Page 16 - Agriculture Form Two

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

determined by dividing the planting area by the spacing of the crop.
Area of the land
Plant population =
Spacing of the crop
The area of one hectare of land equals 10,000 square metres. The time of planting
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
a given crop is essential as it influences the quantity and quality of the crop
produced. Time factors influence such factors as rainfall, temperature, occurrence
of pests, marketing of the crop, and cropping system.

Methods of planting crops
Crops are generally planted in a field using several methods, including
broadcasting, row planting, drilling, transplanting, over-sowing, and under-
sowing.

Activity 1.5
1. Visit a school farm, nearby crop fields, and nurseries; and or use the internet
and relevant video clips to inquire and study on:
(a) Different planting materials, including grafted and budded planting
materials;
(b) Various methods used in planting crops; and
(c) Tools and implements used in planting the crops.
2. Pay a study visit on cassava /sugarcane/sweet potatoes and learn how
cuttings/setts/vines/suckers are prepared.
3. Visit some nearby seed dealers and inquire about how seeds are obtained and
the criteria for good-quality seeds.
4. Identify entrepreneurial opportunities available in multiplying/developing
planting materials.

Exercise 1.2
1. A farmer intends to plant maize on one acre of land. If the spacing for the
maize is 75 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants, determine the plant
population for this field.
2. What is the relationship between plant population and crop yield?
3. How does sowing depth influence seed germination?
4. Advise a farmer:
(a) what to do for an overpopulated sunflower crop field, just two weeks after
sowing.
(b) on effects of overpopulated crop plants in the field.

8 Student’s Book Form Two

04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 8 04/10/2024 18:07
Agriculture form 2.indd 8