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Questions and Answers
What is the primary benefit of loosening the soil for crop production?
Paddy can be cultivated in any season throughout the year.
False
What do earthworms and soil microbes contribute to the soil?
They help turn and loosen the soil and add humus.
Loosening the soil helps in the growth of __________ and microbes present in the soil.
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Match the following activities with their benefits in crop production:
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What is necessary for food production to support a large population?
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Humans can produce their own food just like plants do.
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What tool can be used for planting seeds in the field?
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Agriculture began when people started to __________ land and produce crops.
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Match the following agricultural tools with their usage:
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Study Notes
Introduction to Agriculture
- Agricultural practices have evolved as humans transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities around 10,000 B.C.E.
- Early humans relied on hunting and gathering but later learned to cultivate crops such as rice and wheat, marking the beginning of agriculture.
Importance of Food Production
- All living organisms require food for energy to perform vital functions like digestion and respiration.
- Humans and animals obtain food from plants or other animals, while plants synthesize their food through photosynthesis.
Crop Definition and Characteristics
- A crop refers to plants of the same kind cultivated at one location, such as a wheat crop in a field.
- Cultivated crops can be grown on a large scale to meet the food needs of a growing population.
Soil Preparation and Its Importance
- Tilling or ploughing is the process of turning and loosening soil, crucial for healthy crop production.
- Loosened soil allows roots to penetrate deeply, facilitating oxygen access and promoting growth of beneficial organisms like earthworms and microbes.
- Nutrient-rich topsoil is enhanced by the turning of soil, making it more suitable for plant growth.
Agricultural Tools and Implements
- Plough: Used for tilling soil, made from wood or iron; equipped with a ploughshare for effective soil manipulation.
- Hoe: A simple tool utilized for removing weeds and loosening soil.
- Leveller: Implements used for leveling fields to ensure uniform sowing and irrigation.
Crop Cultivation Practices
- Preparation includes proper watering before ploughing if the soil is dry, followed by mixing manure to enrich the soil.
- Seeds should be sown at appropriate distances to prevent overcrowding and ensure optimal growth.
Organic and Chemical Fertilizers
- Manure, derived from decomposed plant or animal waste, serves as organic fertilizer and is created through microbial decomposition.
- Fertilizers are manufactured chemicals that supply essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crops (e.g., urea, ammonium sulphate).
Post-Harvest Management
- After harvesting, crops need to be properly stored to prevent spoilage from moisture, insects, or microorganisms.
- Grains must be dried before storage to reduce moisture content and avoid pests; common practice includes using dried neem leaves for natural pest control.
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