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Describe the cultivation of potatoes under the following headings: (i) Soil preparation - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2019
Question 5
Describe the cultivation of potatoes under the following headings: (i) Soil preparation. (ii) Planting. (iii) Weed control. (iv) Harvesting. (b) Due to the possibi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe the cultivation of potatoes under the following headings: (i) Soil preparation - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 5 - 2019
Step 1
Soil preparation.
Answer
To prepare the soil for potato cultivation, several steps should be taken:
- Clearing the Field: Remove any stones or debris, ensuring the field is clean to prevent damage to machinery and tubers.
- Depth of Plowing: Plow the field to a depth of at least 20 cm, which aids root development and enhances drainage.
- Tillage: Use harrowing or ridging to create a fine seedbed, improving soil structure and aeration for healthy plant growth.
Step 2
Planting.
Answer
Planting potatoes should be done considering certain factors:
- Seed Preparation: Sprout the seed potatoes beforehand to encourage vigorous growth.
- Spacing: Plant the seeds at a distance of 25–35 cm apart, with a drill size suited to the category of potatoes being grown.
- Optimal Conditions: Ensure the planting is carried out when the soil temperature is favorable, typically between 7°C and 10°C.
Step 3
Weed control.
Answer
Effective weed control is crucial in potato cultivation to minimize competition for nutrients:
- Herbicide Application: Utilize contact and residual herbicides to eliminate weeds before and after planting.
- Manual Weeding: Employ methods like hoeing or scuffling to remove weeds mechanically, thus protecting potato plants.
Step 4
Harvesting.
Answer
The harvesting of potatoes requires careful timing and techniques:
- Timing: Monitor the crop maturity closely to harvest at the right time when tubers have reached their ideal size.
- Damage Prevention: Use appropriate equipment like elevator diggers to minimize bruising and damage to the potatoes during harvesting.
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Outline four benefits of sowing a catch crop on a tillage farm.
Answer
The benefits of sowing a catch crop include:
- Soil Improvement: Catch crops can enhance soil structure and fertility by fixing nitrogen.
- Erosion Prevention: They protect the soil from erosion during fallow periods.
- Weed Suppression: Catch crops can outcompete weeds, reducing the need for herbicides.
- Moisture Retention: They help in retaining moisture in the soil, which is beneficial for subsequent crops.
Step 8
Describe two situations in agriculture in which such broad-spectrum weedkillers might be used.
Answer
Broad-spectrum weedkillers like glyphosate may be used in:
- Pre-Planting: Applied before planting to clear fields of unwanted vegetation, ensuring a clean slate for crop establishment.
- Post-Harvest: To manage weeds during fallow periods, encouraging better soil health in preparation for the next planting season.
Step 9
List four precautions that should be taken when using chemical sprays in agriculture, and give a reason for each precaution.
Answer
Precautions to take when using chemical sprays include:
- Wear Protective Clothing: This prevents skin contact with harmful chemicals, reducing the risk of exposure.
- Follow Label Instructions: Ensuring correct dosages and applications helps in minimizing environmental impact and promoting efficacy.
- Avoid Spraying in Windy Conditions: This reduces the risk of drift, preventing unintended damage to neighboring crops and ecosystems.
- Proper Storage of Chemicals: Securing chemicals away from children and animals prevents accidental ingestion and maintains safety.