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5. (a) Explain why the botanical composition of a permanent ley differs from that of a temporary ley - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2006
Question 5
5. (a) Explain why the botanical composition of a permanent ley differs from that of a temporary ley. (b) Discuss two advantages of including grass as a crop in an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5. (a) Explain why the botanical composition of a permanent ley differs from that of a temporary ley - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2006
Step 1
Explain why the botanical composition of a permanent ley differs from that of a temporary ley.
Answer
The botanical composition of a permanent ley differs from that of a temporary ley primarily due to its stability and longevity. Permanent leys typically consist of more aggressive varieties of grasses and legumes that are well-suited for long-term growth, whereas temporary leys often include a mix of other crops sown for specific seasons. Temporary leys may have more weeds and therefore a less desirable botanical composition. Additionally, permanent leys are often subjected to different management practices, leading to variations in fertilization and plant selection.
Step 2
Discuss two advantages of including grass as a crop in an arable crop rotation.
Answer
Including grass in an arable crop rotation provides multiple benefits. Firstly, it helps to break up the tillage cycle, which aids in disease control by disrupting the life cycles of pathogens. Secondly, grass improves soil structure and organic matter content, which enhances soil fertility and promotes better water retention, thus leading to healthier subsequent crops.
Step 3
Give three reasons for the inclusion of cereals as a supplementary food for farm animals.
Answer
Cereals serve as an important supplementary food for farm animals for several reasons:
- They supplement poor quality fodder crops, ensuring a balanced diet for the animals.
- Cereals provide essential fiber that aids in digestion and overall health.
- They help meet production targets in terms of dry matter intake, as cereals typically have high energy content which supports growth and production in livestock.
Step 4
State three advantages of growing fodder crops.
Answer
Growing fodder crops offers several advantages:
- They can yield high amounts of biomass, which is crucial for feeding livestock, especially in periods of feed scarcity.
- Fodder crops can provide winter feed, ensuring animals have adequate nutrition when pasture growth is low.
- They allow for crop rotation practices, improving soil health and reducing pest and disease pressures.
Step 5
Describe two methods used in feeding these crops to animals.
Answer
There are several methods for feeding fodder crops to animals:
- Grazing is a common method, where animals feed directly in the field, ensuring they consume fresh forage.
- Alternatively, fodder crops can be harvested and fed indoors, offering controlled feeding conditions and protecting the forage from weather-related damages.