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Crops must be harvested at a stage of readiness that will ensure that it reaches the consumer in a good condition - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 4
Crops must be harvested at a stage of readiness that will ensure that it reaches the consumer in a good condition. 4.1.1 Name THREE physiological crop maturity indi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Crops must be harvested at a stage of readiness that will ensure that it reaches the consumer in a good condition - NSC Agricultural Management Practices - Question 4 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name THREE physiological crop maturity indicators.
Answer
The physiological crop maturity indicators include the following:
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Colour of crop (fruit): The color of the crop signals its ripeness, which is visually observable.
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Firmness: The texture and firmness of the crop can indicate ideal maturity.
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Sugar content: Measuring the sugar content of the crop provides insight into its ripeness, especially in fruits.
Step 2
State the disadvantages of hand-harvesting.
Answer
Hand-harvesting has several disadvantages, including:
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Very slow: The process is time-consuming compared to mechanized harvesting.
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Labour intensive: It requires a significant amount of manual labor, which can lead to higher costs.
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Depends on weather conditions: Adverse weather can disrupt harvesting schedules.
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Vulnerability to theft: Harvested crops are often left unprotected, making them susceptible to theft.