WAEC GCE 2024 AGRIC PRACTICAL ANSWER





(1ai)
A - Platy
B - Blocky
C - Granular
D - Prismatic

(1aii)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Add organic matter (eg, compost or manure) to enhance soil aggregation and fertility.
(ii) Practice conservation tillage to avoid soil compaction and maintain structure.
(iii) Introduce cover crops to reduce erosion and improve soil health.
(iv) Apply gypsum to improve the structure of clay soils by breaking down compacted layers.

(1aiii)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Enhances water infiltration and retention, ensuring sufficient water for plant roots.
(ii) Improves aeration, enabling root respiration and nutrient uptake.
(iii) Reduces soil erosion by holding soil particles together.
(iv) Facilitates root penetration, allowing plants to access deeper nutrients and water.

(1b)
Earthworm

(1bi)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Soil pH (earthworms thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soils).
(ii) Moisture levels (they require moist soil for survival).
(iii) Organic matter availability (as food source).
(iv) Soil temperature (extreme heat or cold can reduce their population).
(v) Use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides (can harm or kill earthworms).

(1biii)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Enhances soil aeration through burrowing.
(ii) Increases soil fertility by breaking down organic matter into humus.
(iii) Improves water infiltration by creating tunnels in the soil.
(iv) Promotes nutrient cycling by digesting and excreting organic materials.
(v) Reduces soil compaction, creating better conditions for root growth.

=============================

(2a)
I - Secateurs
II - Hedge shears
III - Sickle

(2b)
I:
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Pruning shrubs, small branches, and flowers.
(ii) Harvesting fruits or vegetables like grapes.
(iii) Shaping ornamental plants for aesthetic purposes.
(iv) Removing diseased or dead plant parts to promote healthy growth.

III:
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Cutting grass and weeds manually.
(ii) Harvesting crops like rice and wheat.
(iii) Harvesting forage crops for animal feed.
(iv) Clearing undergrowth in preparation for planting.


(2c)
(i) Secateurs are handheld and small, while hedge shears are larger and require two hands for operation.

(i) Secateurs are used for precision pruning, whereas hedge shears are designed for trimming hedges and bushes.

(2d)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) Combine harvester.
(ii) Mower
(iii) Reaper
(iv) Bush cutter

(2e)
(i) Regular cleaning after use to remove dirt and plant residue.
(ii) Sharpening the blades to maintain cutting efficiency.
(iii) Lubricating movable parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
(iv) Storing in a dry place to avoid corrosion or rust.

============================

(3a)
A - Grasshopper
B - Termite
C - Weevil

(3b)
B - Biting and chewing mouthparts
C - Chewing and piercing mouthparts

(3c)
(PICK ANY TWO EACH)
A: Maize, millet, rice, Sorghum
B: Sugarcane, maize, groundnut, yam

(3di)
( PICK ANY ONE)
(i) Causes destruction of crops and wooden structures, leading to economic losses.
(ii) Termites attack stored grains and agricultural produce, leading to post-harvest losses.
(ii) Termites improve soil aeration and fertility by breaking down organic matter.

(3dii)
(PICK ANY ONE)
(i) Use termite-resistant materials.
(ii) Apply chemical treatments.
(iii) Conduct routine inspections to detect and address termite infestations early.
(iv) Remove termite habitats near the poultry pen, such as decaying wood or dead tree stumps.

(3e)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Proper cleaning of grain stores before storage.
(ii) Use of airtight containers or bags for storage.
(iii) Sun-drying grains thoroughly before storage.
(iv) Applying pesticides or insecticides like fumigants.
(v) Regular inspection of stored grains.
(vi) Use of natural repellents, such as neem leaves or ash.

=============================

(4a)
A: Natural brooding
B: Artificial brooding

(4b)
I: Electric bulb
II: Reflector
III: birds

(4c)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Cleaning the brooder box regularly
(ii) Changing and providing fresh feed
(iii) Supplying clean water daily
(iv) Monitoring temperature and adjusting the bulb
(v) Disinfecting the brooder box to prevent disease.
(vi) Ensuring proper ventilation in the housing unit.
(vii) Checking for and repairing damages to the housing unit.
(viii) Providing adequate bedding material (e.g., sawdust).
(ix) Regularly observing chicks for signs of illness or stress.
(x) Replacing the bedding when it becomes damp or dirty.

(4d)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Rats
(ii) Snakes
(iii) Lizards
(vi) Birds

(4e)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) High mortality rate due to predation
(ii) Limited number of chicks hatched at a time
(iii) Dependence on the hen's health and availability
(iv) Inconsistent temperature control, which can affect chick survival.
(v) Slower growth rate of chicks due to limited care and resources from the hen.

============================