Cost analysis for science Crops and livestock enterprise

Candidate’s Name: Aamir Cunningham

Candidate’s #:

Name of School: Garvey Maceo High School

Centre #: 100157

Territory: Jamaica

Award: Single

Proficiency: General

Year of Exam: 2014

Location: Vernamfield, Clarendon

Duration: 6 weeks

Land Preparation

Clearing

Figure 1 showing land clearing.

The land was cleared by using a cutlass to cut the grasses and weeds.

This was done to allow the crop to grow without hindrance. Removing weed is also beneficial to

the plant because weeds rob the plants of soil nutrients and sunlight.

Ploughing

Figure 2 showing the candidate ploughing the plot of land by using a garden fork

This is an effective way to ensure that soil nutrients are easily accessed by germinating seeds.

This process also removes unwanted materials (for example weeds) from the soil.

Refining

Figure 3 shows the candidate refining the soil

A fork was used to break large hard pieces of soil into smaller pieces and bare hands to remove debris.

This ensured that when the seeds start to germinate, there were not too much stones in the soil

which could result in the crop being trapped under the stones.

Furrowing

Figure 4 shows the candidate carrying out furrowing,

Furrowing was carried out by using a hoe to make the rows in which the crops would be

cultivated. Furrowing is important because it enables better management of crops. It provides

sufficient space for the farmer to observe and treat plants on foot.

Adding Manure

Figure 5 shows the candidate adding manure to the soil.

Manure was added to the soil to boost the growth and development of the crops by providing various macro-nutrients such as phosphorous.

Sowing of seeds

Figure 6 shows the candidate preparing holes and planting seeds.

The holes were prepared by using a cutlass to dig through the soil. The holes were prepared to plant the cucumber seeds.

Cultural practices/ Crop care

Weeding

Figure 8 shows the candidate weeding.

A cutlass was used to cut the weeds from around the growing cucumber plants.

Irrigation

Figure 9 shows the setting up of the irrigation system.

The crops were automatically watered by a sprinkler. The system sprinkled water on the crops

daily. The irrigating process is very important because without water the seeds will not

germinate.

Fertilizing

Figure 10 shows the fertilization of crops.

The crop was fertilized using a garden shovel to apply it by the broadcasting method. Fertilization is important because in order for a plant to grow and thrive, it needs a number of different chemical elements which is provided by the fertilizer.

Observation

Figure 11 shows the observation of the crop.

Observing the crops is a very important. It is an effective way of detecting pests and

diseases on the crop.

Pest control

Figure 12 shows the application of insecticide.

The insecticide was applied using a spray pack to spray it on the leaves of the cucumber to kill pests and prevent them from attacking the plant. This is important because pests can destroy the crop.

Mulching

Figure 13 shows weed control by mulching

The plant was mulched by placing dry grass around the roots of the plants. Mulch retains water helping to keep the roots moist and keeps weeds preventing root competition.

Harvesting

Figure 14 shows the candidate harvesting the cucumber.

The crop was harvested by gently picking it from the cucumber vines. The crop was harvested in order

to be prepared for marketing.

Marketing

Weighing

Figure 15 shows the candidate weighing the cucumber.

The cucumber was weighed by using a scale. This is important because the weight of the cucumber has to be known to determine its selling price.

Packaging

Figure 16 shows packaging of the product.

The cucumbers were packaged in a clear polythene bag .This is important because they have to look presentable for marketing.

Selling

Figure 17 shows the selling of the cucumber.

This is an important process in which the product is exchanged for money in order to gain profit.