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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 are essential to ensure the crop is harvested at the right time for optimal quality. Three key indicators include:
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Color of the crop (fruit): The color should change to the specific hue associated with ripeness, indicating that the crop is mature.
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Firmness: The fruit or crop should feel firm to the touch, indicating that it has reached its full size and maturity.
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Sugar content: Higher sugar content often signifies that the crop is sweet and ready for harvesting, which is particularly important for fruits.
Step 2
State the disadvantages of hand-harvesting.
Answer
Hand-harvesting, although traditional, has several disadvantages:
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Very slow: Hand-harvesting is significantly slower compared to mechanized methods, which can delay getting the produce to market.
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Labour intensive: This method requires a large number of workers, increasing labor costs and making it less economically viable.
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Dependent on weather conditions: Unfavorable weather conditions can hinder harvesting efficiency and effectiveness, impacting the overall yield.