CSEC Agricultural Science - Key Topics with Explanations and Examples
1. Animal Production
Explanation: Focuses on the rearing of livestock such as cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry.
Topics:
• Signs of heat in animals (e.g., mounting behavior, restlessness)
• Gestation periods (e.g., cow - 283 days, pig - 114 days)
• Nutrition (e.g., roughages vs. concentrates)
• Housing types and hygiene Example: A balanced ration for a lactating cow includes
grass (roughage), grains (energy), and soybean meal (protein).
2. Crop Production
Explanation: Covers methods and practices for growing crops.
Topics:
• Land preparation (ploughing, harrowing)
• Propagation (cuttings for cassava, grafting for citrus)
• Pest control methods (chemical, biological)
• Harvesting and storage techniques Example: Yams are propagated using setts;
maize is harvested when kernels are hard and dry.
3. Soil Science
Explanation: Studies soil types, components, and management.
Topics:
• Soil types (sandy, clay, loam)
• Soil profile layers (A, B, C horizons)
• Fertility improvement (adding compost, fertilizers) Example: Loamy soil is ideal for
vegetable farming due to good water retention and aeration.
4. Farm Tools and Equipment
Explanation: Identifying and maintaining tools used in farming.
Topics:
• Hand tools (hoe, fork, machete)
• Mechanical tools (plough, tractor)
• Maintenance practices (cleaning, oiling) Example: The hoe is used for weeding and
loosening soil.
5. Agricultural Economics
Explanation: Application of economics in farming.
Topics:
• Types of farm records (input, output, inventory)
• Farm budgeting (cost vs. profit)
• Marketing (supply and demand, market types) Example: A farmer records the cost of
seeds and the sale of crops to determine profit.
6. Reproduction in Plants and Animals
Explanation: Understanding reproductive processes.
Topics:
• Sexual vs. asexual reproduction
• Animal reproductive systems (male/female organs)
• Plant pollination and fertilization Example: Bees help pollinate crops like
cucumbers, leading to fruit formation.
7. Environmental and Sustainable Agriculture
Explanation: Practices that preserve resources and reduce harm.
Topics:
• Soil conservation (contour ploughing, cover crops)
• Organic farming practices
• Impact of deforestation and pesticide use Example: Crop rotation improves soil
fertility and reduces pests.
8. Agro-processing
Explanation: Adding value to farm products through processing.
Topics:
• Simple processing methods (jam making, drying fruits)
• Food preservation (salting, canning) Example: Mangoes can be dried and packaged
to sell in supermarkets.
9. Agricultural Pests and Diseases
Explanation: Identifying and managing pests and diseases.
Topics:
• Common pests (aphids, weevils)
• Control methods (chemical sprays, traps)
• Disease symptoms and management Example: Aphids cause curling of leaves and
are controlled using neem oil.
10. Irrigation and Drainage
Explanation: Managing water in farming systems.
Topics:
• Irrigation types (drip, sprinkler, furrow)
• Importance of drainage (prevents root rot) Example: Drip irrigation saves water and
delivers it directly to roots.
11. Animal Nutrition
Explanation: Feeding livestock for proper growth and production.
Topics:
• Types of feeds (concentrates, roughages)
• Essential nutrients (protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals)
• Feed supplements and additives Example: Layers need calcium supplements for
stronger eggshells.
12. Farm Management
Explanation: Running a farm efficiently with planning and control.
Topics:
• Types of farms (mixed, arable, pastoral)
• Farm planning (layout, resources)
• Record keeping and decision making Example: A farmer keeps daily logs of labor
and expenses to monitor progress.
13. Biotechnology in Agriculture
Explanation: Use of science and tech in farming.
Topics:
• Tissue culture
• Genetic modification
• Hybrid seeds and improved breeds Example: Hybrid corn yields more and resists
pests better than traditional types.
14. Agricultural Extension Services
Explanation: Providing farmers with knowledge and skills.
Topics:
• Role of extension officers
• Farmer field schools and training
• Use of media (radio, leaflets, social media) Example: Extension officers help train
farmers on modern planting techniques.
15. Climate and Weather in Agriculture
Explanation: How weather conditions affect farming.
Topics:
• Weather elements (rainfall, temperature, humidity)
• Weather instruments (rain gauge, thermometer)
• Effects of climate change on agriculture Example: Droughts reduce crop yields and
increase irrigation needs.
