Post-Planting Success: Fertilizer, Harvesting, and Beyond Agricultural Science JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Lesson Plan for Agricultural Science JSS 2

Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 12-13 years
Topic: Cultural Practices
Sub-topics:
I. Post-Planting Operations
II. Fertilizer Application
III. Methods of Fertilizer Application
IV. Methods of Harvesting Different Types of Crops: Harvesting, Storage, Processing
Duration: 80 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Identify post-planting operations and explain their importance.
2. Understand the concept of fertilizer application in crop production.
3. Explain various methods of fertilizer application.
4. Describe methods of harvesting different types of crops and the importance of storage and processing.

Keywords

• Post-planting operations
• Fertilizer application
• Harvesting
• Storage
• Processing

Set Induction

The teacher will ask students to describe what they have observed farmers doing after planting crops in their fields, leading into a discussion about post-planting operations.

Entry Behavior

Students have prior knowledge of planting operations from previous lessons, such as sowing, thinning, and spacing.

Learning Resources

• Fertilizer samples (e.g., NPK, urea)
• Tools for fertilizer application (e.g., sprayers, spreaders)
• Crops for demonstration (e.g., maize, rice)
• Diagrams showing stages of harvesting, storage, and processing

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

This lesson builds on the previous knowledge of planting operations by introducing what farmers do after planting, such as applying fertilizers and harvesting crops.

Embedded Core Skills

• Observation
• Critical thinking
• Practical application

Learning Materials

• Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools (O. Adeniyi)
• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Agricultural Science JSS 2

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Agricultural Science JSS 2
• Agricultural Science for Junior Secondary Schools by O. Adeniyi

Instructional Materials

• Samples of different types of fertilizers (e.g., NPK, urea)
• Fertilizer application tools
• Crops for demonstration (e.g., maize, cassava)
• Charts illustrating stages of harvesting, storage, and processing

Content

I. Post-Planting Operations

Post-planting operations are the activities carried out after crops have been planted to ensure proper growth and development. These operations include:

1. Weeding: Removing unwanted plants (weeds) that compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight.
2. Watering: Supplying water to crops, especially during dry periods.
3. Fertilizer Application: Adding nutrients to the soil to support crop growth.
4. Pest and Disease Control: Using pesticides or organic methods to protect crops from pests and diseases.

II. Fertilizer Application

Fertilizers are substances added to the soil to provide essential nutrients for plant growth. There are two main types of fertilizers:

1. Organic Fertilizers: Derived from natural sources like compost, manure, and bone meal.
2. Inorganic Fertilizers: Manufactured products containing essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

III. Methods of Fertilizer Application

There are several methods for applying fertilizers to crops, including:

1. Broadcasting: The fertilizer is spread evenly across the entire field, either manually or using a machine.
   • Suitable for large fields.
   • Can be wasteful as not all fertilizer reaches the plant roots.
2. Side Dressing: Fertilizer is applied to the side of the crop row, near the plant roots.
   • Reduces wastage and ensures nutrients are accessible to the plants.
3. Foliar Application: Fertilizer is sprayed directly onto the leaves of the plants.
   • Useful for quick nutrient absorption.
4. Placement: Fertilizer is placed in specific spots close to the plant roots.
   • Common for planting certain crops like maize and cassava.

IV. Harvesting, Storage, and Processing

1. Harvesting:
   • The process of gathering mature crops from the field.
   • Methods vary depending on the crop (e.g., manual harvesting of cassava, machine harvesting of maize).
2. Storage:
   • After harvesting, crops must be stored to prevent spoilage.
   • Methods include using silos, barns, or drying the crops before storage.
3. Processing:
   • Processing refers to the transformation of raw crops into products for consumption or sale (e.g., turning maize into flour).
   • Processing can involve drying, milling, or fermenting crops.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions (15)

1. Post-planting operations are carried out after ____ (a) planting, (b) harvesting, (c) weeding, (d) storage).
2. Weeding helps to remove unwanted ____ from the farm (a) fertilizers, (b) pests, (c) plants, (d) seeds).
3. Fertilizer is used to supply ____ to the soil (a) water, (b) air, (c) nutrients, (d) sunlight).
4. Organic fertilizers are made from ____ materials (a) chemical, (b) synthetic, (c) natural, (d) manufactured).
5. ____ application is the method of spreading fertilizer over the entire field (a) Side dressing, (b) Foliar, (c) Broadcasting, (d) Placement).
6. Fertilizer applied beside the crop row is called ____ (a) foliar, (b) placement, (c) side dressing, (d) broadcasting).
7. ____ fertilizers are manufactured and contain essential nutrients (a) Organic, (b) Natural, (c) Inorganic, (d) Compost).
8. Fertilizers sprayed directly on the plant leaves are called ____ applications (a) foliar, (b) broadcasting, (c) side dressing, (d) placement).
9. Harvesting is the process of gathering ____ crops from the field (a) young, (b) damaged, (c) mature, (d) stored).
10. Storage is necessary to prevent ____ of harvested crops (a) drying, (b) processing, (c) spoilage, (d) planting).
11. Silos are used to store ____ (a) fertilizer, (b) seeds, (c) crops, (d) water).
12. Processing involves transforming crops into ____ products (a) waste, (b) storage, (c) useful, (d) damaged).
13. Fertilizer placement ensures nutrients are close to the ____ (a) roots, (b) leaves, (c) flowers, (d) fruits).
14. The main nutrients in fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus, and ____ (a) potassium, (b) calcium, (c) iron, (d) copper).
15. Maize can be harvested using a ____ (a) hoe, (b) cutlass, (c) machine, (d) spade).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are post-planting operations?
   These are activities carried out after planting to ensure the healthy growth of crops, such as weeding, watering, and fertilizer application.
2. What is fertilizer application?
   Fertilizer application is the process of adding nutrients to the soil to promote plant growth.
3. What are the different types of fertilizers?
   The two main types of fertilizers are organic (natural) and inorganic (manufactured).
4. What is broadcasting in fertilizer application?
   Broadcasting involves spreading fertilizer evenly across the field.
5. What is side dressing?
   Side dressing is the application of fertilizer beside the crop row, close to the plant roots.
6. What is foliar application?
   Foliar application is the process of spraying fertilizer directly on the leaves of the plants.
7. What is harvesting?
   Harvesting is the process of gathering mature crops from the field.
8. Why is storage important in crop production?
   Storage prevents crops from spoiling after harvest and keeps them in good condition for future use.
9. What are some methods of storing crops?
   Crops can be stored in silos, barns, or by drying them before storage.
10. What is processing in agriculture?
    Processing refers to converting raw crops into products for consumption or sale, such as milling maize into flour.

Presentation

1. Step 1: Review the previous lesson on planting operations.
2. Step 2: Introduce post-planting operations and their importance.
3. Step 3: Explain the methods of fertilizer application with examples of tools used for each method.
4. Step 4: Discuss different methods of harvesting crops, including manual and machine harvesting.
5. Step 5: Explain storage and processing techniques using practical examples.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the importance of post-planting operations.
• Demonstrate how fertilizers are applied using different methods.
• Show students the difference between organic and inorganic

fertilizers.

• Discuss the harvesting methods for various crops and demonstrate if possible.

Learners’ Activities

• Listen and participate in discussions.
• Observe demonstrations of fertilizer application methods.
• Discuss their experiences with harvesting crops.
• Ask questions to clarify understanding.

Assessment

• Ask students to explain the different methods of fertilizer application.
• Have students describe the harvesting process for at least two types of crops.
• Check for understanding through group discussions and practical demonstrations.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is the importance of post-planting operations?
2. Describe the method of broadcasting fertilizer.
3. What are the steps involved in harvesting maize?
4. Why is proper storage necessary after harvesting?
5. How does processing affect the quality of crops?
6. What are the two main types of fertilizers?
7. Explain the method of side dressing.
8. What tools can be used for foliar application?
9. Why is it important to know the method of harvesting for different crops?
10. Describe how you would store harvested cassava.

Conclusion

• Review key points of the lesson by asking students to share what they learned about post-planting operations and fertilizer application.
• Summarize the methods of harvesting and the importance of storage and processing.
• Collect and mark students’ work, providing feedback on their understanding of the lesson.

More Useful Links

• Revision of JSS 1 Work Agricultural Science JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1
• Farm Structures and Buildings Agricultural Science JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2
• Sitting of Farm and Layout of Farm Structures Agricultural Science JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 3