Theory question 103
Agricultural Ecology(a) State two each of (i) climatic, (ii) biotic and (iii) edaphic factors affecting distribution and production of crops and animals in your country.
(b) State three climatic and two soil requirements for optimum production of each of yam and tomato.
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(a)(i) Climatic: rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, sunlight, wind
(ii) Biotic: pests, diseases/pathogens, predators, parasites, weeds, soil micro-organisms, man
(iii) Edaphic: soil pH, texture, structure, fertility, topography, drainage
(b) Yam – climatic: temperature 25–30 °C; rainfall about 1000–1500 mm well distributed; high humidity/good sunlight; soil: deep, well-drained fertile loam; rich in organic matter/potassium
Tomato – climatic: temperature 18–29 °C; moderate rainfall (about 600–1500 mm) or irrigation; plenty of sunshine/low humidity; soil: well-drained sandy loam rich in organic matter; pH about 6–7
Two examples per factor group; three climatic and two soil needs per crop.