A farmer has decided to produce a particular crop for the first time - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 60 marks - 2010

Two minerals that are normally present in the soil include:

1. Nitrogen
2. Phosphorus

A suitable root crop that could be sown is carrots.

A suitable fertilizer for carrots is a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer.

To prepare the seedbed for carrots, the soil should be tilled to a fine texture, removing stones and debris. The soil should be well-aerated, with a depth of at least 12 inches to allow for the root development.

Carrot seeds are typically sown in the early spring, around mid-March to early April, depending on the local climate.

Common pests that affect carrots include carrot flies and aphids. Diseases such as root rot and blight can also impact the crop's health.

To control pests like carrot flies, it is effective to use row covers to prevent them from laying eggs on the crops. For diseases, crop rotation and proper sanitation can help minimize risks.

Carrots can typically be harvested around 70 to 80 days after sowing, when they reach a size of about 1 inch in diameter.

The expected yield for carrots can vary, but generally, it can range from 20 to 40 tons per hectare, depending on cultivation practices and environmental conditions.

To determine the earthworm population, a simple experiment can be conducted using a "soil sampling" technique:

1. Select several random plots within the field.
2. Use a soil core sampler to collect a sample of soil, approximately 30 cm deep and 15 cm in diameter.
3. Place the soil samples in a container with a moist substrate and observe for 24 hours. Earthworms will surface in response to the moisture.
4. Count the number of earthworms in each sample and calculate the average population per sample to estimate the overall earthworm density in the field.