Summary

• Description:

  The PDF document comprises Form 3 Agriculture notes on the topic of Forage Crops.

  The topics and sub-topics covered in the document include:

  • Introduction to Forage Crops
    • Forage crops are defined as plants that are either grown naturally or cultivated by farmers to be used for feeding livestock.
    • The notes differentiate between pasture (a ground cover of grass or legumes that is grazed directly) and fodder crops (crops that are purposely grown to be cut and fed to livestock).
    • Common examples of forage grasses (e.g., Napier, Rhodes, Kikuyu grass) and legumes (e.g., Lucerne, Clover, Desmodium) are listed.
  • Pasture Establishment
    • This section details the steps involved in establishing a pasture.
    • Seedbed Preparation: This involves clearing the land and carrying out primary and secondary cultivation to achieve a fine tilth, as many forage seeds are small.
    • Selection of Planting Materials: The importance of choosing high-quality seeds or healthy vegetative materials is emphasized.
    • Treatment of Legume Seeds: The notes explain that legume seeds should be inoculated with the correct strain of nitrogen-fixing bacteria before planting.
  • Forage Conservation
    • The document explains various methods for conserving forage to be used as feed during dry seasons.
    • Hay Making: Hay is defined as forage that has been cut and dried. The factors that determine the quality of hay, such as the stage of growth at harvesting and the method of handling, are also discussed.
    • Silage Making: Silage is described as forage that is conserved in a succulent form through anaerobic fermentation. The steps in silage making, from cutting the crop to filling and compacting the silo, are detailed.
    • Standing Forage: This is described as forage that is left in the field to be used for grazing during the dry season.

  These notes are comprehensive, neat, and printable, making them an excellent resource for students studying the principles of growing and conserving forage crops. They are also highly suitable for teachers to use for lesson preparation, providing a structured and clear guide to the topic.

• File Size:

  210.67 KB
• Length:

  11 pages
• Category:

  Lesson Notes
• Level:

  Form 3
• Subject:

  AGRICULTURE
• Posted By:

  Caleb_Peter

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