Theory question 103
Agricultural Ecology(a) Define climate and state three of its importance in agriculture
(b) Explain five ways in which high rainfall affects agricultural production
(c) State the forms in which water exist in the soil.
(d) Mention three ways through which soil water may be lost.
Show the model answer
(a) Climate is the average weather conditions (rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind, sunlight) of a place over a long period (about 30–35 years). Importance (any three): decides crops and animals suited to an area; determines planting and harvesting times/length of growing season; affects yields; affects pests and diseases; guides choice of farming system
(b) Any five: causes soil erosion; leaches nutrients; waterlogging and poor aeration; encourages fungal diseases and pests; hinders farm operations and drying of produce; supports forest vegetation and tree crops; good water supply for crops and pasture
(c) Gravitational water; capillary water; hygroscopic water; (water vapour)
(d) Any three: evaporation; transpiration; drainage/percolation; run-off; uptake by plants
Define climate, then explain each rainfall effect.