Biology and Entrepreneurship

To produce crops, some practices are employed before planting, during the growth of the plants and harvesting. These practices used to raise crops are called agricultural practices. The variety of procedures carried out (after planting) at specific points in the growing period of the crop are the cultural practices, which include transplanting and weeding. Both practices are important because they involve the application of basic biological concepts when the activities are carried out. Some of the activities carried out include the following:

Soil preparation At this first stage, the decision to use a particular type of soil will depend on how much is known about the structure of the soil, how much water it can retain and how much air is present in the soil. This knowledge of biology will help to decide on the type of soil to select for the intended crop to be cultivated. Soil preparation activities like weeding, raking, levelling, and ploughing improve the soil air (aeration) and water permeability. These, therefore, improve the fertility of the soil.

Figure 1.10: Raking of soil.

Seed sowing Farmers at this stage select seeds that are intact, fully matured and can potentially germinate and grow (viable). The seeds are planted manually by hand or mechanically. The seeds can be sown in a row (drill) or scattered (broadcasting).

Figure 1.11: Seed sown in a row.

Fertiliser application At this stage, fertilisers are added to the soil to improve fertility and crop yield.

The fertilisers used are either organic (green manures, composts) or inorganic fertilisers. Green manuring is the mixing or mulching of green crops into the soil with the aim of improving the structure of the soil and its fertility. Composting is the practice of converting organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil known as compost by decaying.

Figure 1.12: Inorganic fertiliser application on a mechanised farm.

Irrigation The practice of supplying water to crops provides sufficient moisture for plant growth and development. Plants depend on adequate water for photosynthesis, leading to the growth and development of fruits and seeds. Irrigation is done through water supplied in watering cans, water canals, tube wells, reservoirs, and wells.

Figure 1.13: Irrigation using a watering can.

Pruning This is the practice of selectively removing undesirable parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots, to improve its growth and productivity. This process reduces overcrowding, which prevents competition for resources, disease and pest infestations. It also promotes crop yield due to sufficient sunlight and air reaching the plants.

Grafting This is the technique where tissues from one plant part with desirable characteristics are inserted into another plant, such that their vascular tissues are joined together.

Knowledge in tissue regeneration and genetics promotes this process allowing the development of desirable traits to improve productivity and preservation of varieties in crops.

Pest and disease control methods and strategies These activities are performed to manage and reduce damage by pests and diseases to crops and livestock. Introduction of a predator to the pest (biological control) and chemical control methods may be used. The practice reduces crop losses, increases crop yield, and enhances crop quality.

Activity 1.10 Agricultural practices on a farm visit

1. Visit a nearby farm or garden with your peer and interact with the owner or workers on the methods used for preparing the land, and planting and harvesting the crops. Ask about good practices used on the farm and record it.

2. Participate in an activity on the farm or garden and identify the biological concept (s) applied during the activity.

3. Write and record a video or an audio of your experience on the farm.

4. Share these experiences and the importance of the activity with your class.

Caution: Be careful with sharp agricultural tools!

Animal Husbandry Practices refer to the day-to-day care, management, production, feeding, and raising of farm animals, resulting in healthy animals leading to an increase in productivity. Some animal husbandry practices include:

1. Selective breeding: This is the process of intentionally choosing parent organisms with specific traits to produce offspring with desired characteristics.

This results in the production of offspring that have enhanced or desired traits, such as drought and disease resistance. This practice is done in crop production and animal husbandry.

Figure 1.14: Selectively bred chicken.

2. Supplementary feeding is the provision of additional nutrients to animals apart from the normal feed given to them. This may be in the form of supplements given to enhance growth and improve reproductive performance, thus resulting in increased productivity.

3. Flushing is the technique of increasing the nutrition of breeding female animals before and during the breeding seasons to enhance fertility and reproduction.

Figure 1.15: Increase in reproduction as a result of flushing.

4. Deworming is the giving of drugs to animals to get rid of endoparasites. The exercise improves the health of animals, leading to an increase in growth and weight and reduces the spread of disease among livestock.

5. The marketing and selling of products from agriculture is done to earn income for the farmer and to provide food for the population/consumer

Figure 1.16: Farm products on a stall When biological concepts are integrated into animal and crop production, farmers and farm owners can achieve a higher yield, ensure that there is food security and promote a sustainable environment.

Activity 1.11 Farm Visit

1. Identify and visit a nearby pig, cattle, poultry or any other livestock farm with your peers.

2. Interact with the owner or workers on the daily activities or routine on the farm. Ask about husbandry practices used on the farm and record them.

3. Create a catalogue for the routine activities observed during the visit and share it with the class.

4. Surf the Internet for genetic selection and breeding practices and discuss the findings with the class.