AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

THEME – PROCESSES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION 

CLASS – JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS – JSS 2

 

TOPIC – AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

LEARNING AREA 

1. Introduction

2. Meaning of Pre-planning, Planting, post Planting, Harvesting and Post Harvesting Operations

3. Benefits of Timely Harvesting of Crops

 

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Simple farm tools – Home, Cutlass, Rake, Hand trowel, etc.

2. School farm.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. describe pre-planting, planting, post planting, harvesting and post harvesting operations.

2. perform the various cultural practices above.

3. explain the benefits of timely harvesting of crops.

 

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES (CROPS) 

Agricultural practices refer to the various techniques and methods used by farmers to cultivate crops and raise animals. These practices can vary depending on factors such as climate, soil type, available resources, and cultural traditions.

Some common agricultural practices include:

1. CROP ROTATION 

Farmers rotate the types of crops they plant in a field from year to year to increase soil fertility, reduce pest and disease pressure, and improve overall crop yield.

2. IRRIGATION

The process of providing water to crops through artificial means. This can include techniques such as drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and flood irrigation.

3. FERTILIZATION

The application of nutrients to soil to improve crop growth and yield. This can include organic fertilizers (compost, manure) or synthetic fertilizers (NPK).

4. PEST MANAGEMENT

Farmers use various methods to control pests and diseases that can damage crops, such as crop rotation, biological control, and the use of pesticides.

5. CONSERVATION TILLAGE

Minimizing soil disturbance during planting and harvesting to reduce erosion, improve soil health, and conserve water.

 

PRE-PLANTING OPERATIONS

Pre-planting operations are essential tasks that need to be carried out before planting crops to ensure a successful and productive growing season. Some key pre-planting operations include:

1. Choice of  Site

2. Soil Preparation

3. Soil Testing

4. Weed Control

5. Seed Selection

6. Seed Treatment

7. Irrigation Planning

8. Crop Rotation

9. Pest Management

By focusing on these pre-planting operations, farmers can set the stage for a successful growing season and maximize the productivity and profitability of their crops. Planning and implementing these tasks effectively can help ensure healthy crop growth, optimal yields, and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

CHOICE OF SITE

This is the process of examining multiple options (sites) and assessing their relative advantages and disadvantages.

 

SOIL PREPARATION

It involves tilling, plowing, and leveling the soil to create a suitable seedbed for planting. Proper soil preparation helps improve soil structure, aeration, drainage, and nutrient availability for the crops.

 

SOIL TESTING

Soil testing is important to determine the nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter content of the soil. This information helps farmers make informed decisions about fertilization and soil amendment practices to optimize crop growth and yield.

 

WEED CONTROL

Pre-planting weed control is crucial to prevent weed competition with crops and reduce weed pressure throughout the growing season. This can involve mechanical methods such as plowing or using herbicides to control weed populations.

 

SEED SELECTION

Selecting high-quality seeds that are well-suited to local growing conditions is critical for successful crop production. Farmers should choose seed varieties that have good germination rates, disease resistance, and traits that meet their specific needs.

 

SEED TREATMENT

Treating seeds with fungicides, insecticides, or other treatments can protect them from seed-borne diseases, pests, and environmental stress factors. Seed treatments can improve seedling emergence, vigor, and overall crop performance.

 

IRRIGATION PLANNING

Planning for irrigation needs before planting is essential to ensure that crops receive adequate moisture throughout the growing season. Farmers should assess water availability, soil moisture levels, and irrigation equipment to develop an effective irrigation strategy.

 

CROP ROTATION

Implementing a crop rotation plan can help improve soil health, reduce pest and disease pressure, and optimize nutrient cycling. Farmers should consider crop rotation patterns that benefit the soil and the overall sustainability of their farming operation.

 

PEST MANAGEMENT

Pre-planting pest management practices, such as scouting for insect pest populations and managing disease reservoirs, can help reduce pest pressure and prevent crop damage. Farmers should develop an integrated pest management (IPM) plan to effectively manage pests while minimizing environmental impacts.

 

PLANTING OPERATIONS 

Planting operations are crucial steps in the crop production process that involve placing seeds or seedlings into the soil to start the growth of crops. These operations are essential for establishing a healthy and productive crop stand. Some key planting operations include:

1. Seedbed preparation

2. Planting method selection

3. Seed placement

4. Plant population management

5. Fertilizer application

6. Irrigation management

7. Seed treatment

8. Row spacing and orientation

By paying careful attention to these planting operations, farmers can establish a strong foundation for crop growth and development. Effective planting practices can promote uniform emergence, healthy plant stands, and ultimately maximize crop yields. Monitoring crop growth after planting and making any necessary adjustments can help ensure a successful growing season.

 

SEED BED PREPARATION

Before planting, the seedbed should be properly prepared to create an ideal environment for seed germination and seedling emergence. This may involve leveling the soil, breaking up clods, and ensuring adequate soil moisture levels.

 

PLANTING METHOD SELECTION

Farmers can choose from various planting methods depending on the type of crop, soil conditions, and equipment available. Common planting methods include broadcasting, drilling, transplanting, or using precision planting equipment.

 

SEED PLACEMENT

Proper seed placement is critical for ensuring good seed-to-soil contact, uniform seed depth, and optimal seedling emergence. Seeds should be planted at the correct depth and spacing to promote even crop growth and yield potential.

 

PLANT POPULATION MANAGEMENT

Determining the optimal plant population for a specific crop variety and field conditions is important for maximizing yield potential. Factors such as seed size, germination rate, and plant density requirements should be considered when determining planting rates.

 

FERTILIZER APPLICATION

Some crops may benefit from fertilizer application at planting to provide essential nutrients for early growth. Farmers can apply fertilizers through seed treatments, in-furrow placement, or as a starter fertilizer to promote healthy crop development.

 

IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT

Proper irrigation during planting is crucial to ensure seeds have enough moisture to germinate and seedlings establish successfully. Farmers should monitor soil moisture levels and adjust irrigation practices as needed to support optimal crop growth.

 

SEED TREATMENT

Treating seeds with fungicides, insecticides, or other treatments can protect them from disease, pests, and environmental stress factors during the early stages of growth. Seed treatments can improve seedling vigor and crop establishment.

 

ROW SPACING AND ORIENTATION

Proper row spacing and orientation can optimize sunlight exposure, air circulation, and crop development. Farmers should consider factors such as plant architecture, equipment compatibility, and weed control when determining row spacing for planting.

 

POST PLANTING OPERATIONS

Post-planting operations are essential tasks that farmers perform after the seeds have been planted to ensure optimal crop growth and yield. These operations help in nurturing the plants, protecting them from pests and diseases, and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. Some key post-planting operations include:

1. Irrigation

2. Weed control

3. Fertilization

4. Pest and disease management

5. Crop monitoring

6. Thinning and pruning

7. Mulching

8. Support structures

By implementing these post-planting operations, farmers can enhance crop growth, minimize stress factors, and maximize yield potential. Regular monitoring and management practices throughout the growing season can help ensure a successful harvest and a healthy crop stand.

 

IRRIGATION

After planting, it is important to monitor soil moisture levels and provide supplemental irrigation as needed to support seed germination and early seedling growth. Proper irrigation management is crucial for ensuring that plants have enough water to establish healthy root systems and grow successfully.

 

WEED CONTROL

Weeds compete with crops for water, nutrients, and sunlight, which can significantly reduce crop yields. It is important to implement effective weed control methods, such as hand weeding, mechanical cultivation, or herbicide application, to prevent weeds from outcompeting crops and causing yield losses.

 

FERTILIZATION

Providing adequate nutrients to crops is essential for promoting healthy growth and maximizing yields. Farmers may need to apply additional fertilizers, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, during the post-planting period to supplement soil nutrients and support plant development.

 

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Monitoring crops for pest infestations and disease outbreaks is crucial for protecting plant health and preventing yield losses. Farmers can implement integrated pest management strategies, including the use of biological controls, cultural practices, and chemical treatments, to manage pests and diseases effectively.

 

CROP MONITORING

Regularly monitoring crop growth and development after planting allows farmers to assess plant health, identify any issues early on, and make timely management decisions. Monitoring can include inspecting plants for signs of stress, checking for nutrient deficiencies, and measuring plant growth.

 

THINNING AND PRUNING

Thinning excess seedlings or plants and pruning unnecessary branches can help optimize plant spacing, light penetration, and airflow within the crop canopy. Thinning and pruning can improve plant health, reduce competition among plants, and promote higher yields.

 

MULCHING

Applying mulch around plants after planting can help conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Mulching can also provide a protective barrier against erosion and improve soil health over time.

 

SUPPORT STRUCTURES

Some crops may require support structures such as trellises, stakes, or cages to help support plants as they grow and produce fruit. Installing support structures after planting can help prevent plant lodging, improve airflow, and enhance crop quality.

 

EFFECTS OF TIMELY HARVESTING VERSUS LATE HARVESTING 

Harvest is the process of collecting different farm produces at their own appropriate time. A timely harvest can help to maximize potential grain yield, maximize grain quality and minimize field losses.

Timely harvesting is essential for ensuring a successful and profitable farming operation. Farmers must carefully monitor crop maturity, weather conditions, and market trends to harvest their crops at the optimal time for maximum benefits.

There are two (2) operations after harvest, post and late harvest.

 

A. POST-HARVESTING OPERATION 

Post harvest is the stage of collecting farm produce immediately without at any delay, most especially when the crops are green. That’s, processing of crops into useable forms after harvesting which include cleaning, sorting, packing and storing.

The effect of post harvest operation ensures good grain quality and high market value.

 

B. LATE HARVESTING OPERATION

Late harvest is the operation that allows the crops stay longer than expected, mostly for seedling, preservation or further processing.

The effect of late harvest operation lead to excessive losses if not properly monitored.

 

BENEFITS OF TIMELY HARVESTING OF CROPS 

Timely harvesting of crops is critical for maximizing the quality and yield of agricultural produce. Some benefits of timely harvesting include:

1. It leads to higher yields and better market prices.

2. It helps maintain their quality, taste, and nutritional value.

3. It is less susceptible to spoilage, pest damage, and diseases.

4. It reduces the risks of crop losses due to weather conditions, pests, or other factors.

5. It helps farmers save on labor, storage, and transportation costs associated with delayed harvesting.

6. It allows farmers to clear fields promptly and prepare them for the next planting season.

7. It helps optimize farm operations and ensure timely cultivation of subsequent crops.

8. It allows farmers to meet market demand and supply fresh produce to consumers.

9. It is often preferred by buyers for their superior quality and taste.

10. It reduces food waste, conserving resources, and improving overall farm productivity.

 

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. displays charts and pictures board.

2. guides students to identify and describe different pre-planting operations.

3. demonstrates some of these operations.

4. summarizes the lesson on the board.

 

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. study charts and pictures provided and identify the various operations depicted.

2. watch teacher demonstrations.

3. perform the various planting operations.

4. copy board summary.

 

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. describe briefly activities involved in pre-planting, planting, post planting, harvesting, post harvesting operations.

2. demonstrate the various operations.

3. state three advantages of timely harvesting of crops.