JK-TK/GRADE-8-TERM-2 huggingface dataset:
JUNIOR SCHOOL2o24 GRADE 8 AGRICULTURE Oscar MwangiSOIL CONSERVATION: INTRODUCTION Soil provides the nutrients essential for plant growth, animal life, and millions of microorganisms. However, if soil becomes unhealthy, unstable, or polluted, the life cycle stops. Soil conservation refers to the protection and management of soil resources to prevent their degradation and promote sustainable land use practices. It is an important field of study and practice aimed at preserving the productivity, fertility, and health of soils for future generations. Soil is a vital natural resource that plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth, water filtration, carbon storage, and providing a habitat for various organisms. Threats to soil conservation The primary threats to soil conservation are Chemical contamination The use of pesticides can contaminate the soil, as well as nearby vegetation and water sources, with harmful chemicals. In addition to contamination, chemicals used on crops can be toxic to important beneficial insects, such as bees, as well as fish and bird populations. A Good example is the growing use of pesticides, herbicides and toxic fertilizers. Slash and burn Slash-and-burn farming is the practice of burning and clearing forests to make way for farmland. This method kills plant species and displaces wildlife from their natural habitats. Land cleared using slash and burn is only used while it s productive for farming. Once it loses its fertility, another patch of forest is identified for clearing. This unsustainable process repeats endlessly, preventing soil from recovering sufficiently to support healthy ecosystems. Land overuse, overgrazing, etc. Overuse of land can limit soil s ability to play its part in the global climate cycle. For example, overcutting forests and woodlands for timber and overgrazing pastures can far outpace the natural regrowth of vegetation, subjecting soil to increased exposure to erosionImportance of Soil Conservation Soil conservation is of paramount importance due to the following reasons: Preserving Agricultural Productivity: Healthy and fertile soil is essential for sustaining agricultural productivity. Soil conservation practices help prevent soil erosion, nutrient depletion, and degradation, ensuring that the land remains productive for farming. By conserving soil, we can maintain high yields, improve food security, and support sustainable agriculture. Protecting Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Soil is a crucial component of terrestrial ecosystems, supporting diverse plant and animal life. Soil conservation helps preserve natural habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which are home to a variety of species.
By conserving soil, we can maintain high yields, improve food security, and support sustainable agriculture. Protecting Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Soil is a crucial component of terrestrial ecosystems, supporting diverse plant and animal life. Soil conservation helps preserve natural habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which are home to a variety of species. By protecting soil, we maintain the balance of ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity. Water Quality and Quantity: Healthy soil acts as a natural filter, purifying water as it infiltrates through the soil layers. Soil conservation practices reduce runoff and erosion, preventing sediment and pollutants from reaching water bodies. By preserving soil, we maintain water quality, prevent contamination, and ensure the availability of clean water resources. Climate Change Mitigation: Soils play a significant role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. Healthy soils store organic carbon, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. By practising soil conservation, such as promoting organic matter content and reducing soil disturbance, we enhance carbon storage and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Mitigating Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is a natural process, but human activities can accelerate it to alarming levels. Erosion leads to the loss of topsoil, which contains essential nutrients for plant growth. Soil conservation practices, such as contour ploughing, terracing, and cover cropping, help control erosion and preserve valuable topsoil, ensuring long-term land productivity. Methods of Soil Conservation There are several effective methods and techniques for soil conservation. Here are some commonly used methods: Grassed waterways gr sometimes also called grass waterways are wide, shallow channels that are installed where water runoff usually concentrates in an agricultural field. They are planted with permanent vegetation, meaning they might be mowed, but the plants are never plowed or killed intentionally Stone lines are constructed along the contours to slow down the speed of runoff, reduce soil erosion, and enhance water infiltration. In addition, the stone barrier blocks and settles down the sediments transported from the upper slopes. Stone constructions are often used to rehabilitate eroded and abandoned land Trash lines are ideally 0.5m to 1.0m wide and 0.5m high. Advantages of using trash lines They conserve top soil by trapping or reducing the speed of run-off. When they compose they turn into manure and boost soil fertility.
Stone constructions are often used to rehabilitate eroded and abandoned land Trash lines are ideally 0.5m to 1.0m wide and 0.5m high. Advantages of using trash lines They conserve top soil by trapping or reducing the speed of run-off. When they compose they turn into manure and boost soil fertility. Trash lines increase soil water infiltration since they tend to hold the water longer Bund is an engineering measure of soil conservation, used for creating obstruction across the path of surface runoff to reduce the velocity of flowing water. It retains the running off water in the watershed and thus to helps to control soil erosion. Bunds are simply embankment like structures, constructed across the land slopeCrop rotation Instead of planting the same crop year after year on the same plot of land, crop rotation involves planning out growing seasons for different crops. This method of sustainable agricultureExternal link:open in new requires long-term planning, with crops changed every season. In addition to improving soil health and organic matter, crop rotationExternal link:open in new reduces the need for fertilizer and pesticides, lowering costs. It also helps prevent excess chemicals from entering water supplies, improving water quality. Contour Plowing: Plowing along the contour lines of the land helps to slow down water runoff, reduce erosion, and retain moisture in the soil. This technique involves creating furrows or ridges that follow the natural contours of the land. Terracing: Terracing is the construction of broad, level platforms on steep slopes. By creating terraces, water runoff is slowed down, allowing it to infiltrate the soil and reducing erosion. Terraces also help to retain moisture and provide flat areas for planting crops. Windbreaks: Windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs planted along the edges of fields or across wind-exposed areas. They help to reduce wind speed, minimise wind erosion and protect the soil. Windbreaks also provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to biodiversity. Strip Cropping: Strip cropping involves planting different crops in alternating strips or bands across a field. This method helps to break up the flow of water and reduce erosion. The alternating strips of different crops also help to improve nutrient uptake and reduce pest and disease problems. Conservation Tillage: Conservation tillage practices involve reducing or eliminating the amount of soil disturbance during planting and cultivation. This includes techniques such as no-till, where seeds are planted directly into untilled soil, and reduced tillage, where minimal soil disturbance occurs.
Grey Water Recycling Grey water makes up roughly 60 of household waste water. This waste water is from baths, sinks, washing machines and dish washers. As the cheapest and simplest technique, capturing of the grey water is done in a bucket or drain, and used for the farm or garden. Contour Trenching Also known as the fanya juu technique, trench contouring entails digging of trenches along contour lines where water flows down the hill and soil thrown upslope to form an embankment which traps the run-off water and sediment, while still penetrating the soil below. Through this technique, though tedious in implementation and maintenance, crops can be grown in low rainfall seasons from the subsoil water reserve gathered. Example of Fanya juu technique Fog Harvesting Fog harvesting is best done at night and early mornings during the cold season in mountain faced regions or plains; e.g. Kajiado County and Coastal areas. Air is cooled to a point where it can no longer retain water vapour, hence forming ground level clouds. These clouds water droplets are captured in a synthetic plastic mesh net, that is hoisted with two posts planted in the ground which drain the water in a gutter; then transferred in tanks. This technique is easy to replicate, cheap and the level of technology and maintenance is simple. Groundwater Ponds Using an artificial pond laid a few meters below the ground, increases the chances of a better harvest of rain water runoff. This water can be used for irrigation and livestock drinking water. Compared to construction of a borehole, laying of a synthetic membrane on dug out grounds is cheaper, and traps the runoff water. These ponds vary in size depending on the size of the farm. They are easy to manage and are cost effective. Gutter Installation This roof catchment system has been used for decades as a traditional means of water harvesting technique. The water can be harvested in small scale or large scale for the purpose of irrigation, livestock, drinking or all of the fore mentioned. The size of the storage tank is dependent on the owners financial ability and water usage. With gutter installation, water runs down the strip iron sheets which are bent at an angle and nailed onto the roof, suspended with galvanized wires. The water is drained into a storage reservoir placed on the ground. SQUARE FOOT GARDENING Square foot gardening is the practice of dividing the growing area into small square sections, typically 1 foot 30 cm on a side, hence the name.
With gutter installation, water runs down the strip iron sheets which are bent at an angle and nailed onto the roof, suspended with galvanized wires. The water is drained into a storage reservoir placed on the ground. SQUARE FOOT GARDENING Square foot gardening is the practice of dividing the growing area into small square sections, typically 1 foot 30 cm on a side, hence the name. The aim is to assist the planning and creating of a small but intensively planted vegetable garden square allows you to get a high yield from a small area It's especially beneficial to gardeners who don't have much time or farm space. Square-foot gardening typically starts with a 4x4-foot raised garden bed filled with amended soil, then subdivided into 1-foot squares with markers like lattice strips. You then plant the appropriate number of plants in each square. You determine this by plant size. This method optimizes your space and reduces the effort needed to go from planting to harvest. Preparing square foot garden Follow this guide to square-foot gardening based on a grid of 1x1 foot squares and grow more vegetables than you can imagine with less work. Follow the steps below to start your square-foot garden. 1. Pick the Correct Location for Square-Foot Gardening As with most vegetable gardens, a square-foot garden must be where the ground is relatively flat and gets at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun daily. Avoid low areas that may turn into puddles after a hard rain. You may want to choose a spot near your house to make watering, weeding, harvesting, and other garden chores more convenient and harder to overlook. 2. Build a Raised Garden Bed The most common configuration for square-foot raised garden beds is 4x4 feet. At this size, most gardeners can reach the middle from any side. Plus, this size divides easily into a grid of sixteen 1x1-foot squares. Make your sides at least 6 inches deep. Growing root vegetables such as carrots call for sides that are 12 inches deep. To make a 6-inch-tall raised bed for square-foot gardening in a flash, buy four planter wall blocks which have 2-inch slots on four sides and four 4-foot-long 2x6s at your local home center. Set the blocks approximately 4 feet apart on level ground to form a square. Connect two blocks by sliding a 2x6 board into the respective 2-inch slots.
To make a 6-inch-tall raised bed for square-foot gardening in a flash, buy four planter wall blocks which have 2-inch slots on four sides and four 4-foot-long 2x6s at your local home center. Set the blocks approximately 4 feet apart on level ground to form a square. Connect two blocks by sliding a 2x6 board into the respective 2-inch slots. Repeat with the remaining boards and blocks to create a 4x4-foot frame in about 15 minutes. Use a more durable material such as pressuretreated lumber or cedar for a long-lasting frame. 3. Fill the Raised Garden Bed You've built the frame for a raised garden bed; now you need to fill it with soil. You may be wondering if you need special soil for square-foot gardening. You can use what you have as long as you amend it which is a good idea for any garden . First, loosen and aerate the ground soil. Then mix in enough compost and extra topsoil if needed to fill the frame. Work compost into the soil at the rate of one-third by volume such as a 2-inch layer of compost into 6 inches of soil . Soil Amendments Nutrients If you want to be more scientific about it, you should test your soil to determine its composition. Once you have that information, add the right amendments in the correct proportions to achieve the best-growing medium for a vegetable garden. Another option: Prepare the soilless mix advocated by Mel Bartholomew rather than amending your ground soil. Follow this formula: one-third compost, one-third peat moss, and one-third vermiculite. You'll need 8 cubic feet of it to fill a bed with 6-inch sides and 16 cubic feet to fill a bed with 12-inch sides. This mix is pricey, but it creates a weed-free bed that's high in nutrients and retains moisture. Blend the ingredients well whether you amend the existing soil or create a new soilless mix. Some gardeners use a portable concrete mixer plugged into a household outlet to get a uniform texture and distribution of particle sizes. No mixer? No problem. Blend all the ingredients on top of a tarp, then shovel the mixture into the frame. To get a speedier start on planting, skip the mixing and fill the frame with high-quality bagged garden soil from a nursery or gardening center.
No problem. Blend all the ingredients on top of a tarp, then shovel the mixture into the frame. To get a speedier start on planting, skip the mixing and fill the frame with high-quality bagged garden soil from a nursery or gardening center. Once the bed is filled and you've raked the soil or soilless mix smooth, create a square-foot garden grid using lattice strips, PVC pipes, or even string. Use nails or screws to attach the grid to the sides of the frame. Being able to see each square-foot section clearly simplifies planting. If you like, cover the prepared garden with a thin layer of fine mulch to conserve soil moisture and slow down the growth of weeds. 4. Plant Your Favorite Vegetables If you're building more than one raised square-foot garden bed, leave enough space between them to roll a wheelbarrow. The formula for planting is simple: one extra-large plant per 1x1-foot square; four large plants per square; nine medium plants per square; and 16 small plants per square. Here's an idea of what you can fit in each square: one vine tomato, pepper plant, sukumawiki or eggplant; four bush tomatoes, heads of cabbage, or heads of lettuce; nine onions or beets; or 16 radishes. Zucchini needs nine of the 16 squares for just one specimen, but you can plant other vegetables in the remaining seven squares. Vegetables or fruits that spread such as watermelons require a separate bed. Planting Seeds If planting seeds, plant one seed per hole spaced appropriately for the mature plant. Look on the back of the packet for instructions. Poke a finger through the mulch into the soil, drop in a small amount of vermiculite, then the seed, and cover it with more vermiculite a material that will help keep the seeds moist while it's sprouting . Mist the newly planted seeds daily, so the soil doesn't dry out. Once plants are established, water them approximately once a week. Transplanting Vegetables If you're transplanting vegetables from a nursery or gardening center, use the same spacing method mentioned earlier. Place plants in the dirt, leaving a shallow depression around each one to help hold water. You may want to shade newly planted vegetables to protect them from wilting. Water daily for a few days, and then remove the shade and water weekly. 5.
You may want to shade newly planted vegetables to protect them from wilting. Water daily for a few days, and then remove the shade and water weekly. 5. Maintain Your Garden Yes, square-foot gardening may take a little less work than traditional gardening, but you still have to pay attention to your produce. Watering Schedule You need to water when the soil feels dry, but you won't waste water on any exposed soil between traditional rows. Don't water from overhead. Instead, use a small container to water each plant individually pouring the water into the depressions you made when you planted them. Don't panic; it will still take less than 10 minutes to water a 4x4-foot garden this way. If your schedule permits, water in the morning. You'll need to water more often on days that are hot or windy because the soil will dry out faster. Weeding Your Garden Plan on weeding every week, but either pull weeds when they're small or use scissors to cut weeds off at the base instead of pulling them up by the roots or using a hoe. You don't want to disturb the roots of vegetables growing nearby. Make it easy on yourself by weeding every time you walk by the bed or only one square at a time. Because weedswon't compete with your vegetables for nutrients, you probably won't need to fertilize. Pest Control Inspect your garden daily to spot insect trouble early. Either hand-pick and destroy insects or spray the soft-bodied ones with insecticidal soap. Knock aphids off of plants by spraying them with a hose. CROP MANAGEMENT Crop pest A pest can be described as any organism capable of causing damage to crop plant. Types of Crop Pest. Important pests of crop plants are grouped into the following classes: i insect; ii birds; iii rodents; iv monkeys; v man; vi nematodesClassification of insect pests Insects pests can be classified into various groups based on their mode of feeding. These groups of insect pest include: 1. Biting and chewing insects; 2. Piercing and sucking insects; 3. Boring insects. 4. Biting and Chewing Insects: These insect mouth-parts which enable them to bite and chew plant Examples include: termites, grasshoppers, leaf worms, army worms, mantis, locust, beetles, etc. 5.
4. Biting and Chewing Insects: These insect mouth-parts which enable them to bite and chew plant Examples include: termites, grasshoppers, leaf worms, army worms, mantis, locust, beetles, etc. 5. Piercing and sucking insects: These insect pests possess strong mouthparts called proboscis stuck liquid from materials from plants tissues. Examples include aphids, cotton strainers, mealy bugs, scale insects, capsids or mirids, white flies, etc. 6. Burrowing insects: These insects including their larvae are capable of burrowing into plant parts and destroying the tissues of the plant or fruits or seeds. Examples include: bean beetles, stem burrowers, maize weevils and rice weevilsCrop pestsAphids ois Ogres ArT ForContig Pant Cut wormsCaterpillar Vegetables attacked by pests Kale Spinach... Tomatoes Onions ... Carrots ... etcEffects or economic importance of insect pests in crop production 1. Insects pest destroy crops in the field through their biting, chewing, boring, sucking and defoliation activities 2. They cause reduction in viability of stored produce 3. Spot of injuries by insets may predispose crops to disease attact. 4. They increase the cost of production during the course of controlling them 5. They render vegetables and fruits unattractive and unmarketable 6. Some are carriers or vectors of diseases. 7. The profits of farmers are reduced 8. They reduce the quality of produce either in the store or in the field 9. They generally reduce the yield of crops 10. They can also cause total death of crop plants. What you need to know about insects pests Not all insects are pests. Some bugs are beneficial to the garden. These good guys are known as beneficial insects, and they can greatly benefit your garden by consuming pest insects that would otherwise feast on your plants.
What you need to know about insects pests Not all insects are pests. Some bugs are beneficial to the garden. These good guys are known as beneficial insects, and they can greatly benefit your garden by consuming pest insects that would otherwise feast on your plants. Examples Of Beneficial Insects Include: Playing mantises Robber flies Hoverflies Assassin bugs Ground beetles Ladybugs Green lacewings Spiders Soldier beetles How to Control Pests in Crops Pests can be controlled by implementing: Chemical control; Cultural control, including crop rotation, use of locally adapted and or pest-resistant or -tolerant varieties, sanitation, and the manipulation of planting and harvest dates to avoid pests; Biological control by using natural enemies of pests; Mechanical control through cultivation practices or pest trapping; Biotechnology. .. Cultural Control: By cultural control, it is meant those methods of planting, growing and harvesting a crop which will prevent or lessen insect damage. This method consists of a slight departure from the usual time of planting, sowing or harvesting the crops or changing the plan of crop rotation, weed control, disposal of the crop remnants after harvest. Planting good seeds and resistant varieties are very important in controlling some insect pests. Since cultural methods are usually economical, they are especially useful against pests of low unit-value crops. Practices which reduce the chances of buildup of pest populations may hold them below the level which will cause economic damage. Such methods are particularly applicable to field crops and forests. Knowledge of the life history or bionomics of a pest species is essential to the effective use of cultural control methods. The principle of the weakest link or most vulnerable part of the life cycle usually applies. The environment is changed by altering farming practices at the correct time so as to kill the pests or to slow down their multiplication. In this way, the method is aimed more at prevention than at cure. If the environment is unfavorable, the pest may not reach a population level which will cause serious damage. Cultural controls are often used when chemical or biological methods have not yet been devised for an injurious species. Cleanup of the sources of infestation and changes in the planting or harvesting time are particularly important when no effective method of killing the pest is known. However, these methods are also used in combination with other controls: 1.