(a) ldentify specimens F, G, H, and, I
(b) State three factors that determine the quality of specimen F
(c) State six effects of specimen G on the soil.
(d) State four effects of specimen I on the soil.
Explanation
(a) ldentification of Specimens
- F: poultry dropping/manure;
- G- Cow dung / manure;
- H- N.P.K. (15.15.15) fertilizer/compound;
- I - Limestone / CaCo,
(b) Factors that determine the quality of Specimen F-
- type of management of animals in use e.g. deep litter, battery cage, free-range, semi-intensive
- type of feed given to animals
- age of animals
- state of health of the animals
- stage of decomposition of specimen / time / period
(c) Effects of Specimen G on the soil;
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add the primary nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil. It also improves soil fertility;
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helps in binding the particles of soil together
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improves the soil aeration and porosity
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improves the rate of water percolation in fine-textured soils;
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improves the rate of water retention in coarse-textured soils;
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increases the population of soil microbes;
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encourages microbial decomposition in the soil;
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addition of organic matter to the soil;
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Increases crop yield.
(d) effects of limestone (Specimen l) on the soil;
- neutralizes the soil acidity or pH;
- adds calcium to the soil;
- improves the soil structure;
- encourages microbial decomposition in the soil,
- increases nutrients availability/ increases soil fertility.