Agricultural Practices (JSS 2- Agricultural Science Lesson Note: Second Term, Week Second)

Lesson Plan for JSS Two (Age 12)

Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: JSS 2
Week of the Second Term: 2nd Week
Topic One: Agricultural Practices
Sub-Topic: Pre-planting operations: Choice of site, clearing, stumping, tilling, pre-nursery and nursery practices, planting operations: Seed treatment, spacing, and planting

Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the processes involved in choosing a site for farming and identify the importance of site selection.
2. Demonstrate the steps in pre-planting operations like clearing and tilling using diagrams and classroom discussion.
3. Illustrate planting operations such as seed treatment and spacing by engaging in a planting exercise.

Entry Behaviour

Students should already know basic farming activities from previous terms, including the importance of preparing the land for planting and understanding how to grow crops.

Instructional Materials

1. Agricultural Science textbook (BEC Edition)
2. Visual aids depicting pre-planting and planting operations
3. Flashcards showing images of tools used for land preparation

Reference Materials 

Dairo, S. D., Akande, A. S., Akindele, F. Y., Ibrahim, F., & Ezinwa, C. (2014). Agriculture for Junior Secondary School 2 Textbook (BEC Edition). Spectrum Books Limited.

Nworgu, C., Olowe, O., Otegbode, O., & Sheu, H. (2014). Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary School 2 Textbook (BEC Edition). University Press PLC.

Content

Agriculture involves several practices that help ensure crops grow well and yield good results. These practices are divided into pre-planting operations and planting operations, which must be carried out properly to have a successful harvest.

Pre-planting Operations

Pre-planting operations refer to all the steps taken to prepare the land and the crops before seeds or seedlings are planted. These processes are essential in ensuring the soil is ready for planting and that the crops have the best chance to grow healthily.

1. Choice of Site:
   • Selecting the right site is the first step in pre-planting operations.
   • The site should have fertile soil, access to sunlight, and good water drainage.
   • It should be located in an area where the climate supports the growth of the chosen crop.
2. Clearing:
   • After choosing the site, the land must be cleared of weeds, bushes, and trees.
   • Clearing involves removing unwanted plants to reduce competition for nutrients and sunlight.
3. Stumping:
   • This process involves removing tree stumps and large roots from the soil.
   • Stumping is necessary to ensure the land is smooth and free of obstacles that may interfere with farming activities.
4. Tilling:
   • Tilling is the act of turning over the soil to break it up and improve its structure.
   • This helps aerate the soil, making it easier for plant roots to grow and absorb nutrients.
   • Tilling also helps to mix organic matter into the soil, which improves soil fertility.
5. Pre-Nursery and Nursery Practices:
   • Pre-nursery involves sowing seeds in a small, controlled area before transferring the young plants (seedlings) to the main field.
   • Nursery practices include caring for young plants by providing water, nutrients, and protection from pests until they are strong enough to be transplanted.

Planting Operations

Planting operations involve the steps taken after pre-planting to ensure the crops are planted correctly. Proper planting is crucial for ensuring that the seeds germinate and grow into healthy plants.

1. Seed Treatment:

Step 1: Introduction

Lesson Presentation (Step-by-Step Procedure)

Others removed.