WAEC Agric Practical Question and Answers PDF File

Agricultural science is a crucial subject for students, focusing on practical skills and knowledge about farming and food production. Preparing for the WAEC Agric practical exams involves understanding various concepts and answering questions that test your practical knowledge. Below are 50 questions and answers to help you prepare effectively.

Top WAEC Agric Practical Question and Answer

Question: Explain the process of germination.

Answer: Germination is the process where a seed develops into a new plant, involving water absorption, the emergence of the root, and shoot development.

Question: What is the importance of crop rotation?

Answer: Crop rotation helps in maintaining soil fertility, reducing soil erosion, and controlling pests and diseases.

Question: Describe the method of grafting in plants.

Answer: Grafting is a technique where tissues from one plant are inserted into those of another, allowing them to grow together.

Question: What are the main types of irrigation?

Answer: The main types of irrigation are surface irrigation, drip irrigation, and sprinkler irrigation.

Question: Explain the term “photosynthesis.”

Answer: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize nutrients from carbon dioxide and water.

Question: How do fertilizers improve plant growth?

Answer: Fertilizers provide essential nutrients that enhance plant growth and increase crop yield.

Question: What is the function of the stomata in plants?

Answer: Stomata are small openings on the leaves that allow gas exchange, enabling photosynthesis and respiration.

Question: Describe the process of pollination.

Answer: Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male anther to the female stigma, leading to fertilization in plants.

Question: What are leguminous crops, and why are they important?

Answer: Leguminous crops, like beans and peas, fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Question: Explain the term “hybridization” in plant breeding.

Answer: Hybridization is the process of crossing two different plant varieties to produce offspring with desirable traits.

Question: What is the role of a farm manager?

Answer: A farm manager oversees the daily operations of a farm, including planting, harvesting, managing workers, and ensuring profitability.

Question: How does soil pH affect plant growth?

Answer: Soil pH affects nutrient availability; most plants grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7).

Question: What is organic farming?

Answer: Organic farming involves growing crops without synthetic chemicals, focusing on natural methods to maintain soil health and control pests.

Question: Describe the use of a sickle in agriculture.

Answer: A sickle is a hand-held agricultural tool used for harvesting crops or cutting grass.

Question: What are the benefits of using organic manure?

Answer: Organic manure improves soil structure, increases water retention, and provides essential nutrients for plants.

Question: Explain the difference between monoculture and polyculture.

Answer: Monoculture is the cultivation of a single crop in a field, while polyculture involves growing multiple crops together.

Question: How does crop spacing affect plant growth?

Answer: Proper crop spacing ensures each plant gets enough sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to better growth and yield.

Question: What is the purpose of crop thinning?

Answer: Crop thinning involves removing excess plants to reduce competition for resources, improving the growth of the remaining plants.

Question: Describe the use of pesticides in farming.

Answer: Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests that damage crops, helping to increase yield and protect plant health.

Question: What is the significance of the agricultural extension service?

Answer: Agricultural extension services provide farmers with information, training, and support to improve their farming practices.

Question: Explain the concept of integrated pest management (IPM).

Answer: IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.

Question: What are the advantages of using improved seed varieties?

Answer: Improved seed varieties offer better resistance to diseases, higher yields, and improved quality of produce.

Question: How does mulching benefit crops?

Answer: Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reduce weed growth, and improve soil fertility.

Question: What is the role of nitrogen in plant growth?

Answer: Nitrogen is a key nutrient that promotes leaf growth and overall plant development.

Question: Describe the process of soil erosion.

Answer: Soil erosion is the removal of the topsoil by wind, water, or human activity, leading to loss of soil fertility.

Question: What are the characteristics of sandy soil?

Answer: Sandy soil is coarse-textured, drains quickly, and is low in nutrients, requiring more frequent watering and fertilization.

Question: Explain the concept of sustainable agriculture.

Answer: Sustainable agriculture involves farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, focusing on environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity.

Question: How does crop insurance work?

Answer: Crop insurance provides financial protection to farmers against losses due to natural disasters, pests, or diseases.

Question: What is agroforestry?

Answer: Agroforestry is a land-use system where trees and shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland, enhancing biodiversity and sustainability.

Question: Describe the use of a hoe in farming.

Answer: A hoe is a hand tool used in farming for weeding, shaping soil, and harvesting root crops.

Question: What are the main causes of deforestation?

Answer: The main causes of deforestation include agriculture expansion, logging, infrastructure development, and forest fires.

Question: Explain the importance of water management in agriculture.

Answer: Water management ensures efficient use of water resources, reduces waste, and improves crop productivity, especially in arid regions.

Question: How do greenhouses benefit crop production?

Answer: Greenhouses provide a controlled environment for growing crops, extending the growing season, and protecting plants from adverse weather conditions.

Question: What is the role of biotechnology in agriculture?

Answer: Biotechnology in agriculture involves using scientific techniques like genetic engineering to improve crop yield, pest resistance, and nutritional value.

Question: Describe the method of transplanting seedlings.

Answer: Transplanting involves moving seedlings from a nursery to the main field, allowing better control over plant spacing and growth.

Question: What are the benefits of crop diversification?

Answer: Crop diversification reduces the risk of crop failure, improves soil health, and provides farmers with multiple sources of income.

Question: Explain the process of composting.

Answer: Composting is the decomposition of organic matter like leaves, food scraps, and manure into nutrient-rich humus that can be used to fertilize the soil.

Question: What is precision farming?

Answer: Precision farming involves using technology like GPS and sensors to manage crops and soil more accurately, leading to increased efficiency and yield.

Question: How do cover crops benefit the soil?

Answer: Cover crops protect the soil from erosion, improve soil structure, and increase nutrient content by fixing nitrogen.

Question: Describe the process of land preparation for planting.

Answer: Land preparation involves plowing, harrowing, and leveling the soil to create a suitable seedbed for planting crops.

Question: What are the challenges of organic farming?

Answer: Challenges of organic farming include lower yields, higher labor costs, and the need for more knowledge and skill in managing crops without synthetic chemicals.

Question: Explain the term “green manure.”

Answer: Green manure refers to crops that are grown and then plowed back into the soil to improve fertility and organic matter content.

Question: What are the benefits of using farm machinery?

Answer: Farm machinery increases efficiency, reduces labor, and allows for the cultivation of larger areas, leading to higher productivity.

Question: How does soil conservation help in sustainable agriculture?

Answer: Soil conservation practices like contour plowing, terracing, and using cover crops help prevent soil erosion and maintain soil fertility.

Question: What is the role of an agricultural extension officer?

Answer: An agricultural extension officer provides advice and support to farmers on best practices, new technologies, and problem-solving in agriculture.

Question: Explain the difference between annual and perennial crops.

Answer: Annual crops complete their life cycle in one growing season, while perennial crops live for more than two years, producing multiple harvests.

Question: How does climate change affect agriculture?

Answer: Climate change affects agriculture by altering weather patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, and impacting crop yields.

Question: What is aquaculture?

Answer: Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms like fish, shellfish, and seaweed, providing a sustainable source of food and income.

Question: Describe the process of animal husbandry.

Answer: Animal husbandry involves the breeding and raising of livestock for food, fiber, and other products, focusing on the care, feeding, and management of animals.

Agricultural science is vital for understanding food production and farming practices. By practicing these questions, students can better prepare for the WAEC Agric practical exams. This preparation will help you gain confidence and perform well in the exam.