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Discuss the production of a named crop that you have studied under the following headings - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2021
Question a
Discuss the production of a named crop that you have studied under the following headings. Named Crop: Seedbed preparation: Weed control: (ii) Briefly describe o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Discuss the production of a named crop that you have studied under the following headings - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2021
Step 1
Seedbed preparation:
Answer
To effectively prepare the seedbed for a named crop such as potatoes, several steps should be followed:
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Ploughing or Harrowing: The first step involves ploughing or harrowing the soil to produce a fine tilth. This process helps to break up clods of soil and allows for better seed-to-soil contact. It is essential to remove stones to prevent damage to the machinery.
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Creating a Firm Seedbed: After ploughing, the soil should be leveled to create a firm seedbed. This can be achieved by harrowing again to ensure that the surface is smooth and compact enough to hold moisture but loose enough for the seeds to be planted properly.
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Minimizing Soil Disturbance: Practices such as minimum tillage can be employed to reduce soil disturbance. This method helps maintain soil structure and fertility by reducing erosion and minimizing the loss of organic material.
By following these steps, farmers can ensure that their seedbed is well-prepared for planting.
Step 2
Weed control:
Answer
Weed control is crucial to ensure that the named crop can thrive without competition for nutrients, water, and light. Several strategies can be employed:
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Herbicides: Using herbicides or weed killers can be an effective method for controlling weeds. Selective herbicides may target only specific types of weeds while leaving the crop unharmed.
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Shading and Earthing Up: Techniques such as shading and earthing up can help suppress weed growth. By hilling soil around the base of the plants, light is reduced for weeds, inhibiting their growth.
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Crop Rotation and Stubble Cleaning: Implementing crop rotation can help in breaking the cycle of weeds that thrive in a particular crop setting. Additionally, cleaning up stubble after harvest can prevent weed seeds from germinating.
Overall, an integrated approach combining mechanical, cultural, and chemical methods will provide the best control of weeds in potato farming.
Step 3
Describe one safety precaution:
Answer
One crucial safety precaution that farmers should take during the harvest of potatoes is to ensure proper handling of machinery. Farmers must be aware of their clothing and ensure that it is tight-fitting, avoiding loose garments that could become entangled in machinery. Furthermore, they should take care not to operate machinery near power lines. This can prevent serious injuries and ensure a safe harvest process. Taking these precautions can minimize the risk of accidents during the busy harvest period.