Agricultural Practices and Techniques - JSS1 Agricultural science Past Questions and Answers - page 2
In sustainable farming, what does the term "biodiversity" refer to?
The exclusive focus on a single crop
The variety of plant and animal species in an ecosystem
The use of synthetic pesticides
Ignoring the ecological balance
What does the term "monoculture" refer to in the context of farming?
Diverse cultivation of various crops
Cultivating a single crop over a large area
Maximising biodiversity
Emphasising traditional methods
Which farming system is more likely to adopt agrochemicals extensively?
Sustainable farming
Traditional farming
Organic farming
Modern/Commercial farming
How does sustainable farming contribute to environmental conservation?
By increasing the use of synthetic fertilisers
By relying solely on chemical pesticides
By preserving soil health and biodiversity
By ignoring the impact on water quality
Which practice is associated with modern/commercial farming systems for crop cultivation?
Exclusive reliance on manual labour
Limited use of technology
Advanced machinery and irrigation systems
Ignoring market dynamics
Discuss the characteristics of traditional farming systems, highlighting the methods and practices that distinguish them from modern/commercial farming systems.
Traditional farming systems are characterised by their reliance on manual labour and methods passed down through generations. These systems often involve small-scale, subsistence farming, with a focus on preserving cultural practices. Traditional farmers may use simple tools like hand-held ploughs and rely on natural methods for pest control. In contrast, modern/commercial farming systems employ advanced machinery, technology, and commercial practices to maximise production.
Explain the contribution of agriculture to the economy of a country. Highlight the economic aspects related to crop production.
Agriculture significantly contributes to the economy of a country by generating income, providing employment opportunities, and supplying raw materials for various industries. In crop production, the sale of crops like wheat, rice, and vegetables contributes directly to national income.
Discuss the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture, focusing on their long-term environmental and economic viability.
Sustainable practices in agriculture are essential for ensuring the long-term environmental and economic viability of farming systems. Methods such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management contribute to preserving soil health, reducing the need for synthetic inputs, and promoting biodiversity.
Examine the methods of sustainable farming, discussing how these practices contribute to resource conservation and environmental protection.
Sustainable farming methods focus on resource conservation and environmental protection. Crop rotation, for instance, involves alternating crops in a field to enhance soil fertility and disrupt pest cycles. Cover cropping is another sustainable practice where specific crops are planted during fallow periods to prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure.
Explain the role of agriculture in contributing to the overall economy of a country.
Agriculture plays a vital role in contributing to the overall economy of a country through various means. Traditional farming practices, often prevalent in rural areas, contribute to employment and income generation for local communities. For example, small-scale traditional farming in sub-Saharan Africa supports local livelihoods through the cultivation of staple crops. In contrast, modern/commercial farming, with its use of advanced machinery and technology, contributes to industrial development by supplying raw materials for agro-processing industries. Large-scale commercial farms producing cash crops, such as cotton or sugarcane, significantly impact the national economy by providing raw materials for textile or sugar industries.