Methods of Control Common Weed Agric E-Note J s 1
Methods of Control Common Weed Agric E-Note J s 1
Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: J S 1
Week: 8
Topic: Common Weeds and Methods of Control
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Recall the names of common weeds around them.
- Differentiate between cultural and chemical methods of controlling weeds.
- Control weeds found in their locality and in the school.
KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:
- Weeds
- Cultural control
- Chemical control
- Herbicides
RESOURCES AND MATERIALS:
- Pictures of common weeds (e.g., spear grass, elephant grass, goat weed)
- Samples of herbicides
- Gardening tools (e.g., hoe, cutlass, rake)
BUILDING BACKGROUND:
Begin by asking students to observe the school environment and identify any plants that grow where they are not wanted. Explain that these unwanted plants are called weeds. Discuss how weeds affect the growth of crops and other plants.
CONTENT:
I. Meaning of Weeds
- Weeds are unwanted plants that grow where they are not needed, especially among crops or in gardens. They compete with crops for sunlight, water, and nutrients, making it harder for crops to grow well.
II. Common Weeds
- Some common weeds found around farms, gardens, and homes include:
- Spear Grass
- Goat Weed
- Elephant Grass
- Waterleaf
- Wild Lettuce
- Tridax
III. Effect of Weeds on Vegetation and Soil
- Compete with crops: Weeds take nutrients, water, and space meant for crops, reducing crop yield.
- Harbor pests and diseases: Some weeds provide shelter for pests and diseases that attack crops.
- Damage the soil: Weeds, especially deep-rooted ones, may damage the soil structure and reduce the fertility of the soil over time.
- Reduce quality of harvests: The presence of weeds among crops can reduce the quality of fruits and vegetables.
IV. Methods of Weed Control
-
Cultural Methods
- Manual weeding: This involves using tools like hoes or cutlasses to remove weeds by hand. It is labor-intensive but effective for small farms.
- Mulching: This involves covering the soil with materials like leaves or plastic to prevent weed growth by blocking sunlight.
- Crop rotation: Planting different crops in rotation can reduce the growth of specific weeds.
- Tillage: Turning the soil using tools like plows or tractors can help remove weeds by uprooting them.
-
Chemical Methods
- Herbicides: These are chemicals sprayed on weeds to kill them. Examples of herbicides include glyphosate and paraquat. While they are effective, care must be taken to avoid damaging crops and harming the environment.
WRAP UP & ASSESSMENT:
- Ask students to name two common weeds in their community and explain why weeds are harmful to crops.
- Have students describe the difference between cultural and chemical methods of weed control.
- Demonstrate manual weeding around the school garden and discuss how herbicides should be safely applied.
ASSIGNMENT:
- Identify and list 3 common weeds in your environment. Mention which method of weed control you would use and why.
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Methods of Control Common Weed Agric E-Note J s 1
