agricultural production.