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Crops must be harvested at a stage of readiness that will ensure that it reaches the consumer in a good condition - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
Crops must be harvested at a stage of readiness that will ensure that it reaches the consumer in a good condition. 4.1.1 Name THREE physiological crop maturity indi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Crops must be harvested at a stage of readiness that will ensure that it reaches the consumer in a good condition - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name THREE physiological crop maturity indicators.
Answer
Physiological indicators of crop maturity include:
- Color of the Crop (Fruit): The color change indicates ripeness.
- Firmness: Mature crops typically feel firmer than immature ones.
- Sugar Content: Increased sugar levels often indicate that the crop is ready for harvest.
Step 2
State the disadvantages of hand-harvesting.
Answer
The disadvantages of hand-harvesting include:
- Labour Intensive: Hand-harvesting requires a significant amount of manual labor, making it time-consuming.
- Weather Dependency: Conditions such as rain or extreme heat can impede harvesting efforts.
- Limited Area Coverage: Only small areas can be harvested effectively compared to mechanized methods.
- Potential for Contamination: Produce can be contaminated during handling by workers.