In the second term of SS2 Agricultural Science, students will delve into essential topics relating to crop management, from understanding the role of pasture and forage crops to exploring forest management and floriculture. The course also covers the significance of managing crop diseases and pests, key areas of concern in agriculture. This guide provides a breakdown of each topic, ensuring clear understanding, supported by explanations and examples to deepen knowledge.
Scheme of Work: SS2 Second Term – Agricultural Science
| Week(s) | Topic(s) | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 & 2 | Pasture and Forage Crops | Introduction to the importance of pasture and forage crops in animal feeding, types, and their management. |
| Week 3 | Forest Management | Study of forest resources, methods of forest conservation, and sustainable management of forests. |
| Week 4 & 5 | Floriculture | Understanding the science of growing flowers and ornamental plants, with emphasis on the cultivation, management, and sale of floral products. |
| Week 6 & 7 | Diseases of Crops | A comprehensive look into common crop diseases, their symptoms, causes, and methods of control and prevention. |
| Week 8 & 9 | Pests of Crops | An exploration of the various pests that affect crops, their effects, and the control methods to prevent crop damage. |
| Week 10 | Revision | A detailed review of all topics covered, reinforcing key concepts in crop management, diseases, pests, and floriculture. |
| Week 11 | Examination | Assessment to test students’ understanding of the term’s topics, including theoretical and practical applications. |
Detailed Explanation of Topics
Week 1 & 2: Pasture and Forage Crops
What Are Pasture and Forage Crops? Pasture and forage crops are plants cultivated specifically for feeding livestock. They provide essential nutrients that are critical to the health and productivity of animals.
Examples:
- Pasture: Natural or cultivated grasses, legumes, and other plants used for grazing animals.
- Forage Crops: Crops such as clover, alfalfa, and timothy hay, which are harvested for animal feed.
- Grasses: Common pasture grasses include Bermuda grass and ryegrass.
- Legumes: Plants like clover and lucerne, rich in protein, that are valuable for grazing animals.
- Hay: Grass or legumes that are dried and stored for animal feed during winter.
- Silage: Fermented forage that provides nutritional feed for livestock during off-seasons.
Week 3: Forest Management
What Is Forest Management? Forest management refers to the science of planning, managing, and conserving forest resources for sustainable use. This includes maintaining biodiversity and protecting natural ecosystems.
Examples:
- Selective Cutting: Removing specific trees while preserving the overall forest structure.
- Reforestation: Planting trees in areas where forests have been depleted.
- Forest Conservation: Protecting forests from illegal logging and deforestation.
- Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops and livestock for mutual benefits.
- Sustainable Logging: Harvesting trees in a way that ensures the forest can regenerate.
- Wildlife Protection: Ensuring that forests are managed to support diverse species.
Week 4 & 5: Floriculture
What Is Floriculture? Floriculture is the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for commercial purposes. This includes plants for gardens, landscaping, and floral arrangements.
Examples:
- Flower Production: Growing flowers like roses, lilies, and daisies for sale.
- Ornamental Plants: Plants such as bougainvillea and hibiscus that are used for decoration.
- Floral Arrangement: Creating decorative bouquets or arrangements for events and occasions.
- Potted Plants: Growing plants like orchids and ferns for indoor decoration.
- Greenhouses: Controlled environments used for growing flowers year-round.
- Cut Flowers: Growing flowers that are harvested for sale as fresh cuts for use in arrangements.
Week 6 & 7: Diseases of Crops
What Are Crop Diseases? Crop diseases are caused by harmful microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and viruses that affect the growth and yield of crops. Effective disease management is crucial for ensuring high crop production.
Examples:
- Rust Diseases: Fungal diseases affecting crops like wheat and barley, causing orange or red spots on leaves.
- Blight: A bacterial or fungal infection that causes rapid decay of plant tissue, often seen in potatoes and tomatoes.
- Downy Mildew: A fungal infection that attacks crops like cucumbers, producing yellowing leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease affecting a wide range of crops, causing white, powdery growth on leaves.
- Viral Diseases: Diseases like tobacco mosaic virus that affect the leaves and growth of plants.
- Bacterial Wilt: A disease caused by bacteria that cause plants to wilt and die, commonly affecting tomatoes and potatoes.
Week 8 & 9: Pests of Crops
What Are Crop Pests? Pests are organisms like insects, mites, and rodents that damage crops, reducing their quality and yield. Effective pest management is essential for protecting crops.
Examples:
- Aphids: Small insects that suck sap from plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
- Caterpillars: Larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on plant leaves and fruits.
- Termites: Insects that feed on wood and can destroy crops and plants.
- Whiteflies: Small insects that spread diseases and cause leaf yellowing.
- Fungal Gnats: Tiny flying insects that damage plant roots and cause wilting.
- Rodents: Mice and rats that chew on crops, damaging seeds, stems, and leaves.
Week 10: Revision
What Is Revision? This week will provide an opportunity for students to review all the topics covered in the second term. Key concepts related to crop management, diseases, pests, and floriculture will be revisited to ensure thorough understanding.
Week 11: Examination
What Is the Examination? The examination will assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the topics covered during the term. It will consist of both theoretical questions and practical applications based on real-world agricultural scenarios.
