What are the basic concepts of agriculture and soil science?

Here are the answers to your homework questions:

18. What is harvesting?

    • Harvesting is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields.

19. Name two crop pests.

    • Two crop pests are aphids and locusts.

20. What is organic manure?

    • Organic manure is natural fertilizer made from decomposed plant and animal waste, such as compost or animal dung.

21. What is soil fertility?

    • Soil fertility is the ability of soil to sustain plant growth by providing essential nutrients and a suitable environment.

22. Name two sources of water for farming.

    • Two sources of water for farming are rain and rivers.

23. What is crop production?

    • Crop production is the cultivation of plants for food, fiber, or other uses.

24. What is livestock production?

    • Livestock production is the raising of farm animals like cattle, sheep, and poultry for products such as meat, milk, and eggs.

25. What is a seed?

    • A seed is a reproductive unit of a plant containing an embryo and stored food, capable of developing into a new plant.

26. What is soil?

    • Soil is the loose surface material of the Earth composed of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms, supporting plant life.

27. Name three types of soil.

    • Three types of soil are sandy soil, clay soil, and loamy soil.

28. Which soil drains water fastest?

    • Sandy soil drains water fastest due to its large particle size and high porosity.

29. What is soil erosion?

    • Soil erosion is the wearing away of topsoil by natural forces like wind and water, often accelerated by human activities.

30. State two causes of soil erosion.

    • Two causes of soil erosion are deforestation and overgrazing.

31. How can soil erosion be controlled?

    • Soil erosion can be controlled by planting cover crops or using terracing on slopes.

32. What is irrigation farming?

    • Irrigation farming is the artificial application of water to land to assist in the growth of crops.

33. Name two irrigation methods.

    • Two irrigation methods are drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.

34. Why is water important for crops?

    • Water is important for crops because it is essential for photosynthesis, transports nutrients, and maintains plant structure.

35. What is drainage?

    • Drainage, in agriculture, is the removal of excess water from the soil surface or subsurface to improve growing conditions for crops.

36. What is soil conservation?

    • Soil conservation is the practice of protecting soil from erosion and degradation to maintain its fertility and productivity.