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FIRST TERM E-NOTE
SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE CLASS: SS TWO

FIRST TERM SCHEME OF WORK

WEEK TOPIC
THEME: AGRICULTURAL ECOLOGY
1 Plant Nutrients and Nutrient Cycles: (a) Macro and Micro nutrients: their functions and
Deficiency Symptoms in crops (b) Factors affecting availability of nutrients such as pH, excess of other
Nutrients, leaching etc ©Methods of replenishing lost nutrients-crop rotation, input of organic
Manure etc (d) Nitrogen, carbon, water and phosphorus cycles-Diagrams, processes and importance
of each cycle (e) Organic agriculture-meaning and importance
2 Irrigation: (a) meaning of irrigation system (b) Types of irrigation systems (c) Description of each
irrigation system (d) The advantages and disadvantages of each irrigation system (e) Importance
/advantages of irrigation system (f) problems associated with irrigation
3. Drainage: (a) Meaning of drainage (b) Importance of drainage (c) Types of drainage (d) Description of
the various types of drainage. Advantages of each
4. Agricultural Pollution: (a) Meaning of agricultural pollution (b) causes/sources of pollution of
agricultural lands and fish pond (c) effects of land/pond pollution on farmers and agricultural
productivity
THEME: AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
5. Farm Surveying: (a) Meaning of farm surveying (b) Common surveying equipment (c) Uses of each
equipment (d) maintenance measures on farm survey equipment (e) Importance of farm surveying
6. Farm Planning: (a) Meaning of farm planning (b) Factors considered in farm planning and the design
of a farmstead (c) Importance of farm planning
7. Principles of farmstead Planning and location of Buildings/Structures: (a)Meaning of farmstead (b)
Importance of farmstead planning (c) Principles of farm planning/layout . Consider the following: (a)
farmstead sitting (i) soil condition (ii) water supply (b) location of farm buildings
THEME: FORESTRY
8. Forest Management: (a) meaning of forest and forestry (b) Importance of forestry (c) Forest
regulation (d) Forest management practices: (i) selective exploitation (ii)regeneration (iii) Afforestation
(iv) water shed (e) Implication of Deforestation
9. Agro Forestry practices in Nigeria: (a) meaning and practices of Agro forestry: (i) Taungya system (ii)
Different Agro forestry combination in production of crops, livestock pasture (iii) Tree-species suitable
for agro forestry practices
THEME: ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
10. Meaning and Importance of Ornamental plants: (a) Meaning of ornamental plants (b) Importance
of ornamental plants (i) screening and delineation (ii) architectural beauty of buildings etc
11. Revision
12. Examination
REFERENCES
1. Evans Agricultural Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited.
2. Agricultural Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; Melrose Books and Publishers.
 3. Essential Agricultural Science for Senior Secondary School by O.A Iwena Tonad Publishers Ltd
4. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for SSS by L.A Are, et al; University Press Ibadan.

WEEK 1 CLASS……………
SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
CONTENT: PLANT NUTRIENTS AND NUTRIENTS CYCLE ETC.
1. Macro and micro-nutrients: Their functions and deficiency
2. Factors affecting availability of nutrients
3. Methods of replenishing lost nutrients and Organic Agriculture
4. Nitrogen, carbon, water and phosphorous cycles

SUB TOPIC 1: Macro and Micro nutrients

Nutrients are elements substance that provides nourishment for growth, development, metabolism and
general well – being to plants. The most basic nutrient elements are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen,
which are usually obtained from the air or water medium in which the plant grows. All the other
elements can be grows. All the other elements can be classified into two groups, macro and micro
nutrients.

i. MACRO NUTRIENTS: Macro nutrients are mineral elements required by crops in a relatively
large quantity. Examples of macro- nutrients are nitrogen phosphorous , potassium, magnesium,
calcium and sulphur.
ii. MICRO NUTRIENTS: Micro nutrients, also known as trace elements are mineral elements
required by crops in small quantities. Examples of micro nutrients are iron, manganese, boron,
molybdenum, copper, zinc. Others appear to be helpful for the growth of certain species of plants.
The functions and deficiency symptoms of these nutrients are summarized below.

SOURCES, FUNCTIONS AND DEFFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF PLANT NUTIRNTS.

NUTRIENT SOURCES FUNCTIONS DEFFICEINCY

SYMPTOMS
Nitrogen (N) *Decay organic substances *Forms an essential constituent in all plant *stunted growth, older
*Use of nitrogen fertilizer. protein, enzymes hormones and potassium. leaves turn yellow or
have chlorosis
*Fixation through thunder *it is essential for plant growth and makes
storm. vegetables to look more succulent. *Leaves drop
prematurely, poor
*By nitrogen fixing micro- *it helps to increase grain sixe in cereals and formation of flowers and
organisms in leguminuous promotes carbohydrate synthesis fruits.
crops like cowpea *it promotes the uptake of other nutrients such
as potassium and phosphorous. *weak slender stems
*it helps in chlorophyll formation making leaves
to appear deep green
N.B. Excess nitrogen may lead to excessive
vegetative growth
*delay plants maturation and fruiting.
*make plant stems to become weaken and bend
over (to lodge) may decrease resistance in
grains.

PHOSPHOROUS *Organic matter *it is essential in cell division because it is part *poor root development
(P) decomposition. of the cell nucleus *stunted growth
*added directly to soil *it helps in root development, flowering fruit *purple coloration of
component of fertilizer and seed formation leaves in maize
*encourages and quickens ripening of fruits *delay in flowering
*it increases disease resistance in plants fruiting and ripening
*improves the palatability of vegetables and *lack of resistance to
forage grasses. lodging and disease
*it encourages fibre production especially in
cereal crops, reducing the plant tendency to
lodge.
*it is a major constituent of plant tissues
*necessary for manufacture and translocation of
carbohydrates.
It is required for the formation of chlorophyll
and grains especially in cereals and tubers in
 *decaying organic tuber crops *it causes weak slender
POTASSIUM substances *helps in activating essential enzymes reactions sterms
(K) *application of wood ash. in plants *it causes margin of
*uses of potash fertilizers *aids translocation of sugars from one part of leaves to turn brown
plant to areas where they are needed. scotched and rough
*helps to increase plants resistance to bacterial *premature leaf drop
and fungal attack. *it causes delayed growth
Helps to neutralise organic acids especially in of plants
young plants.
Promotes nitrate uptake from soil.
Promotes water circulation and regulation in
plants

CALCUIM (Ca) *organic residues *it strengthens plant cell wall with calcium *weakness in plants
*application of liming pectate *stunting of the root
materials such as calcium *it is needed for normal growth of root tips. system
carbonate, calcium *It helps to reduce soil acidity. *pale yellowing of leaves
phosphate minerals
*it aids in the translocation and deposition of *presence of aome
carbohydrates and proteins in seed and tubers minerals at toxic levels
*it helps in improving soil aeration water in e.g Aluminium iron etc.
filtration and retention
*It improves the soil PH so that nitrogen fixation
can be carried out
*controls the field toxicity of Aluminium
manganese and sodium ions.

MAGNESIUM *it is added directly into soil *it is a constituent of chlorophyll and necessary * it slows down
(Mg) in the form of liming in plants synthesis photosynthesis
material such as dolomite *it is required in normal cell divisions in plants *stunted growth
(calcium magnesium
carbonate). *it is important in enzymes activation *white coloration of
*It helps in phosphate transport and fruit leaves between veins of
*Through organic residue. older leaves.
formation in plants
*it helps in the synthesis of oils as in oil palm
*it works with calcium to reduce soil acidity
SULPHUR (S) *decaying of organic *it forms parts of some amino acids and so, *stunted growth poor rate
substances helps to build protein of photosynthesis
*addition of fertilizer such *it activates hormones and chlorophyll *yellowing of leaves
as ammonium sulphates formation *slows down
super phosphate *it is required for carbohydrate metabolism and carbohydrate synthesis in
nitrogen fixation by leguminous plants. plants.
MICRO-NUTRIENTS

IRON (Fe) *decayed organic matter *it is necessary for chlorophyll formation *chlorosis – the leaves
*rock minerals *it is used for protein synthesis. becomes pale green
*it promotes enzymatic oxidation and reduction
reaction

MANGANESE *decayed organic matter *it is a constituent of enzymes responsible for *pale greenish, yellow
(Mn) *rock minerals protein synthesis discoloration between
*it is necessary for nitrogen transformation in veins especially in young
plants and micro organisms plants and seedlings.

BORON (B) Rock minerals *it is needed for protein synthesis *general poor growth
*it facilitates root development *death of shoot and root
*encourages module formation in legumes tips
*it is necessary in plant cell division *causes lodging and stem
*aids formation of fruits and seed. breaking
*flower buds fail to
develop
*rate of water absorption
and translocation of sugar
decrease.
MOLYBDENUM *rock minerals *necessary for nitrogen fixation in leguminous *poor growth
(Mo) *decayed organic matter plants *in cabbage the internal
*necessary for protein synthesis tissues turn black.
*it is a constituent of certain enzymes *pale green discoloration
*it is involved in photosynthesis of young leaves and
COPPER (Cu) *Rock minerals *it is important for respiration in plants seedlings
*it is important in the utilization of iron *tip of leaves dry off and
die back.
ZINC (Zn) Rock minerals *it is necessary for enzymes reaction Causes mottled and small
leaves.

COBALT Rock minerals Required for symbiotic fixation of nitrogen Reduction in nitrogen
legumes fixation in legumes

EVALUATION:
1. Differentiate between macro and micro-nutrients. Give examples of each
2. State the function and deficiency symptoms of (a) Nitrogen (b) Potassium (c) Sulphur (d)
Phosphorus.
3. What are the sources, functions and deficiency symptoms of (i) Molybdenum (ii) Boron (iii)
Manganese.

SUB-TOPIC 2: FACTORS AFFECTING AVAILABILITY OF NUTRIENTS

The following are the factors that influence availability of nutrients in the soil:

SOIL PH: this is a measure if acidity and alkalinity of the soil or any other medium in which plants
grow. In acid soils, aluminium, sodium and manganese exits in excess or at toxic levels while calcium,
magnesium and molybdenum such as iron, manganese and zinc dissolve in them to released in excess,
causing toxicity to plants. At high pH, calcium and magnesium ions accumulate in the soil and this
affects plant growth negatively.

CONCENTRATION OF OTHER NUTRIENTS: availability of different nutrients depends on the

concentration of other elements in the soil. For example, too much concentration of nitrogen and
phosphorus makes potassium unavailable for plants. Also excess of soluble iron and aluminium in
acidic soil and calcium in alkaline soil reduces the availability of phosphorus.

LEACHING: This is the washing away of nutrients from the top soil to other parts of the soil thereby
making them out of reach of plants roots. Soil nutrients such as calcium magnesium and potassium as
lost from the top soil through leaching while aluminium and hydrogen ions accumulates.

EROSION: This is the carrying away of the top soil along with its nutrients by water or wind.

BUSH BURNING: Burning destroys soil organic matter directly and exposes the soil to erosion.
These organic matter contents are very rich in nutrients, phosphorus and sulphur but these nutrients are
lost in gaseous form during burning. Burning also destroys beneficial soil organisms that help in
organic matter decomposition and soil aeration.

OXIDATION AND REDUCTION: Oxidation of ammonium radicals lead to loss of nitrogen in the
ammonia gas produced. Also when iron joins with oxygen to form soil oxides. It reduces free iron
availability. Reduction of nitrates fixation process also leads to loss of nitrogen.

CROP REMOVAL: Plants absorb nutrients from the soil for their growth. If they are harvested and
taken out of the farm, the nutrients in them are also depleted. Forage crops are also harvested to feed
the animals. These practices decrease the nutrients content in the soil.

EVALUATION

1. State five factors influencing the availability of nutrient in the soil.

2. Briefly explain how bush burning affects soil nutrients availability
3. How does crop harvesting influence soil nutrients availability

SUB TOPIC 3: METHODS OF REPLENISHING SOIL NUTRIENTS

 Soil nutrients get lost from the soil through various ways such as burning leaching oxidation and
reduction. Crop removal over grazing continuous cropping, and need to be replenished. The various
methods for replenishing lost soil nutrients are crop rotation, organic manuring, bush fallowing,
liming, cover cropping and inorganic fertilisation

1. Crop Rotation: This is cropping system in which different crops are grown on the same piece of
land every year in a definite order on cycle. It is necessary to include a leguminous plant in the
cycle. Principles guiding crop rotation system includes: (a) deep rooted crops like yam and
cassava must not follow each other (b) shallow rooted crops like maize and rice should not follow
one another (c) crops belonging to the same family and which can be affected by the same pest
and diseases should not follow each other in the rotation (d) there should be at least a legume in
the rotation

Table 1: A typical 4 – crop, 4 – plot rotation

YEAR PLOT 1 PLOT 2 PLOT 3 PLOT 4

YEAR1 CASSAVA MAIZE YAM COWPEA
YEAR 2 MAIZE YAM COWPEA CASSAVA
YEAR 3 YAM COWPEA CASSAVA MAIZE
YEAR 4 COWPEA CASSAVA MAIZE YAM

ADVANTAGES OF CROP ROTATION

1. It helps to maintain the fertility of the soil

2. It helps in erosion control and prevents nutrient loss from the soil
3. Inclusion of legumes in the rotation helps to enrich the soil nutrient with nitrates.
4. It helps to maximize the use of soil.
5. It makes continuous cropping possible for many years.
2. Organic Manuring: Organic manuring is the application of decaying plant and animal material into
the soil with the aim of increasing the soil fertility. There are three major types of organic
manuring (i) Green manure (ii) Farm yard manure (iii) Compost manure

i.Green Manure refers to the fresh leguminous plants and other fresh growing plants being ploughed into
the soil when they are still tender so that the rate of decomposition can be fast. Examples of such
leguminous plants are cowpea, mucnna, peuro, centro.

ii.Farm yard Manure: This is a collection of animal wastes such as animal dungs, faeces, urine, beddings
or which have been allowed to undergo series of decomposition before being used as fertilizers.

iii.Compost Manure: This is a type of manure that is prepared by heaping plant and animal materials in a
definite order, and allowed to decompose progressively under careful supervisions. Compost manure can
be prepared in two ways: Pit method and Heap method

ADVANTAGES OF USING ORGANIC MANURE

i. It encourages and promotes the activities of beneficial soil organism

ii. It helps to improve soil structure
 iii. It prevents soil erosion
iv. It increase water retention capacity of the soil
v. It increase the rate of water percolation into the soil
vi. It improves soil aeration
vii. It reduces rapid soil temperature fluctuation
viii. It protects the soil surface and reduces evaporation from the soil
ix. It helps to conserve soil moisture
x. It balances acid-base conditions of the soil.
xi. Mineralization of the organic content adds nutrients directly to the soil.

3. Bush Fallowing: Bush fallowing is the act of leaving a piece of land uncultivated for a relatively short
period before it is cultivated again. This enables the land to regain its fertility during the fallow period.
The period could be 2 to 5 years.

4. Liming: Liming is the practice of adding calcium or magnesium compounds to a piece of soil to reduce
the acidity of the soil. For example limestone, calcium carbonate and quick lime. Liming helps to
neutralise soil acidity. It increases activities of soil organisms. It makes calcium and phosphorous readily
available for use in plant.

4. Cover Cropping: This involves the planting of crops which spread and cover the soil surface apart from
the planted crops. they are majority legumes and include centrosema specie, peuraria species, stylosanthes
species and calopogonuim specie. They are capable of fixing nitrogen in the soil through the help of some
soil organism, especially bacteria. The roots of cover crops help to hold soil together while the leaves help
to reduce the impact of rain splash thereby allowing water to drop gently and percolate into the soil. It
therefore prevents or reduces soil erosion.

5.Inorganic Manuring or fertilization: Synthetic fertilizer or inorganic fertilizers are chemically

formulated salts that have been manufactured with the purpose of supplying major nutrients that may be
deficient in the soil. These fertilizers are classified based on the nutrients they supply:

(a) Single or straight fertilizers: These supply only one major nutrients. Examples are single super
phosphorous (CaHPO4) ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4, ammonium nitrate NH4 NO3.
(b) Compound or mixed fertilizers: These supply more than one major nutrients examples are
NPK fertilizer and ammonium phosphate.

METHODS OF APPLYING FERTILIZER: Fertilizers may be applied to soil using the following
methods.

a. Row or side band application: The fertilizer is applied in a row made a few centimeters away
from the crop. Drilling machine is often used to apply fertilizer this way.
b. Top dressing: This is done by spreading the fertilizer on the soil surface where the crop is
already growing. Soluble fertilizers like nitrate of potash and ammonium nitrate are applied
this way.
c. Broadcasting: This is done by scattering the fertilizer materials evenly on the soil surface
usually before cultivation. The soil fertilizer is later ploughed into the soil.
d. Band placement: This is done by applying the fertilizer in bands by the side of the planted
crop. This is done for individual plant.
e. Ring Method: This is done by applying the fertilizer in rings, usually about 15cm, around the
planted crop. This is done for individual plants.
f. Foliar spray: This is done by dissolving dome trace elements in water and spraying directly on
the crop. The stems and the leaves absorb the elements directly.

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Meaning of organic agriculture: Organic agriculture is a form of agriculture that relies on

techniques such as crop rotation green mature, compost and biological pest controls to
maintain soil productivity and control pest on a farm. It makes use of little or no fertilizers,
herbicides insecticides and fungicides.
It is a production system that sustain the health of soil, the ecosystem and the people. It
combines traditional innovation with science to the benefits of the environment and a good
quality of life for all involved.
Organic agriculture has produced organic meat, poultry eggs and dairy products from animals
that were not given antibiotics or growth hormones

Importance of Organic Agriculture

1. It encourages farmers to use natural fertilizers like organic manure, green manure
2. It uses crop rotation to improve and enrich the soil.
3. It prevents both animals and man from the dangerous effects of using synthetic fertilizers.

EVALUATION

1. Enumerate six ways of replenishing soil nutrients

2. State five advantages of applying organic manure to the soil
3. What is crop rotation? State three advantages of crop rotation.
4. List five methods of applying inorganic fertilizers.

EVALUATION

1. Define organic agriculture

2. State three importance of organic agriculture

SUB TOPIC 4: NUTREINTS CYCLE: Nitrogen, Carbon, Water and Phosphorous cycle. Diagram
process and important of each cycle

Nutrients cycle refers to the circulation of some nutrients in nature. They occur in the sea, soils, air
forest etc.

NITROGEN CYCLE: This is the natural process by which nitrogen moves in natural forms to
another in the environment.
Processes of Nitrogen Transformation include:

A. Oxidation during lightening: Nitrogen in the air combines with oxygen to form oxides of
nitrogen such as nitric-oxides. Nitrogen peroxide and nitric-oxide. These undergo further
oxidation to from nitrogen-dixoide. When this dissolves in water during rain. It forms nitrons
acid and nitric acid. These are converted to nitrates and filter into the soil with rain water.
B. By ammonification and nitrification: Ammonification iks the process whereby ammonium
compounds are formed from decomposing organic materials as well as from the waste
products from plant and animals such as urine and faeces through the action of purifying
bacteria. The ammonia so released is converted to nitrites by a group of initiating bacteria
called Nitrosomonas. The nitrites are concerted to nitrates by another bacterium called
Nitrobacter. The nitrates formed are absorbed from the soil while some are lost as nitrogen
gas.
C. Nitrogen fixation: Soil atmosphere contains up to 80% nitrogen. This nitrogen is oxidized to
form nitrate ions by two groups of bacteria namely:
i. Symbolic bacteria like Rhizobium leguminous. They live in root noodles of legumes.
The bacteria obtain carbohydrates from the plant while the plant obtain nitrogen.
ii. Free living bacteria like clostridium and azotobacter. The bacteria fix atmosphere
nitrogen into the soil aerobically and anaerobically.
D. Addition of organic manure and nitrogen fertilizers also adds nitrogen to the soil when
they decay.
E. Denitrification: This is the process by which nitrates in the soil are converted to nitrogen gas
by certain denitrifying bacteria.

IMPORTANCE OF NITROGEN CYCLE

Nitrogen cycle is one of the most important nutrient cycle in relation to terrestrial ecosystem:

1. Nitrogen is required by organisms for metabolic function and respiration

2. It is useful to plants in form of a solid nitrate
3. Nitrogen is used in plant for the manufacture of food.

CARBON CYCLE
This involves the process involved in the flow of carbon in the environment

PROCESSES OF CARBON CYCLE

During photosynthesis, carbon (iv)oxide is taken up by plants from the atmosphere for growth and
development while they store the remaining CO 2 as fats and polysaceharides in tissues and parts of
the plants body.

When animals consume these plants, the products are converted to other forms. Through
respiration carbon (iv) oxide passes into the atmosphere. Animal wastes and dead bodies
decompose through bacteria and fungi reactions and part of the carbon is released as CO 2 into the
atmosphere. Industrial activities also generate carbon as carbon (iv) oxide. Likewise the burning of
woodm charcool and other waste materials send carbon (iv) oxide into the atmosphere.

Mining activities also conveys carbon into the earth surface in dorm of fossil fuels and limestone.

Rain dissolves part of the carbon (iv) oxide and converts it to carbonates when it reaches the
ocean. Anytime the carbon (iv)oxide available in the atmosphere decreases, ocean releases part of
the CO2 into atmosphere while excess are also absorbed by the ocean. Hence the amount of CO2
in the environment remains balance.

Importance of carbon cycle

Carbon cycle is important to the ecosystems because it helps sustain environment. Green plants
absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and use it to manufacture food in the presence of sunlight and
chlorophyll. Animals and man make use of carbohydrate food produced by plants to get energy
and the fruit used as food. Parts of the carbon in animal wastes accumulate over a long period of
time in the soil to form fossil fuels and limestone.

Water Cycle: Water cycle is the constant circulation of water in various ways in the
environment.

Processes of Water Cycle: The environment holds a certain volume of water as vapour.
This vapour falls down as rain when ever condition favours it. Part of the rain water is absorbed by
soil and is taken up by plants. They are later evaporated through the process of transpiration. Part
of the water flows underground to join lakes and ocean. Some of the water is brought to the earth
surface inform of spring water, well, and bore-hole.

Water gets evaporated into the atmosphere from the ocean, lakes, rivers and soil. Part of the water
is also taken up and exerted by human and animals. The sun and the atmospheric gravity ensures
the constant movement of vapour and water in the atmosphere.

Importance of water Cycle

1. The water cycle plays a significant role in the maintenance of life and ecosystem on earth.
2. The waster cycle helps purify water, replenishes the land with fresh water and assists in the
transport of minerals in the environment.
3. It contributes to erosion and sedimentary.

POHSPHOROUS CYCLE
Phosphorous cycle is the circulation of phosphorous in the environment. It illustrates the
movement of phosphorous through the lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere.

Process of Phosphorous Cycle

Phosphorous is found in rocks and mineral form. In nature it exits as phosphate ion. Plants absorb
phosphate ions from soil and use for growth and development. The crops get consumed by the
herbivorous animals and man which are also consumed by carnivorous animals. The plants and
animals die and the phosphorous present in their body is decomposed and released into the soil as
phosphates ions. The phosphate carried by runoff water sinks into the soil and deposited into
ocean while some from rocks, and the cycle continues.

Importance of Phosphorous
1. Phosphorous is useful for plants and animals
 2. About 80% of the phosphorous is used to make fertilizers
3. Dilute phosphoric acid is used in soft drinks
4. Over enrichment of phosphate can lead to algae bloom as it causes bacteria to grow in large
quantities. They cause the death of fish.
5. Phosphorous causes pollution of lakes and streams.

EVALUATION

1. With the aid of a diagram fully label and describe the carbon cycle.
2. With the aid of an annotated diagram only illustrate the water cycle.
3. Explain the importance of phosphorous cycle to crops and animals.

GENERAL EVALUATION

OBJECTIVETEST

1. Which of the following is a micro nutrient? (a) Calcium (b) Magnesium (c) Molybdenum (d)
Potassium
2. Which of the following is not an advantage of crop rotation (a) it is a process of soil
formation which facilitates rock weathering? (b) it helps to reduce the problem of pests and
diseases. (c) it improves soil fertility (d) it helps to control soil erosion.
3. Which of the following causes depletion of soil nutrients? (a) Liming (b) crop rotation (c)
leaching (d) organic manuring.
4. The following are reasons why burning is discouraged in land preparation for crop production
except (a) it exposes the land to erosion problem (b) it destroys organic matter in the soil (c)
it increases calcium and potassium level of the soil (d) it increases soil temperature which
affects soil living organisms.
5. Which of the following is not a method of fertilizer application? (a) dusting (b) foliar
application (c) ring method (d) top dressing.
6. One of the following is a symbolic organism (a) Rhizobium (b) azotobacter (c) clostodium
(d) nitrobacter

ESSAY TEST
1. With the aid of a well labelled diagram describe the nitrogen cycle.
2. State 2 functions each of the following nutrients in plant: (i) Nitrogen (ii) Phosphorous
(iii) sulphur
3. Explain the role of soil pH in the availability of plant nutrient
4. Apart from lighting state three other ways by which nitrogen is added to the soil.
5. Differentiate between macro and micro nutrients. Give five examples of each.
6. Suggest and explain five possible methods of improving soil nutrients.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Agricultural science for senior schools Book 2 by M. O Adeniji et al; PAGES 1-10
PRE READING ASSIGNMENT
Read about irrigation systems from Evans Agric Science book 2pages 16-21
WEEK END ACTIVITY
Explain various methods of irrigation
REFERENCE TEXT
1. Evans Agricultural Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
2. Agricultural Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; Melrose Books and Publishers.
3. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for SSS by L.A Are, et al; University Press Ibadan.

WEEK: 2 DATE: …………………………

SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

CLASS: SS 2
TOPIC: IRRIGATION SYSTEM
CONTENT: 1. Meaning, Importance and Problems of Irrigation
2. Types of Irrigation System
SUB TOPIC 1: Meaning and Importance of Irrigation System

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to the soil for the purpose of supplying moisture for plant
growth. This is because water is the most important determining factor in crop production

IMPORTANCE OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM

1. Provision of moisture necessary for plant growth
2. It increases yield of crops
3. It improves microbial decomposition of organic matter to release crop nutrients
4. It cools the soil temperature in the hot and dry season
5. It reduces harmful accumulated salt in the soil
6. It makes for all year round cultivation and crop production
7. It facilitates seed germination and enable the crops to be well established when rainfall is not steady
8. It reduces the hazard of soil caking
9. It stabilizes the farmer’s economy since production is not seasonal or erratic
PROBLEMS OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM
1. It is capital intensive
2. High technical know-how is required
3. Excess salt in the water may lead to excess salt accumulation in such soil
4. It may aid disease transmission and breeding of vectors
5. It may result to environmental pollution.

EVALUATION
1. What is irrigation?
2. State the importance of irrigation to the farmers

SUB TOPIC 2: TYPES OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM

There are three main types of irrigation. They are:

1. SURFACE IRRIGATION: This is an irrigation system whereby water is directed through surface
channels to flow into the farm. Water is conveyed from the water source such as stream, river or dam to
farmland. This method is further subdivided into the following types:

a. Uncontrolled or Wild Flooding: it is the earliest method used on smooth land with regular and
moderate slope. In other words water is allowed to flow freely from field ditches into the farm without
bonds to check its flow. It is practice in areas water is in abundant supply and readily available.

b. Border (Basin) Irrigation: this is refers to controlled flooding of farmland. Flood water from water
source is channeled into the farmland with bunds at interval to control the water flow.

c. Furrow Irrigation: this is a type of control flooding where water is allowed to flow through the furrow
between ridges while crops grow on the ridges.

DVANTAGES OF SURFACE IRRIGATION

a. It is easy and cheap to construct and maintain
b. It improves the activities of soil microbes
c. It can be used on large farm
d. Water is evenly distributed over the farm
e .It does not require high technical skill

DISADVANTAGES OF SURFACE IRRIGATION

a .Some crops cannot tolerate heavy flooding
b .It is not good on sandy soil
c.To control water may be difficult

2. SUB-SURFACE/UNDERGROUND IRRIGATION: this is a system by which water is supplied below the

soil surface by using perforated pipes. Water in the soil gets to the roots of crops by capillary action.

ADVANTAGES
a. It is good for soil with low water holding capacity and high infiltration rate
b .Evaporation is reduced
c. Damage to irrigation equipment is reduced
d. Water is directly supplied to the root inside the soil

DISADVANTAGES
a. Water with high salt content cannot be used
b. It needs expertise
c. It is expensive to practice

3. OVERHEAD IRRIGATION: This is a type of irrigation system where water is sprayed into the farmland
from above the surface of the soil inform of showers. Two types of overhead irrigation exist. They are
sprinkler and drip irrigation
a. Sprinkler Irrigation: the water is spray from the air and allowed to fall on the ground surface like rain
through the nozzle under high pressure. A pumping machine is used to pump the water into irrigation
pipes which supplies the nozzle for even distribution of water

b. Drip Irrigation: also known as trickle irrigation. Parallel pipes are laid about 15m apart with the nozzle
attached to the pipes to discharge, drip or emit water near the base of the at selected openings.

ADVANTAGES OF OVERHEAD IRRIGATION

a. It is economical in the use of water
b .It reduces salt concentration to the root zone
c. It can be used to apply fertilizer
d .It is good for arid and semi arid land

DISADVANTAGES OF OVERHEAD IRRIGATION

a. It is expensive to set up and maintain
b. The practice is not good on sloppy farmland
c .It is not good for water having high salt content
EVAULATION
1. State the differences we have between wild flooding and furrow irrigation
2. List five advantages of surface irrigation and three disadvantages of sub surface irrigation
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. The appropriate irrigation method for upland rice field is (a) sprinkler (b) drip (c)flooding (d)
underground
2. Irrigation water is passed underneath the soil through (a) sprinkler (b) canals (c) pipes (d) drips
3. The problems associated with farm irrigation do not include (a) high cost of irrigation equipment (b)
increase in soil pH (c) continuous supply of irrigation water (d) build up of pests on farms
4. Flood irrigation is mainly used in (a) arid area (b) tropical area (c) sloppy area (d) savanna area
5. The method of irrigation suitable for use on a steep slope is (a) shadoof (b) flood (c) furrow (d)
sprinkler
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Agric Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji,et al; pages 16-21
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Agric Science for SSS by M.O Adenijiet al; pages24-27
WEEKEND ACTIVITY
Define drainage and state why it improves the productivity of water logged soils
REFERENCES
1. Evans Agricultural Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
2. Agricultural Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; Melrose Books and Publishers.
3. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for SSS by L.A Are, et al; University Press Ibadan.

WEEK 3 DATE
SUBJECT: AGRIC SCIENCE
TOPIC: DRAINAGE
CONTENT:
I. Meaning of Drainage
II. Types of Drainage
III. Importance of Drainage

SUB TOPIC 1: MEANING OF DRAINAGE

Drainage is the removal of excess water artificially from a farmland to prevent water logging and
promote good farming activities. Excess water may be removed through channels, pipes or funnels
either from the surface of land or beneath the soil.

Types of Drainage (Drainage systems)

There are two major types of drainage. These are:
 Surface drainage
 Sub-surface / underground drainage.
Surface drainage: -This is the removal of excess water from the surface of the farmland using
constructed open ditches filed drain, land grading and lateral ditches. This is divided into (i) Random field
surface drain (ii) parallel filed drain.
Random field surface is suitable for areas with pot holes or depressions (rough topography).
Parallel field drain is ideal where fields are flat or less than 1 – 2% slope.
Advantages of Surface Drainage
1. It is easier to construct
2. It is cheaper than sub-surface drainage system
3. It prevents stagnant water
4. It can be practiced where soil is tight, impermeable, shallow and where less valued crops
are grown.
Disadvantage of surface Drainage
1. It disturbs the movement of machines like tractors.
2. It occupies large area of land that would have been used for cultivation.
3. The cost of construction of drains or ditches is high.
4. Open ditches are prone to gully erosions.
5. Cost of production will be increased.

B. Sub-surface / underground Drainage.

This is an orderly removal of excess water beneath the soil from the land artificially using drainage
tiles, pipes, moles and plastic tubing.
In this system, special drainage tiles made of porcelain or burnt clay are laid side by side with small
openings between the adjacent tiles.
When the soil saturated with water, the water is discharged through the openings between the
adjacent tiles. Often, perforated tubings are used in place of ceramics because they are less expensive.
Types of Sub-surface drainage
There are different types of sub-surface drainage; they include:
(i) Random system
(ii) Herringbone system
(iii) Gridiron system
(iv) The interception drains

(i)The random (natural) system is an undulating topography

(ii) The herring bone : - Is ideal where there is a slight depression on the land or in a slope.

(iii) Gridiron system: - Is the common type, and is ideal for flat regularly shape fields.

(iv) Interception drain: - Is always found along both sides of the water ways.

Advantages of sub-surface drainage

1. It does not disturb farm machine’s movement.
2. Soil is deep and permeable with high infiltrability.
3. It leaves the field free from surface obstructions.
4. The soil is hard hence, drainage pipes cannot be damaged.
Disadvantages
1. Is very expensive.
2. It requires skilled man power for it to operate well and many local farmers cannot provide this.

Importance of Drainage / Benefits of Drainage to Agriculture

1. It facilitates early ploughing and planning.
2. It helps lengthens the crop-growing season.
 3. It helps in soil aeration
4. It reduces soil erosion
5. It increases the activities of microbes.
6. It leaches excess salt from the soil
7. It assures higher soil temperature
8. Land wastage is minimized.
PROBLEMS OF DRAINAGE:
The following problems are associated with drainage construction, repairs and maintenance.
1. High cost of establishment and maintenance.
2. It brings about reduction in the size of farm land.
3. The reservoir where water is stored can act as breeding ground for pest.
4. It cannot be practiced in all farm land especially where water table is very high.
EVALUATION
State five importance of drainage to agriculture:
Pre-reading assignment: Read about Agricultural pollution as the next topic.

Weekend assignment: Read pages 24-28 of Evans Agricultural Science For Senior Secondary Schools2
by M.O.Adeniji and answer all the questions on the revision test.
Weekend activity: State five problems of drainage to farmers.
Evaluation:
Essay questions:
1. State 3 effects of drainage on crop productions.
2. Give 2 main reasons why surface drainage is often necessary in crop production
3. List 4 methods of sub-surface drainage to agriculture
4. List and discuss the two major types of drainage.
Objectives:
1. The removal of excess water from the soil is called (a) Irrigation (b) Drainage (c) Mulching (d)
Sub-surface drainage (e) Tillage
2. Drainage types include the following except (a) Open (b) Channel (c) Surface (d) Shadow (e)
Underground.
3. One disadvantages of drainage ditches in farms is (a) Increase land for farming purpose (b)
Reclaiming undesirable land for farming (c) Restricting movement of farm machines (d)
Retaining water in ditches. (e) Preventing plant roots from reaching water level.
4. All but one is not a system of sub-drainage (a) Natural system (b) Herringbone (c) Interception
(d) Gridiron (e) Parallel.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Comprehensive Agricultural science for senior secondary schools.
2. Round up Agricultural science – A complete guide by S.O Olaitan et al.
3.Evans Agricultural Science For Senior Secondary Schools by M.O. Adeniji e tal.
WEEK: 4 DATE: …………………………

SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

CLASS: SS 2
TOPIC: Agricultural Pollution
CONTENT: 1. Meaning of Agricultural Pollution
2. Types and Sources of Pollution of Agricultural Lands and Fish ponds
3. Effects of Land/Pond Pollution on farmers and Agric Productivity

SUB TOPIC 1: Meaning and Types of Agricultural Pollution

Pollution simply means introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes discomfort
to the ecosystem. Agricultural Pollution comprises of wastes, emissions and discharges arising from farm
activities which may constitute nuisance to the ecosystem. These include liquid pollutants such waste
from garri processing industries, abattoir wastes and gaseous agricultural wastes such as emissions from
burning of farmlands.
EVALUATION
1. What is pollution?
2. Define agricultural pollution

SUB TOPIC 2: Types and Sources of Pollution of Agricultural Land and Fish pond
There are three major types of Agricultural Pollution
1. Atmospheric/Air Pollution: This is the introduction of chemical substances such as matters and
biological materials that are harmful to human life and other living organisms into the atmosphere. The
causes include automobile emission; Pesticide spray; smoke from burning bush, animal remains and
tyres
Sources of Atmospheric Pollution include pesticides spray, vehicular and power plant emission, burning
of agricultural materials and livestock waste.

2. Water/Pond Pollution: This is the introduction of chemicals, physicals and organic matters into the
water bodies which degrade water quality and affect the organisms living in them. Water pollutants
include pesticides, heavy metals and non-degradable chemical compounds.

Sources of Water Pollution include oil spillage, erosion, refuse and sewage, agricultural wastes,
industrial effluents, drug disposal and pesticide drift

3. Land/Soil Pollution: This is the degradation of the earth’s crust through misuse of the soil by poor
agricultural practices, mineral exploitation, industrial wastes dumping and indiscriminate disposal of
urban wastes.

Sources of Land Pollution are pesticide application, fertilizer waste, oil spillage, industrial waste,
erosion, refuse and sewage, mining and exploration and burning of agricultural wastes.

EVALUATION
1. List any three common types of agricultural pollution with relevant examples.
2. Explain one of the types of agricultural pollution.
SUB TOPIC 3: Effects of Land/Pond Pollution on farmers and agricultural productivity

A. Effects of Land /Pond Pollution on the Man

1. It leads to health problems of farmers and consumers of contaminated produce
2. It renders water unfit for drinking and for domestic use
3. Consumption of contaminated food, fruits and water can lead to death
4. Exposure to some pollutants may lead to terminal diseases such as kidney failure, cancer etc
5. Inhalation of polluted gases can lead to respiratory disorder
6. Polluted sites and water may lead to displacement of workers

B. Effects of Land/ Pod Pollution on Agricultural Productivity

1. Loss of top soil
2. Inhalation of polluted gases causes respiratory disorder to farm animals
3. Direct consumption of contaminated feed and water can lead to the death of livestock
4. Soil useful organisms are destroyed as a result of indiscriminate use of chemicals
5. The quality and quantity of farm produce are affected
6. Oxygen depletion caused by increase in population of decomposers can kill aquatic organisms
7. Attempt to control agricultural pollution increases cost of production

EVALUATION
1. State three effects of land and pond pollution on man
2. What are the effects of pollution on the farm animals?
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. The following are pollutants except (a) hydrocarbons (b) oxides of nitrogen (c) oxygen (d) smoke
2. Water pollution is caused by the following except (a) oil spillage (b) waste deposit into the water
bodies (c) vehicular emission (d) direct application of pesticide to kill aquatic organisms.
3. Which of the following causes air pollution? (a) burning of animal bones (b) wrong use of farm
implements (c) wrong handling of affected animals (d) the use of heavy metals
4. One of the following is an effect of oil spillage (a) erosion (b) spread of dust (c) reduction in
hydrocarbon (d) death of aquatic animals
5. Inhalation of polluted gas causes (a) respiratory disorder (b) abnormal functioning of farm animals (c)
renders water unfit for consumption (d) causes cholera
THEORY
1. What are the dangers of overuse of pesticides and fertilizers on our farmland?
2. The need to control agricultural pollution cannot be overemphasized. Assess the validity of this
statement.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Agric Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; pages 29-35
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Agric Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji et al; pages36-43
WEEKEND ACTIVITY
List five surveying instruments and uses in agriculture
REFERENCES
1. Evans Agricultural Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
2. Agricultural Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; Melrose Books and Publishers.
3. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for SSS by L.A Are, et al; University Press Ibadan.
WEEK: 5 DATE: …………………………

SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

CLASS: SS 2
TOPIC: Farm Surveying and Planning
CONTENT: 1. Meaning and Importance of Farm Survey
2. Common Survey equipment and their Uses
3. Maintenance measures of Farm Survey equipment

SUB TOPIC 1: Meaning, Types and Importance of Farm Survey

Farm Survey is a way of showing the natural and man-made features such as streams, lakes, rivers, hills,
valleys, rocks, roads, buildings etc on a piece of farmland. It can further be defined as the process of
measuring and mapping out the position, height, size and boundary of an area of farmland.

Types of Survey
There are five Types of survey
1. Chain Survey: This is the simplest form of survey involving the use of chains or measuring tapes to
determine the area of land
2. Geodetic/Traverse Survey: it is a type of survey in which the size and shape (spherical) odf an area is
determined by using prismatic compass
3. Soil Survey: this is concerned with the examination, classification and systematic mapping of the soil.
It provides data on the composition and properties of the soil
4. Topographical Survey: this is a type of survey in which the physical features of an area or relief are
identified eg flatness, steepness, valley, rivers etc
5. Aerial Survey: it is the use of aircraft to observe a large area of land showing different features such
as hills, vegetation, rivers, lakes, acclivity, declivity etc

Importance of Farm Surveying

1. It helps us to know the size of the farm
2. It helps in determine the boundaries, the main features and location of the farm
3. It helps in providing maps which are useful in planning a farm and farmland
4. It helps in identifying various soil and their characteristics
5. It helps in calculating amount of labour, seeds and fertilizer needed in the farm
6. It ensures land security in case of dispute and transfer
7. It helps in dividing the land for various productions
8. It can be used as collateral security.
9. It does not allow waste of land
10. It can be used for visibility studies

EVALUATION
1. Explain the term farm survey
2. State seven reasons why farm survey is important
SUB TOPIC 2: Common Surveying Equipment and their Uses

Some common surveying equipment used on the farm includes the following:
1. Ranging pole/Picket 2. Measuring tape 3.Theodolite
4. Offset staff 5. Cutlass 6.Prismatic compass
7. Arrows/Pins 8.Beacons/Pillars 9. Writing materials
10. Dumpy level 11. Pegs 12. Graduated staff

RANGING POLE/PIKET: It is a wooden or metal pole used by surveyors along with chain, tape or farm
level during surveying of a field. It ranges from 1.8m-3.0m. It is either circular or octagonal in shape with
one pointed end to effect good penetration. It is painted with red and white colours called bands for
easy visibility. Each band is about one foot.

USES
1. It is used for marking spots or stations
2. It is used to determine elevation of a point relative to another point
3. It is used for marking straight lines
4. It is used in making alignment needed for extending station lines

MEASURING TAPE: It is made of steel, cloth, fibre or glass. It replaces the use of gunter’s chain. The
common standard lengths are 30m, 50m and 100m. It is marked or calibrated on one side in metric units
and imperial units on the other side

USES
1. It is used for taking linear measurement i.e length, breadth and height
2. It is used to determine right angles in 3-4-5 methods of measurement
3. It is used for detailed measurement

PRISMATIC COPASS: It has a prism and a compass card marked in degrees, minutes and seconds in a
clockwise direction. It is normally placed on a stand.

USES
1. It is used for taking bearing
2. It is also used for taking angular distances
THEODOLITE: This instrument can be grouped into two: old theodolite and modern theodolite . It
consists of telescope, spirit level, tripod stand, clamps, micrometer etc

USES
1. It is used for observing and measuring horizontal and vertical angles or planes
2. It is used for traverse or geodetic surveying
3. It is used for astronomical surveying
4. It is used for leveling when used with a graduated staff

ARROWS/PINS: They are thin and pointed steel wires of about 30cm long. One end is curve into a ring
while the other end is pointed. A red cloth is normally attached to the ring so that the pin could be seen.
It is used for marking chain length, spots or stations.

BEACONS/PILLARS: They are constructed from cement materials. They are rectangular in shape with
height of about 2-3ft. Inscriptions are written on the upper end that above the ground level indicating
the size of the land and number of the surveyor. It is usually buried with one quarter of its length above
the ground level.

USES
1. It is used for marking stations or spots
2. It is used for recognition of surveyed or measured land

OFF STE STAFF: It is a graduated rod of about 3m long.

It is used for short off set measurement

PEGS: These are wooden rods of about 40cm long which are driven into the ground with a mallet.
They are used for points to be permanently marked

EVALUATION
1. List seven farm surveying equipment you know
2. Explain the uses of any five of them
SUB TOPIC 3: Maintenance measures of Farm Survey equipment
To ensure the durability and availability of farm surveying equipment, the need for proper maintenance
becomes necessary
1. Employ the service of a competent surveyor
2. Make sure the graduated instruments are not clean off
3. Clean and dry the instruments properly after use
4. Metal parts should be greased or oiled to avoid rust
5. Paint the instrument where necessary
6. Repair and service regularly
7. Store in a dry cool place and away from rain or sun
8. Sharpen the blunt edges and points
9. Replace worn out parts
10. All bolts, nuts and screws should be tightened before and after use.

EVALUATION
1. Give two reasons why maintenance of farm surveying equipment is necessary.
2. State seven steps to be taken to ensure that survey equipment are properly maintained.
GENERAL EVALUATION
OBJECTIVES
1. The process by which farmland are measured and mapped at the beginning of farming operations is
called (a) soil mapping (b) land clearing (c) farm surveying (d) farm routine
2. A survey is required for the following reasons before embarking on any agricultural project except (a)
uproot trees and clear the land (b) delineate its boundaries (c) determine its total farm size (d) locate
various farm buildings and structures
3. The following are survey equipment except (a) prismatic compass (b) walking stick (c) theodolite (d)
gunter’s chain
4. Farm survey equipment are maintained in order to (a) increase their shelf life and effectiveness (b) to
be marketable (c) easy to carry (d) beautiful and decorated
5. Farm surveying is important for the following except (a) it helps to determine the hectarage of the
land (b) it can be used as basis of feasibility studies (c) it exposes the gradient of the land (d) it does not
enable farmers to make the best use of available resources and creates conflicts.
THEORY
1. Enumerate five importance of farm survey
2 a. List seven equipment used in farm survey
b. Describe five of the equipment and state their uses

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Read AGRIC Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; pages 19-22
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Agric Science for SSS by M.OA deniji,et al; pages40-42
WEEKEND ACTIVITY
List seven factors to be considered in planning a farmstead
REFERENCES
1. Evans Agricultural Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
2. Agricultural Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; Melrose Books and Publishers.
3. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for SSS by L.A Are, et al; University Press Ibadan.
WEEK: 6 DATE: …………………………

SUBJECT: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

CLASS: SS 2
TOPIC: FARM PLANNING
CONTENT: 1. Meaning and Importance of Farm Planning
2. Factors to be considered in Farm Planning and Design of Farmstead

SUB TOPIC 1: MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF FARM PLANNING

Farm planning is the sketching, outlining and drawing of the farmstead as well as arrangement of the
land for proper usage without the risk of land degradation. It is also the general arrangement of a farm
before and after its take off.

IMPORTANCE OF FARM PLANNING

1. It helps in determining the actual dimension of the farmland

2. It promotes neatness of the farm
3. It helps to describe the future of the soil units
4. It helps to maximize the use of labour and other factors of production
5. It helps in the location of farm structures and buildings
6. It can be used in the preparation of feasibility studies
7. It prevents wastage of farmland and other inputs
8. It is a prerequisite in the registration of farm enterprise
9. It can be used as collateral for getting loans
10. It helps farmers to project his yield before harvesting
EVALUATION
1. Define the term farm planning
2. Why is farm planning important?

SUB TOPIC 2: FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN FARM PLANNING AND DESIGN OF FARMSTEAD

A farmstead refers to the buildings which as a home for farm animals and production centers for plants.
These include shades, orchards, barns, pens, farm shops, ware house, store, processing and handling
units etc. The following factors are necessary in planning and design of farmstead
1. Climatic factors: these include rainfall, temperature, air movement, relative humidity and light
intensity. These factors should be considered because they have both direct and indirect consequence
on agricultural production. For example, a pen should not be located in the direction of wind and light
but against wind direction to prevent the movement of rain into the pen during heavy rainfall
2. Nature of Soil: Knowledge of the soil type is needed in farm planning and design of a farmstead. This
is because any building sited on heavy clayey soil can cause the foundation to be dislodged. Mores o,
buildings should not be sited on fertile land good for crops but on a poor soil as long as they provide
good drainage.
3. Accessibility: the farmland must be accessible to everyone that has something to do on the farm. This
will ease transportation and conveyance of goods in and out of the farm
4. Topography of the Land: the topography of the land should be high and level. Building should be on a
straight elevation. Erosion should be avoided as much as possible by avoiding sloppy land.
5. Economic factors: these refer to the nearness to the factors of productions. In constructing the
farmstead, availability of capital, labour etc are very necessary. In short, the best and cost ratio should
be carefully analysed.
6. Water Supply: this is very important because of its primary importance for domestic and livestock
uses, irrigation of gardens etc. Therefore it should be made available cheaply and plenty.
7. Purpose of building units: for instance office buildings should be located on a high elevation for easy
monitoring as far away from the pen, shade and processing units because of unpleasant odour, pollution
and other health reasons.

PRINCIPLES OF FARMSTEAD PLANNING

1. Livestock buildings should be sited on a poor soil for crop production
2. Buildings should be located in easily accessible areas
3. Farm buildings should not be located on slopes to avoid erosion
4. Crops should be planted on the soil within the farm
5. Residential and office buildings should be located far away from livestock buildings.
EVALUATION
1. State four factors to be considered in sitting a farmstead
2. Why is water supply important in farmstead planning?

GENERAL EVALUATION
OBJECTIVES
1. The sketching, outlining and drawing of farmstead as well as arrangement of the land for proper use is
refers to as (a) farmstead (b) farm survey (c) farm planning (d) layout of farmstead
2. The following are importance of farm planning except (a) it promotes neatness of the farm (b) it
maximizes the use of labour (c) it prevents waste of farmland (d) it helps in marking spots
3. The following are factors necessary for planning and designing of farmstead (a) accessibility (b)
electricity (c) finance (d) water supply
4. The element of climate that affect farm planning include the following except (a)rainfall (b)
density(c)humidity (d) temperature
5. Which of the topographical features is best considered when planning a location of farmstead? (a)
high and level (b) low and level (c) high and sloppy (d) low and sloppy
THEORY
1. State the reasons for planning a farmstead
2. Discuss five principles of site selection and location of structure on the farm
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Read Agric Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo,et al; pages 23-24
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Agric Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo,et al; pages 25-27
WEEKEND ACTIVITY
State five reasons for planning a farmstead
REFERENCES
1. Evans Agricultural Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
2. Agricultural Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; Melrose Books and Publishers.
3. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for SSS by L.A Are, et al; University Press Ibadan.

WEEK 7 DATE: ………………………………..

TOPIC: PRINCIPLES OF FARM-STEAD PLANNING AND LOCATION OF BUILDING / STRUCTURE
CONTENT:
(A) Principles of farm planning or layout (i) farm stead siting soil (ii) water supply (iii) topography etc.
(B) Location of farm buildings e.g farm gate, pens, sheds etc.
SUB TOPIC I: Principles of farm planning / lay out

MEANING OF FARM STEAD PLANNING

A farm stead is the dwelling place and production centre in a farm enterprise. Therefore when are
planning a farm stead, the comfort and well being of the farm family and the optimal utilization of
resources should be uppermost in the mind of the farmer.
The plans show the positions and areas of the different farm enterprise roads, farm house, grazing land
and other structures.
DEFINITION OF A FARM STEAD
 Farm stead can be defined as a farm house and all its production and processing structure.
 Farm stead refers to the building and structure of different types such as barns, sheds, pens and
others found in the farm.
 Farm stead is the physical unit representing living quarters, offices stores, and production units
and processing structures.
 Farm stead planning: This is a plan to establish a farm house and all its production and
processing structure take into consideration the comfort of the farm family i.e farmer, his family
and other workers or laborers on the farm.
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED / NECESSARY IN SITING FARM STEAD
1. TOPOGRAPHY:
(i) Topography determines the location of farm buildings and structures.
(ii) Farm buildings or living quarters are usually located on high elevators for proper viewing
of the farm.
(iii) Animal quarters should be located four from the staff living quarter.
(iv) Locate crops such as vegetables on low lying areas where moisture content is high.
(v) Fish ponds are located on sloppy grounds
 (vi) Irrigation farms are best sited on flat grounds.
2. SOIL TYPE
(i) Crop farms are sited on soils that are fertile
(ii) Pastures are sited on less fertile soil
(iii) Farm buildings and structures are best located on poor soils.
(iv) Farms roads are best constructed on well drained poor soils.
3. ACCESSIBILITY
(i) Locate facilities within walking distance
(ii) Provide good roads to facilitate the transportation of inputs
(iii) Ensure easy accessibility and evacuation of farm produce.
(iv) Good accessibility makes marketing of farm produce possible
4. WATER SUPPLY
(i) Livestock structure building should be located to source of water
(ii) Supply for easy cleaning
(iii) Water is required for irrigation purpose
5. NEARNESS TO MARKET
(i) This reduces distribution or transport cost
(ii) It exposes products to many buyers
(iii) It reduces the need for farm storages facilities.
6. DRAINAGE
(I) Farm building should not be built on a marsh or water logged area.
(II) Gentle slope facilitate proper drainage
(III) Adequate drainage must be provided on farm roads.

7. HEALTH/HYGIENE: Erect livestock units against wind direction. Locate animals units far away
from human residential houses to avoid health hazards from the odour.

PRINCIPLES OF FARM STEAD LAYOUT

Some specific principles are required for farm stead layout.
1. Plant the crops on the best soil within the farm
2. Livestock buildings should be located on the poorest soil within the farm
3. Building should be located in easily accessible areas
4. Farm buildings should not be located on slopes to avoid erosion
5. Residential and office buildings should be located far away from livestock building to avoid
the noise and unpleasant odour from the farm animal wastes and dung.

CALCULATIONS
Area of farm land: This refers to the product of the length and width of the farm land measures in
meters .
Area of farm land =Length X width (m²)
Plant population: This is the number of plants in an area of farm land. = Area of farm land(m²)
Spacing (m2)

Spacing: This is the distance between one crop plant and the next plant. It is usually between and within
rows e.g if the spacing of maize is 90cm x 40cm it means it is planted 90cm between rows and 40cm
within rows.
NB: one hectare of land is 10,000 m2, planted maize will be 10000m2 10,000m2
0.9 x 0.4m
 = 10,000m²
0,36m²
Plant population =27,777.8 or 27,778 maize plants.

SUBTOPIC 2: LOCATION OF FARM BUILDINGS

Farm building can be classified
(i) Dwelling house for the farmer and his family
(ii) Barns
(iii) Crops and seed storage houses
(iv) Swine pens poultry, goat houses and cattle shed
(v) Service buildings such as farm shop farm store, machine shed and other utilities like
bore hole.
(vi) Processing houses for crop products and animals such as abattoir
(vii) Offices – administrative office.

Farm stead Layout: This is concerned with the arrangement of farm buildings and structures in the farm
site. This should be done according to a well – laid master plan. This is so because once constructed
buildings are difficult and expensive to remove.
Good layout often depends on the nature of the farm business whether crops, poultry, pig, fish, cattle
and others.
Therefore in arriving at the best pattern of arrangement of individual building and structure within the
farm site the following factors should be considered.
1. Location of the farmer’s house. The farmer’s or farm manager’s dwelling as well as office is often
called Home stead and its location must be considered first.
The homestead should be located on a high area which is well drained. It must commands a view of the
other buildings including the gate house where it is easily accessible. It should be nearer to a road.
2. Direction of winds: The home stead should be located on the windward side of farm building i.e side
exposed to the wind you must consider the direction of rainy and dry season winds.
3. Orientation: in general animal sheds are located with the long axis north to south so as to get direct
sunlight and yet face away from the direction of prevailing winds as much as possible. Buildings should
be constructed towards one side of hills wherever possible so that the hill acts as wind break. In the
alternative, suitable tree planting can be arranged.
4. Accessibility: The buildings where most of the time is spent such as poultry house, milking pen, etc
should be easily accessible. Animal houses e.g cattle shed, sheep and goat should be located not far
from where they will, get grasses to feed on. Storage house should not be far from the field of
production
5. Fire production: Farm protection should be far apart enough so that fire will not spread easily from
one building to another. The farm shop reception office and other administrative offices should be
located near the gate house to prevent unwanted visitor from entering the farm for security reasons.

REASONS FOR PLANNING A FARM STEAD

a. When the farm is properly planned it will make co-ordination and control of the farm activities easy.
b. Farm resources will be efficiently utilised on the farm and wastage will be eliminated.
c. A well planned farm enhances production, improves marketing and makes the farmer to be more
responsive to market demands.
d. The land is optimally put to use.
e. The farmer is disposed to make adjustments to changes in technology and demand.
GENERAL EVALUATION
OBJECTIVES
1.Which of the following is not an effect of a badly arranged farm (a) efficient management (b) low profit
(c) time wastage (d) expensive
2.An example of a farm stead building is (a) cattle shed (b) gate house (c) cold mining (d) feed mill house
3. The following are factors influencing the siting of farm or farm-stead except (a) topography (b) soil
type (c) vegetation (d) accessibility
4.An hectare of land is (a) 5,000m2 (b) 10,000m2 (c) 10,000cm2 (d) 2,000m2
.ESSAY
1.Define farm stead (b) Give two reasons for planning a farm stead
2.List four factors to be considered in planning a farm stead
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Evans Agric Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; pages 40-42
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Draw and sketch out a farm stead showing the following (i) Living quarters (ii) farm gate (iii) fish pond
(iv) pig house (v) farm roads. Enumerate reasons for locating each of the unit
REFERENCES
1. Evans Agricultural Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
2. Agricultural Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; Melrose Books and Publishers.
3. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for SSS by L.A Are, et al; University Press Ibadan.

WEEK 8: DATE: ……………………………………..

SUBJECTS: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
CLASS: SS 2
TOPIC: FORESTRY
CONTENTS:
Forest Management: (a) Meaning of forest and forestry (b) Importance of forestry
(c) Forest Regulation (d) Forest Management practices: (i) Selective exploitation (ii)
Regeneration (iii) Afforestation (iv)Water shed (e) Implications of Deforestation.
Sub-topic 1
MEANING OF FOREST AND FORESTRY:
FOREST: A forest is defined as a large area covered with trees and bushes, either growing wild
or planted for some purposes.
A forest can also mean a woody ground, trees or pasture that grow in the wild or cultivate for
a specific purposes
FORESTRY: Forestry can be defined as the management of forest lands for maximum
sustained yield of forest resources and benefits.
It can as well be defined as the art of planting, tending and managing forests and the
utilization of their products.
It is a branch of agriculture which deals with the control and management of forest for forest
resources.
IMPORTANCE OF FORET: The importance of forest includes the following
1. Forest provides timber trees used as planks for furniture, canoes, coffins, pulp wood for
papers and match sticks.
2. It is a source of wild animals used for meat.
3. Provides income to people through hunting, felling of timber and sales of other
products.
4. It protects the soil against erosion . The intensity of rain drops is reduced by the leaves ,
the stems reduce the speed of wind and the roots help to bind the soil together.
5. It is a source of wild fruits, nuts, and flowers.
6. It is a source of fuel e.g. fire wood
7. It is a source of medicinal herbs for the traditional rulers for curing diseases
8. It is a source of fibre and ropes
9. It provides employment for people such as the forest guards, saw millers, forest layers
10. It is a source of revenue to the government
11. It is a source of foreign exchange from the exported timber products. Hence, it raises
the country’s national income
12. Forest reserve can serve as a tourist attraction.
13. It is a home for wild animals like monkeys, antelopes, elephants , tigers etc
14. Forest trees serves as wind breaks thereby preventing wind erosion and desert
encroachment
15. It beautifies the environment
16. It reduces atmospheric pollution by purification of the air thereby removing carbon-
dioxide and adding oxygen
17. It helps to determine the amount of rainfall by increasing cloud cover and transpiration
rate
18. Forest trees help to increase the fertility of the soil by circulating plant nutrients
between the top and the sub-soils.

Sub-topic 2
FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: The following management practices are carried
out so as to ensure the usefulness of forest and its resources. Below are the various
management practices undertaken by forest managers.
1. Forest regulations
2. Selective exploitation
3. Deforestation
4. Regeneration
5. Afforestation
6. Taungya system
Forest Regulations: These are the laws promulgated by the government in form of decrees,
edicts, and by-laws to prevent people from exploiting the forest at will. The regulations in
Nigeria include:
 Encouraging people to plant trees.
 The prohibition of bush burning and the cutting down of timber trees except
with an official permit
 Harvesting of an under aged trees that are up to 22 to 25 years old
 Illegal falling of trees should be discouraged
 Ban on collection of firewood and leaves from the forest
 Ban on farming in forest reserves
Selective Exploitation: When harvesting forest trees, only the matured ones of age 22-25 years
of age should be cut down. The younger ones are left to grow up to maturity.
Advantages:
1.Young trees are prevented from destruction
2.There is continuous supply of timber
3.It prevents soil erosion
Disadvantages:
1. During felling immature trees may be knocked down
2. Cost of exploitation may be increased where trees are not well spaced
Deforestation : This is the complete felling of trees on a forest land. deforestation is
practiced where the old trees are to be replaced with new ones.
Causes of Deforestation: A forest could be deforested due to the following
a. Unfavorable climatic factors
b. Farming activities of man
c. Industrialization
d. Government policies
e. Natural disasters like fire , landslide, earthquakes , volcanic eruption and
prolong flooding
Effects of Deforestation:
 It encourages soil erosion
 Reduces water percolation rate
 Results in loss of soil nutrients
 Reduces the humus content of the soil
 Reduces the amount of rainfall in the area
 Hinders soil micro-organisms activities
 Reduces wildlife population in the area concerned
 May lead to desertification
Disadvantages:
1. It leads to loss of organic matter
2. It leads to destruction of soil structure
3. Loss of soil nutrients
4. Wild life are denied of their habitat
5. Soil moisture retention is affected
6. Valuable trees are destroyed
Sub-topic 3
Regeneration: It is the process of forest re-growth after it has been exploited
Types of Regeneration: The two types of regeneration are natural and artificial regeneration
Natural Regeneration: The old tree stumps are allowed to grow back into full trees after some
years.
Artificial Regeneration: New forest seedlings (e.g seedlings of Mahogany, Obeche etc) are
planted in the deforested land.
Advantages of Natural Regeneration
1. It is less expensive when compared to artificial regeneration
2. It does not required formal stages in plantation establishment
3. There is stabilization of the ecosystem
4. It does not require special management skills.
Afforestation: This is the process by which new seedlings are planted in areas where they
did not exist or to replaced the already harvested trees.
Effects/Advantages of Afforestation
 Reduces forest erosion
 Reduces desertification
 It helps to enrich the soil through leaves fall
 It leads to cooling of the ecosystem
 Increases the amount of rainfall in an area
 It provides constant supply of raw materials to industries
 It leads to addition of organic matter to soil thereby improving soil fertility
 Increases the wildlife population in the forest region
Taungya System: It is a system whereby forest tress(economic trees) and food crops are
planted together on the same piece of land. It involves the integration of food crop production
with forestry. The food crops provide shades for the economic trees at the initial growth stage
Conditions Necessary for the Practice of Taungya Systems include:
a. Scarcity of land . It is easily practice where land is scarce
b. Overpopulation. Overpopulation leads to the practice of taungya system.
c. Unemployment . unemployment makes some people to practice taungya system
d. Government policies . It can make farmers to engage in taungya system
e. Low standard of living. It can force some people to resort to the practice of taungya
system
f. Granting of incentives such as loans to famers
Advantages
1. Veriety of crops are harvested
2. Availabily of crops produce throughout the year
3. The farmers has a piece of land to cultivate where land is scrce
4. The young forest trees are taken care of by the farmers
5. It increases the income of the farmers
6. When leguminous crops are planted more nitrogen is supplied to both food
crops and forest crops
Disadvantages
1. Only selected crops(annual or biennial crops) can be cultivated
 2. There is competition for nutrients between the food crops and the forest
trees.
3. The practice may be monotonous as the farmers practice the same things
every year
4. Inability of some crops to survive due to the incidence ants in some areas.
5. The forestry official may be reluctant in releasing fertile land to the farmers
for crop cultivation.
Farmer’s Benefits in T.S.
- Using available fertile land for farming
- Increases the farmer’s standard of living
- Accessibility to forest products like firewood, leaves and nuts
- Employment of farmers in plantation activities
Forester’s Benefits in T.S.
- Cost of establishing forest is reduced
- More land is under forest cover
- There is weed control
- The soil nutrients is enriched naturally if leguminous crops like cowpea or
groundnut are cultivated
EVALUATION QUESTIONS
Objectives:
1. The following are regarded as the management practices of a forest except Forest
(a)regulations (b) Selective exploitation (c) mixed farming
(d) Deforestation (e)Regeneration
2. Which of the following is not a condition necessary for the practice of Taungya Systems ?
a. Scarcity of land . It is easily practice where land is scarce
b. Overpopulation. Overpopulation leads to the practice of taungya system.
c. Unemployment . unemployment makes some people to practice taungya system
d. Economic level and the interest of the farmers
e. Government policies . It can make farmers to engage in taungya system
3.The most important reasons for encouraging afforestation in the arid region of West Africa is
to (a) provide timber for building purposes (b) serves as shelters for wildlife (c) supplement the
needs for food and clothing (d) reduce ambient temperature (e) serves as windbreak to check
desert encroachment
4. The natural grasslands of West Africa are generally locate in the (a) Sahel region (b) Guinea
Savanna (c) Mangrove area (d) Equitorial region (e) Decidious forest
5. The system whereby food crops and forest trees are planted together on the same piece of
land is called (a) Taungya system , (b) Selective exploitation (c) Afforestation (d) Regeneratio (e)
Deforestation.
ESSAY
1. Describe briefly 5 management methods adopted on the forest areas to ensure a
continuous timber supply
2. State the factors which determine the success of natural regeneration of forest

PRE- READING ASSIGNMENT: Read about Agro Forestry Practices in Nigeria

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES . Make a list of forest resources of at least 15 of plants and 10 of animals
REFERENCES: 1. Comprehensive Agric. Sc. For SSS By Ogieva Erabor
2.Essential Agric. Sc. For SSS By O. A. Iwena
3. Agricultural Sc. For SSS BK 2 By B.O. Ashimolowo et al

WEEK 9 DATE: ……………………………………….

SUBJECTS: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
CLASS: SS 2
TOPIC: AGRO FORESTRY PRACTICES IN NIGERIA:
CONTENTS:
Agro Forestry Practices in Nigeria:
(a) Agro –Forestry: meaning and practices:
(i) Taungya System
(ii) Different agro-forestry combination in production of crops, livestock and pasture etc.
(iii) Tree species suitable for agro forestry practices.
Sub-topic 1
Meaning of Agro-forest practices: Agro- forest is the practice of combining agriculture with
forestry for the sustainance of trees , fertility of the soil and production of abundant food crops
to meet the needs of man. This account for about 70 percent of agricultural production for
farmers living in forest zones.
Agro-Forest Practices
Taungya System: It is a system of combining crop husbandry with forest management on the
same piece of land, thereby integrating agriculture with forestry. Food crops are cultivated
along with economic trees to provide shade at the initial stage of growth of the economic trees.
The food crops are usually annual or biennial crops.
Seedlings or seeds of economic trees are given to local farmers who have interest on taungya
system to plant along with their own crops. After about two years they vacate the land while
the forestry department takes over the management of the trees.
Sub-topic 2
Examples of trees used in agro-forestry
 Parkia biglobosa (Ukpaka- locust beans)
 Irvingia spp (Ogbono)
 Adansonia digitata(baobab)
  Tectona grandis (Teak)
 Vitelleria paradosa (shear butter)
 Chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple)
 Blighia sapida (Ishin)
 Gmelina spp
 Flame of the forest
 Pinus spp
 Iroko
 Albizia
 Abura
 Sapele
 Afara
 Opepe
 Obeche
 Acacia spp
 Nigerian Walnut
Examples of food crops in agro-forestry
 Plantain
 Maize
 Yam
 Banana
 Groundnut
 Cocoa yam
 Cassava
 Cowpea
 Me;on
 Rubber
 Coffee
 Pawpaw
 Cocoa
 Oil palm
 Citrus

Advantages of Taungya system
1. Veriety of crops are harvested
2. Availabily of crops produce throughout the year
3. The farmers has a piece of land to cultivate where land is scrce
4. The young forest trees are taken care of by the farmers
5. It increases the income of the farmers
6. When leguminous crops are planted more nitrogen is supplied to both food crops and
forest crops

Sub-topic 3
Different Agro-Forestry Combination : The table below shows the different combination of
crops and forest trees in agro-forestry.
Region Agro-forestry Combination
Savanna Vitelleria/millet/cowpea
Parkia/ Vitelleria/sorghum/millet
Vitelleria/ Parkia/millet/cowpea
Vitelleria/sorghum/cowpea
Rain forest Chrysophyllum / maize / cowpea
Blighia sapida / plantain / coco yam
Irvingia spp / bitterleaves /oil palm / cassava
Baobab / rice / cowpea

ALLEY CROPPING: It is also refers to as hedge-row intercropping. Leguminous tree crops are
grown simultaneously with arable crops. The trees are grown in wide rows while the arable
crops are grown in-between the rows. The fresh branches of the tree crops are sometimes
pruned and worked into the soil organic manure to supply the needed nutrients to the arable
crops.
FOREST RESEERVES: These are large expanse of land dedecated to growing of trees of
economic importance which may take several years to get matured. The soil fertility is
maintained or restored and erosion is controlled.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: Land that is not suitable for crop production can be used for wildlife
conservation. Different types of animals are kept and given adequate care and attention. The
practice can as well be called game reserves. The serve the main purpose of preventing some
types of animals from extinction and tourists attraction for the purpose of revenue generation.
EVALUATION:
Objective Questions:
1. Agro-forestry deals with both (a) crops and animals. (b) arable crops and food crops, (c)
agriculture and forestry, (c) alley cropping and taungya farming (d) perennial crops and
biennial crops, (e) forest reserves and wildlife conservation
2. Which of the following is not considered as a forest tree? (a) Albizia (b) Abura (c) Sapele
(d) Kola (e) Afara
3. The following crops may be cultivated in taungya system except (a) yam , (b) Cassava ,
(c) Citrus. (d) maize, (e) millet.
4. Which of the following combinations of forest trees and food crops is not suitable in
agro-forestry? (a) Vitelleria/ Parkia/millet/cowpea (b) Blighia sapida / plantain / coco
yam (c) Chrysophyllum / yam / Onion (d) Vitelleria/sorghum/cowpea
(e) Baobab / rice / cowpea
5. The following are advantages of taungya system except (a) Veriety of crops are harvested (b)
vailabily of crops produce throughout the year
(c) The farmers has a piece of land to cultivate where land is scarce
(d) Leguminuous crops are not required in the system. (e) The young forest trees are taken care
of by the farmers
ESSAY
 1. Expain the meaning of agro-forestry
2. List ten different tree species for inclusion in agro-forestry practice.

WEEK 10
SUBJECTS: AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE
CLASS: SS 2
TOPIC: MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF ORNALMENTAL PLANTS.
CONTENTS: 1. Meaning
2. Importance (a) Screening and delineation
(b) Architectural beauty of building etc
Sub-topic: 1
Meaning of Ornamental Plants: These are plants (trees, shrubs, or herbs) which are used fir
different purposes by man.
Ornamental plants can also be seen as plants that are cultivated or grown to beautify or
decorative purposes in gardens and landscape design projects such as houses, walk ways , parks
and indoors. They are also planted and arranged or placed where they will thrive for a useful
purpose.
The study of ornamental plants is called floriculture. The person who grows or sells flowers is
called a florist
There are different types of ornamental plants which can be used for different purposes.
The following are common ornamental plants found in Nigeria.
GRASS
No Common name Scientific name
1 Bahama grass Cynodon dactylon
2 Carpect grass Axonopus compressus
3 Rose periwinkle Vinca rosea
4 Lemon grass Cympopogon citrates
SHRUBS
5. Pride of Barbados Caesalpinia spp
6 Milk bush Thevetia peruvina
7 Rose flower Hibiscus rosa sinensis
8. Queen of the Night Cestrum noctumum
TREES
9. Flame of the forest Delonix regia
10 Frangipani Phimaria spp
11. Whistling pine Casuarina equisetifolia
12 Masquerade tree Polualithia spp
13 Royal palm Roysthonea spp

Importance of Ornamental Plants

Ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers have various uses, hence their importance for our well-
being.
1. Landscaping :
 Flowers are used to beatify residential and office buildings as well as playground.
 The plants whose flowers are attractive , colorful and sweet smelling are used for
this purpose
2. Provision of shade:
 Many ornamental shrubs and trees such as Odan Ficus spp and Almond tree are
used to provide shade around houses especially in villages
3. Wind Break:
 Closely spaced tall ornamental shrubs and trees are usually planted close to
buildings to act as wind break.
 Wind break trees add to the beauty of the areas. An example of wind break
trees are teak , Ashoka(Police Tree)
4. Screening and Delineation of areas:
 Ornamental plants can be used to screen a place such as house from the prying
eyes of strangers.
 Used to delineate areas from one another by using it for demarcation
5. Hedge Plants:
 Ornamental hedge plants can be used to prevent easy access for intruders into
compounds because they are closely spaced and some with thorns .
6. Decoration:
 Live fresh flowers put in vases are used to decorate living rooms.
 Some potted ornamental plants are raised and placed at the porches of houses
or offices
 At weddings, funerals , workshops/ seminars beautiful flowers are used for
decoration, thus adding colour to the occasion.
7. Used as Spot Plants:
 Ornamental plants such as Cycad are planted in front of hotels and buildings to
catch peoples’ attention.
 They are usually conspicuously located
8. Used as Creepers:
  These plants attach themselves to the walls
 They have beautiful broad and bright color leaves
9. Making of Perfumes:
 The leaves and flowers of some ornamental plants are used in the preparation
of perfumes. E.g the flowers of queen of the night
 When they are rubbed with the palm produce sweet smelling odour.
 When such plants are in bloom the environment has a most pleasant fragrant
perfume smell
10. Medicine:
 Some of the ornamental plants are medicinal hence they serves as source of
local herbs for ailments. Example is Rose periwinkle when uprooted washed
and boiled , the juice that is extracted is administered to Asthmatic
patients .Other examples are Aloe vera, lemon grass.
11. Scientific Research:
 Flowering or ornamental plants are used for research purposes by scientists.
12. Employment Opportunities:
 Horticulturists and those who used flowers for ceremonies receive their
income from the sales of flowers .
EVALUATION:
Objectives
1. Ornamental plant commonly used for football field is (a) ixora (b) Carpet grass (c) Wire
grass, (d) rose flowers (e)lemon grass
2. Which of these is not an essential aim of flower cultivation? (a) to manufacture dyes (b)
to beautify the environment (c) to provide room for snakes and pests. (d) to produce
sweet smelling odour (e) to raise income for the florist.
3. Which of these is not an ornamental plants? (a)Hibiscus (b) Queen of the night (c) Cassia
(d) Lady of the forest (e) Royal palm
4. The following are the methods of maintaining ornamental plants except (a)watering (b)
pruning (c) burning (d) fertilizer application (e) transplanting.
5. Ornamental plants are used for the following purposes except (a) landscaping (b)
ceremonies (d) showing affection (d) making drums (e) for research purpose.
ESSAY
1. (a) State four ways in which ornamentals are important
(b) Give two examples each from
i. Ornament trees
ii. Ornamental shrubs
iii. Ornamental herbs
2. (a) Explain the terms Ornamental plants.
(b) List five ornamental plants and their uses

Sub-topic 2:
TYPES ORNAMENTAL PLANTS ACCORDING TO THEIR USES
Ornamental plants can be used differently due to the different nature and unique features
exhibited by these plants. Based on the different uses ornamental plants can be classified
into :
1. Hedging plants: These are mainly shrubs and trees often used as hedges in gardens ,
homes , offices or similar structures . Examples of such plants are
a. Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
b. Alamanda (Allamanda cathartica)
c. Wild Rose ( Rosa aciculris)
d. Hibiscus Hibiscus spp
e. Ixora Ixora coccinea
f. Crotons (Codiaeum variagatum)
2. BEDDING PLANTS: These are mostly flowering plants used for decorative or
commercial purposes in hones or gardens. An example is
Commelina Commelina communis
3. LAND SCAPE PLANTS: They commonly used for beautifying homes, offices , gardens
and other open spaces . An example is
Sunflower Helianthus annus
4. LAWN GRASSES: These are make use of in homes , gardens , sport field etc.
An example
Carpect grass (Axonopus compressus)
Bahama grass (Cynodon dactylon)
5. POTTED ORNAMENTAL PLANTS: These are usually cultivated in pots inorder to
decorate places such as homes , offices and other public places .An example is
African violet Santpaulia spp
6. ORNAMENTAL TREES AND PALMS: These can also be used in the decoration of homes
and other public places . Example
Royal palm
India Almond
Flame of the forest

EVALUATION:
1. State 5 ornamental plants used for different purposes
2. Give 3 examples of
i. Ornamental shrubs
ii. Land scape plants
iii. Hedging plants
PRE-READING ASSIGN: Read about settings and locations for planting type from AGRIC. SC.
FOR SS 2 by B.O. ASHIMALOWO pages 43-45
Sub-topic 3: SETTINGS AND LOCATION FOR PLANTING EACH TYPE
Ornamental plants have different physiological attributes which can best suit different
requirements and locations. Therefore ornamental trees have their suitable settings and
locations
Purpose/Usefulness Description of Location/setting ornamentals
1.Decoration of Avenue are roads which requires Royal palm
avenues and roads. ornamental trees mainly to line the street cycads
sides or mid- line division of dua-crriage
ways
2.Resort centers Decoration of city center, round-about, Ice plant
road junctions, parks or recreation croton
centres
3.Landscaping design Houses, offices, schools, hospitals, Yellow bush
industries, banks. It may involves the Ixora
writing of some wordings using flowers Rose and
Red and whit acalypha
4.Interior decoration To decorate interior of residential houses, Deffenbachia praying
commercial /industrial buildings , public plant
buildings and churches
5.Exterior decoration To decorate the exterior of residential , Purple heart
commercials industrial and public Wandering Jew(Zebrina
buildings pendula)
6.Ceremonial Used during weddings, conference hall, Rose
seminars, Frangipani
Croton
Ixora
7.deodeorant usage At home , gardens, industries and banks Queen of the night
and air purification Cassia
8.Scientifie Research Located in horticultural gardens, Periwinkle, Rose
university, Agric. Research Institutes Queen of the night

9.Medicinal Located in houses, homestead, parks, Aloe vera

markets Lemon grass
10.Provision of Located in front of homes , offices , Flamboyant
shades compound, villages Ficus spp
Almond
11.Natural perfumes Located in houses, hospitals , parks and Queen of the night
gardens

EVALUATION:
1. Ornamental plants commonly used for football field (a) ixora (b) carpet grass (c) wire
grass (d) rose flower (e) stubborn grass
2. An example of ornamental pant used for interior decoration is a. croton, b. hibiscus c.
deffenbachia d. aloevera e. yellow bush
3. There are ceremonial ornamental plants excpt a. Rosa, b. Lilly c. Frangipani d. croton e.
yellow bush
4. Shade trees are located in the following : a. villages, b. gardens c. schools d. motor park
e. hotel rooms
 5. Aloe is an ornamental plant used for a. ceremonial b. medicinal c.lawn decoration d.
interior decoration e. shade tree
ESSAY
1. State ways in which ornamental plants are important
2. Give two examples each of a. Ornamental trees, b. ornamental shrubs , ornamental herbs
3. List 6 locations or settings requiring ornamental plants
Sub-topic 3:
METHODS OF CULTIVATIG ORNAMENTAL PLANTS
Methods of propagation and planting ornamental plants: Ornamental plants are cultivated
through a number of cultural practices or methods. Some factors need to be considered.
Factors:
1. Choice of site
2. Planting materials
3. Method of cultivation
a. Use of prepared beds
b. Direct sowing into the soil
c. Use of nylon bags
d. Use of pots
4. Provision of shades
5. Use of loamy soil /organic manure
6. Regular watering
SOURCES OF PLANTING MATERIALS
a. Established private horticultural gardens
b. Higher institutions
c. Governmental owned botanical garden
d. Private houses and offices
e. Nigeria Institute for Horticultural Research (NIHORT)
f. From road sides and bushes
METHODS OF PROPAGATION
A. Propagation by sexual: This is the act of using seeds to produce plants which look exactly
like their parents .Examples of plants propagated by seeds are:
 Sunflower
 Cana lily
 Crotalaria
 Flam of the forest
 Commelina
 Lantan
Advantages of seed propagation
I. Seeds are small and very convenient to handle and transport
II. Seeds can last for a long time when properly stored
III. Seeds make establishment of large population of plants comparatively easy
Disadvantages
I. Plants raised from seeds may not grown and mature uniformly
II. Seeds may fail to germinate due to dormancy .
Vegetative or Asexual propagation : This is achieve using different methods
i. Cuttings : Stem cutting and root cutting
ii. Rhizome
Examples of plants propagated through asexual or vegetative propagation
 Hibiscus
 Wild Rose
 Acalypha
 Dutchman pipe
 Flame of the forest
Advantages of vegetative propagation
i. It produces plants that are similar to their parents in all characters
ii. New plants are produce without of the genetically constitution of the plants
Disadvantages
i. No variation from plant type so there is no improvement over the parent plants
ii. Diseases are easily passed from the parents to the new plants
EVALUATION
1. List 5 ornamental plants propagated through seeds
2. Give two ornamental plants propagated through asexual
3. Mention two advantages of sexual propagation
MAINTENANCE OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS: Maintenance operations /activities of ornamental
plants involves the following :
a. Watering : ornamental plants should be watered deeply to moisten all the roots
b. Mulching : dry grasses should placed on the surface to preserve soil moisture . It acts as
an insulating blanket to protect the soil from the drying action of sun
c. Fertilizer application: Fertilizers or organic manure can be added to the soil to improve
the fertility
d. Staking : some creeping ornamental plants need staking so as to receive enough sunlight
to make the plants and the flowers booming
e. Pruning: This is done regularly when ornamental plants become springy, floppy, top-
heavy, or leggy. There is need to prune the plants with either shears or secateurs so as
to remove the out grown old leaves and branches
f. Provision of shades: This is to protect the seedlings from excessive heat and rainfall
g. Weeding: This is done to avoid weeds competing with ornamental plants and to reduce
incidence of diseases and pests
h. Fencing: This is to protects ornamental plants from animal attacks .
i. Fire tracing : This involves creation of weed-free corridor of about 4-6 meters wide
round the horticultural garden
j. Beating up: This is the replacement of missing plants or seedlings in the garden .
Evaluation:
1. Mention five maintenance methods.
2. What is pruning?
3. Why do we need to prune our ornamental plants?
General evaluation:
1. Name ten common species of ornamental trees and flowers.
 (b) Briefly discuss the methods of cultivation in ornamental plant.
2. Discuss three methods of propagating ornamental plants.
3. Explain four maintenance practices one should carry out in horticultural garden.
4. What are the factors to be considered in the cultivation of ornamental plant.
5. Discuss five uses of ornamental plants.
Objectives:
1.The management of ornamental plant is called ------ (a) Olericulture (b) Omoriculture (c)
Floriculture (d) Selericulture (e) Florist.
2.The following are ways of maintaining ornamental plant except (a0 Watering. (b) Staking. (c)
Mulching. (d) Burning. (e) Prunning.
3. One of the advantages of sexual propagation is (a) seeds are convenient to handle (b) seeds
destroy the soil (c) plants raised from seeds cannot grow well (d) seeds can bring diseases and
pests (e) seeds has not be scientifically proved to be a good method of propagating ornamental
plants
4. Ornamental plants need shades for the following except (a) to protect the seedlings from
excessive rainfall (b) to protect leaves from drying (c) to prevent excessive evaporation of
moisture from the young plants (d) to prevents animals and other pests from destroying the
plants (e) to protect the plants from heat during sunning day
5. The following are methods of propagating ornamental plants except (a) seeds, (b) stem
cuttings (c) root cuttings (d) rhizomes (e) staking
PRE-READING ASSIGN: Read about Diseases of Crops from AGRIC. SC. By MO ADENIJI et-al page
59- 75
WEEK END ACTIVITIES: Collect and study at least 5 Ornamental plants from the school
compound
REFERENCES
1. Evans Agricultural Science for SSS by M.O Adeniji, et al; Evans Brothers Nigeria Limited
2. Agricultural Science for SSS by B.O Ashimolowo, et al; Melrose Books and Publishers.
3. Comprehensive Certificate Agricultural Science for SSS by L.A Are, et al; University Press Ibadan.