Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1701.
Which type of fertilizer is considered “slow‑release” and reduces leaching?
A
Ammonium nitrate
B
Urea
C
Osmocote
D
Liquid fertilizer
Correct Answer: C
Osmocote is a controlled‑release fertilizer that releases nutrients gradually, reducing leaching risk.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1702.
In soil conservation, what does "terracing" help to prevent?
A
Soil compaction
B
Soil erosion by water
C
Pest infestations
D
Excessive rainfall
Correct Answer: B
Terracing creates stepped plots that reduce runoff velocity, thereby preventing soil erosion.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1703.
Which of the following is an example of a bio‑fertilizer?
A
Superphosphate
B
Compost
C
Nitrogen gas
D
Phosphoric acid
Correct Answer: B
Compost is a natural product rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms, qualifying as a bio‑fertilizer.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1704.
The main purpose of using a mulch film in vegetable production is to:
A
Increase soil temperature drastically
B
Reduce weed growth and conserve moisture
C
Provide shade to crops
D
Increase soil acidity
Correct Answer: B
Mulch film suppresses weeds, reduces evaporation, and helps maintain a stable soil temperature.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1705.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a well‑managed pasture?
A
Overgrazing
B
High soil compaction
C
Balanced forage production and soil health
D
Low biodiversity
Correct Answer: C
Good pasture management balances forage availability with maintaining healthy soil and diverse plant species.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1706.
In livestock production, the term "feed conversion ratio" (FCR) measures:
A
The amount of feed per animal per day
B
The efficiency of converting feed into body weight gain
C
The price of feed per kilogram
D
The number of animals per hectare
Correct Answer: B
FCR is the ratio of feed intake to weight gain; a lower FCR indicates higher efficiency.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1707.
Which of the following best describes the process of composting?
A
Burning organic waste
B
Drying crops for storage
C
Decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms under controlled conditions
D
Irrigation of soil with chemical fertilizers
Correct Answer: C
Composting involves the aerobic breakdown of organic materials by microbes, producing nutrient‑rich compost.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1708.
What is the primary benefit of using a cover crop in a cropping system?
A
It increases pesticide usage
B
It reduces soil fertility
C
It protects soil from erosion and adds organic matter
D
It eliminates the need for irrigation
Correct Answer: C
Cover crops cover the soil surface, preventing erosion, improving structure, and adding organic matter to the soil.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1709.
Which of the following is NOT a major nutrient required by plants?
A
Nitrogen
B
Phosphorus
C
Sodium
D
Potassium
Correct Answer: C
Plants require nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Sodium is not a major nutrient for most plants.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1710.
What is the main purpose of mulching in a vegetable plot?
A
To increase soil temperature
B
To reduce soil erosion and retain moisture
C
To provide additional nutrients
D
To attract pollinators
Correct Answer: B
Mulch helps prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and conserve soil moisture.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1711.
Which of the following is an example of a sustainable livestock practice?
A
Feeding animals only during the day
B
Rotational grazing
C
Using chemical growth promoters
D
Keeping livestock in confined spaces all year
Correct Answer: B
Rotational grazing improves pasture health and reduces soil compaction.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1712.
In soil pH measurement, a pH of 5.5 is considered:
A
Acidic
B
Neutral
C
Alkaline
D
Highly alkaline
Correct Answer: A
Soil pH below 7 is acidic; 5.5 falls into the acidic range.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1713.
Which of the following irrigation methods delivers water directly to plant roots?
A
Flood irrigation
B
Drip irrigation
C
Sprinkler irrigation
D
Surface irrigation
Correct Answer: B
Drip irrigation places water at the root zone, minimizing evaporation.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1714.
The process by which plants absorb water through their roots is called:
A
Transpiration
B
Photosynthesis
C
Absorption
D
Germination
Correct Answer: C
Absorption refers to water uptake from soil; transpiration is water loss through leaves.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1715.
Which of these is a common insect pest of maize?
A
Aphids
B
Cutworms
C
Corn borer
D
Thrips
Correct Answer: C
The corn borer larva bores into maize stems causing damage.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1716.
What is the primary function of the chlorophyll pigment in plants?
A
To attract pollinators
B
To store energy
C
To absorb light for photosynthesis
D
To protect against pests
Correct Answer: C
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, converting it into chemical energy during photosynthesis.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1717.
Which soil texture is best for most vegetable crops?
A
Clay
B
Loam
C
Silt
D
Gravel
Correct Answer: B
Loam has a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay, providing good drainage and fertility.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1718.
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of composting?
A
Reducing waste
B
Providing a source of fertilizer
C
Increasing soil erosion
D
Improving soil structure
Correct Answer: C
Composting helps reduce erosion by improving soil aggregation and water retention.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1719.
The process by which a plant's seed changes into a seedling is called:
A
Germination
B
Transpiration
C
Photosynthesis
D
Respiration
Correct Answer: A
Germination is the emergence of a seedling from a seed.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1720.
Which of these is a major source of nitrogen for soil?
A
Phosphorus rock
B
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
C
Potassium sulfate
D
Lime
Correct Answer: B
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric N₂ into usable forms for plants.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1721.
Which of the following best describes a crop rotation?
A
Planting the same crop every year
B
Planting two crops in the same field simultaneously
C
Alternating different crops in the same field over successive seasons
D
Growing crops only during the rainy season
Correct Answer: C
Crop rotation helps break pest cycles and improves soil fertility.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1722.
The main component of plant cell walls that provides strength is:
A
Cellulose
B
Starch
C
Lignin
D
Chlorophyll
Correct Answer: A
Cellulose fibers give plant cells structural support.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1723.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a drought-tolerant plant?
A
Large, shallow roots
B
Thick cuticles on leaves
C
High leaf surface area
D
No need for irrigation
Correct Answer: B
Thick cuticles reduce water loss, aiding drought tolerance.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1724.
What does the term "soil fertility" refer to?
A
The soil's color
B
The soil's ability to support plant growth
C
The soil's texture
D
The soil's pH only
Correct Answer: B
Soil fertility is the capacity of soil to provide nutrients and support healthy plant growth.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1725.
Which of the following is an example of a beneficial insect in a farm ecosystem?
A
Aphids
B
Ladybugs
C
Corn borer
D
Whiteflies
Correct Answer: B
Ladybugs feed on aphids, reducing pest populations.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1726.
What is the main purpose of using a seed starter mix?
A
To increase seed size
B
To provide a sterile environment for germination
C
To add pesticides
D
To reduce seedling vigor
Correct Answer: B
Starter mix offers a nutrient-rich, well-draining medium for seedlings.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1727.
The term "biological nitrogen fixation" refers to:
A
Using chemical fertilizers to add nitrogen
B
The process by which plants absorb atmospheric nitrogen directly
C
The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia by bacteria
D
The burning of nitrogen-rich compounds
Correct Answer: C
Symbiotic bacteria convert N₂ into ammonia, usable by plants.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1728.
Which of the following is a common disease of tomatoes caused by a fungal pathogen?
A
Bacterial spot
B
Powdery mildew
C
Root rot
D
Late blight
Correct Answer: D
Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a fungal disease affecting tomatoes.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1729.
Which of these is NOT a primary source of irrigation water for small farms in many African countries?
A
River
B
Rainfall
C
Borehole
D
Nuclear reactors
Correct Answer: D
Nuclear reactors are not used for irrigation water supply.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1730.
In livestock production, the term "feed conversion ratio" (FCR) refers to:
A
The ratio of feed given to weight gain
B
The ratio of water to feed
C
The ratio of waste to feed
D
The ratio of feed to animal age
Correct Answer: A
FCR measures the efficiency of converting feed into body mass.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1731.
Which of the following is an example of a biofertilizer?
A
Urea
B
Compost
C
Chemical herbicide
D
Synthetic pesticide
Correct Answer: B
Compost is a natural, organic fertilizer produced by microbial decomposition.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1732.
What is the primary benefit of using shade nets over vegetable plots?
A
Increase sunlight intensity
B
Reduce water evaporation
C
Attract pests
D
Increase soil temperature
Correct Answer: B
Shade nets lower temperature and reduce evaporation, conserving moisture.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1733.
Which of the following best describes "organic farming"?
A
Use of only chemical fertilizers
B
Use of genetically modified crops
C
Avoidance of synthetic chemicals and reliance on natural processes
D
No use of any soil amendments
Correct Answer: C
Organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals, relying on natural inputs and processes.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1734.
Which of the following is a key factor in determining the suitability of a site for dairy farming?
A
Soil pH only
B
Availability of water and forage quality
C
Number of trees
D
Proximity to a highway only
Correct Answer: B
Adequate water supply and high-quality forage are essential for dairy cattle health.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1735.
What does the term "soil erosion" refer to?
A
The process of adding nutrients to soil
B
The loss of topsoil by wind or water
C
The hardening of soil
D
The increase in soil pH
Correct Answer: B
Soil erosion removes the fertile upper layer, reducing productivity.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1736.
Which of the following is a major advantage of using hydroponics for crop production?
A
Requires large land area
B
Reduces water use compared to conventional farming
C
Needs no nutrients
D
Only suitable for tropical crops
Correct Answer: B
Hydroponics recycles water and reduces overall consumption compared to soil cultivation.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1737.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a high-yielding maize variety?
A
Short growing period
B
Low nutrient requirements
C
Resistance to common pests
D
All of the above
Correct Answer: D
High yield varieties usually combine rapid growth, low input needs, and pest resistance.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1738.
In the context of pest management, "integrated pest management" (IPM) primarily aims to:
A
Use only chemical pesticides
B
Combine biological, cultural, and chemical methods to control pests sustainably
C
Eliminate all pests from the farm
D
Ignore pest populations until they reach a threshold
Correct Answer: B
IPM uses a combination of strategies to manage pests with minimal environmental impact.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1739.
Which of the following is a common method to improve soil drainage in heavy clay soils?
A
Adding lime
B
Adding gypsum
C
Adding sand and compost
D
Increasing irrigation frequency
Correct Answer: C
Incorporating sand and organic matter improves structure and drainage in clay soils.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1740.
Which of the following is NOT a typical component of a farm income statement?
A
Revenue from crop sales
B
Operating expenses
C
Personal expenses of the farmer
D
Net profit
Correct Answer: C
Personal expenses are not included in the farm's income statement.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1741.
Which of the following best explains the term "soil organic matter"?
A
The inorganic minerals in soil
B
The living microorganisms only
C
The combination of decomposed plant and animal residues in soil
D
The amount of sand in soil
Correct Answer: C
Soil organic matter includes decomposed residues that improve fertility and structure.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1742.
Which of the following is an example of a nitrogen-fixing crop that can improve soil fertility?
A
Maize
B
Soybean
C
Wheat
D
Rice
Correct Answer: B
Soybean is a leguminous plant that forms symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1743.
What is the main purpose of using a mulch layer on a vegetable plot?
A
To increase soil temperature
B
To reduce soil erosion and conserve moisture
C
To provide extra nutrients to plants
D
To attract pollinators
Correct Answer: B
Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and reduce surface runoff, thereby protecting the soil.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1744.
Which type of irrigation is most efficient in arid regions where water is scarce?
A
Flood irrigation
B
Drip irrigation
C
Sprinkler irrigation
D
Surface irrigation
Correct Answer: B
Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the root zone, minimizing evaporation and water loss.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1745.
In the process of composting, which stage is characterized by the highest temperature and rapid microbial activity?
A
Accumulation
B
Decomposition
C
Maturation
D
Stabilization
Correct Answer: B
The decomposition stage sees the highest temperature as microbes rapidly break down organic matter.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1746.
Which of the following is a primary reason for using a crop rotation schedule?
A
To increase pesticide usage
B
To reduce soil erosion only
C
To manage soil fertility and control pests
D
To plant the same crop every year for consistency
Correct Answer: C
Crop rotation helps replenish nutrients, disrupt pest life cycles, and improve soil health.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1747.
What is the function of a seed coat in a plant seed?
A
To store nutrients for the seedling
B
To provide a protective barrier against physical damage
C
To attract pollinators
D
To absorb water during germination
Correct Answer: B
The seed coat protects the embryo from damage and prevents premature germination.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1748.
Which animal is primarily raised for milk production in most rural communities?
A
Goat
B
Pig
C
Sheep
D
Cow
Correct Answer: D
Cattle are the most common source of dairy products in many agricultural settings.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1749.
In soil classification, what does the term "loam" refer to?
A
A soil with high clay content
B
A soil with high sand content
C
A balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay
D
A soil that is highly acidic
Correct Answer: C
Loam is considered ideal for most crops because it retains moisture while providing good drainage.
Junior Certificate Examination
Agricultural Science
Q1750.
Which of the following pests is known to damage the leaves of maize by feeding on the leaf sheath?
A
Aphis craccivora
B
Helicoverpa armigera
C
Cnaphalocrocis medinalis
D
Spodoptera frugiperda
Correct Answer: C
The rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, often infests maize and causes significant leaf damage.