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5. (a) Give four reasons why the area under wheat cultivation is much less than the area under barley cultivation in Ireland - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2012
Question 5
5. (a) Give four reasons why the area under wheat cultivation is much less than the area under barley cultivation in Ireland. (b) Give a reason for each of the fol... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5. (a) Give four reasons why the area under wheat cultivation is much less than the area under barley cultivation in Ireland - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2012
Step 1
Give four reasons why the area under wheat cultivation is much less than the area under barley cultivation in Ireland.
Answer
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Climate Suitability: Barley grows well in the Irish climate and is more valued for animal feed. In contrast, wheat is less suitable for the climate, making it a less favorable crop.
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Market Demand: Barley has higher protein content and is in demand for animal feed, brewing, and distilling, which makes it more profitable compared to wheat.
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Agronomic Factors: Wheat often has specific requirements in terms of soil quality and fertilization, which may not be met widely in Ireland, limiting its cultivation area.
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Disease Vulnerability: Wheat varieties are more prone to diseases compared to barley, making farmers hesitant to grow it.
Step 2
Give a reason for each of the following practices in potato cultivation.
Answer
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(i) Sprouting: This practice speeds up growth and increases yield, promoting earlier potato production.
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(ii) Burning-off the haulms: Burning-off the haulms makes harvesting easier and prevents the spread of blight from the haulms to the tubers.
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(iii) Earthing-up: This process prevents 'greening' of the tubers and supports them against pests and weeds, leading to a better yield.
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(iv) Using certified seed: Certified seeds are free from disease and have a higher germination rate, which leads to better yields and improved crop quality.
Step 3
Outline four reasons for losses occurring in potatoes during storage.
Answer
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Overheating: This can lead to sprouting and rot, significantly reducing the storage quality of the potatoes.
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Damage during Harvesting: Potatoes can incur physical damage during harvesting, which can lead to quicker spoilage in storage.
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Pest and Disease Infestation: Potatoes are susceptible to pests and diseases during storage, which can result in significant losses if not managed properly.
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Poor Ventilation: Storing potatoes in conditions with poor ventilation can lead to humidity buildup, increasing the chance of fungal diseases and rot.