a. Explain each of the following terms:
i. agricultural ecology
ii. ecosystem
b. Mention:
i. two biotic components of a farm ecosystem
ii. three abiotic components of a farm ecosystem
c. State five precautions that should be taken during storage of bags of maize in a store
d. Give four examples of bedding plants
Explanation
ai. Agricultural ecology is the study of crop plants and farm animals in relation to their environment
Agricultural ecology is the interaction of crop plants and farm animal with the biotic and abiotic environment.
aii. Ecosystem refers to the interaction of a community of biotic components (plants and animals) with their abiotic components (non-living things)
bi.
-Crops
-Microorganism/Virus/Bacteria
-Farm animals
-Soil living organisms/Earthworms
-Weeds
-Insect and pests
-Protozoa
-Producers
-Consumers
-Decomposers
-Parasite
bii.
-Temperature
-Relative humidity
-Rainfall/precipitation
-Rock
-Wild fire
-Water
-Wind/air/storm
-Sunlight
-Dust
-Minerals
-Soil
c.
-Storehouse should be rain proof
-Ensure adequate ventilation in storehouse
-Windows should be netted against insects
-A simple metal roof should be constructed
-Floors and walls should be cemented with no cracks for insects/ rats to hide
-Spaces should be left between bags and between bags and the wall
-Grains must be absolutely dry before storage
-Storehouse should be fumigated before moving in a new batch of maize
-Storehouse should be cleaned regularly
-Bags of maize must be stored on the basis of first in-first out
-Keep bags on wooden pallets to prevent deterioration due to moisture/store bags off the floor
-Maize bags should be properly sealed
d.
-Morning glory Lantana
-Amarantus
-Zinnia
-Cana lily
-Gloriosa
Crotolaria
-Marigold
-Bachelor's button
-Water lettuce