Theory question 104
Agricultural Ecology(a) Draw an annotated diagram of a water cycle.
(b) State six importance of water to crops.
(c) State four ways of conserving water in the soil.
Show the model answer
(a) Annotated diagram: evaporation from sea, rivers and soil; transpiration from plants; condensation into clouds; precipitation as rain; infiltration and percolation into soil and ground water; run-off to rivers and back to the sea
(b) Any six: raw material for photosynthesis; solvent for nutrients; transports nutrients in the plant; keeps cells turgid and supports soft plants; cools the plant through transpiration; needed for germination; part of protoplasm; aids enzyme activity
(c) Any four: mulching; cover cropping; adding organic matter; shading; reduced tillage; contour ploughing/terracing to hold rain; weeding; windbreaks
Label every arrow in the diagram.