Here’s an expanded version of the Lecture Notes for Weeks 5-7: Crop Husbandry as part of

the Agricultural Science and Technology module. These notes focus on soil properties and
preparation, planting methods, crop selection, and crop nutrition and fertilizers.

Agricultural Science and Technology

Weeks 5-7: Crop Husbandry

1. Soil Properties and Preparation

Objective:
 To understand the characteristics of soil that affect crop growth and how to prepare the
soil for planting.
Key Concepts:
 Soil Properties:
o Texture: Refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay in the soil. This affects
the soil’s ability to retain moisture, nutrients, and air.
 Sandy soil is well-draining but may not hold nutrients well.
 Clay soil retains moisture but may be poorly aerated.
 Loam soil is considered ideal for most crops because it balances moisture
retention and drainage.
o Structure: Refers to the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates or clumps.
Good structure allows for proper water infiltration and root development.
o Soil pH: Affects nutrient availability to plants. Most crops grow best in soils with
a pH of 6 to 7 (neutral to slightly acidic). Soils that are too acidic or too alkaline
may require adjustments (e.g., adding lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower pH).
o Soil Fertility: The ability of soil to supply essential nutrients to plants. Nutrients
are either natural (from decomposed organic matter) or added through fertilizers.
Soil Preparation:
 Tillage: The mechanical manipulation of the soil to prepare it for planting. Methods
include plowing, harrowing, and ridging.
o Plowing breaks up the soil, aerating it and helping to incorporate organic matter.
o Harrowing smoothens the soil surface and breaks up clods.
o Ridging is often used for crops like maize, where mounds or ridges are created to
improve drainage and root growth.
 Soil Testing: Before applying fertilizers or amendments, it’s crucial to test the soil’s
nutrient content and pH. This ensures that crops get the nutrients they need, and that no
excess nutrients harm the soil or environment.
Lecture Notes:
 Discuss how different soil types impact plant growth and the importance of
understanding local soil conditions.
 Show the process of soil testing (can include a demonstration if possible).
 Highlight different soil preparation techniques for various crops (e.g., plowing for maize,
raised beds for vegetables).

2. Planting Methods (Direct Sowing, Transplanting)

Objective:
  To explore different planting methods used in crop production and their advantages and
disadvantages.
Key Concepts:
 Direct Sowing:
o Definition: Planting seeds directly into the soil at the intended final location for
growth.
o Advantages:
 Less labor-intensive compared to transplanting.
 Seeds establish directly in the field, reducing transplant shock.
o Disadvantages:
 Seeds may be lost to pests or diseases.
 Soil conditions must be ideal for seed germination (e.g., moisture,
temperature).
 Harder to control plant spacing and uniformity.
o Application: Common for crops like maize, beans, groundnuts, and many cereals.
 Transplanting:
o Definition: Growing seedlings in a nursery and then moving them to their final
growing location once they are strong enough.
o Advantages:
 Better control of plant spacing and density.
 Protection from pests and diseases during early growth.
 Can use higher-quality seeds for stronger seedlings.
o Disadvantages:
 Labor-intensive due to the need for a nursery and transplanting process.
 Higher water demand for seedlings.
 Possible transplant shock, especially if done poorly.
o Application: Used for crops like tomatoes, cabbages, and other vegetables.
Lecture Notes:
 Discuss when to use direct sowing vs. transplanting based on factors such as crop type,
soil conditions, and available resources.
 Demonstrate how to properly transplant seedlings (e.g., spacing, depth).
 Provide examples of crops where direct sowing is preferred and those that benefit from
transplanting.

3. Crop Selection and Suitability

Objective:
 To understand how to choose the right crops for different environmental and economic
conditions.
Key Concepts:
 Environmental Suitability:
o Climate: Each crop has specific temperature, humidity, and rainfall requirements.
For instance:
 Maize grows best in moderate rainfall (500-800mm) and temperatures
between 18-30°C.
 Rice requires high water levels and warm climates.
 Wheat thrives in cooler regions with dry conditions during harvest.
 o Soil Type: Different crops have different soil requirements. Some crops prefer
acidic soils (e.g., tomatoes), while others like slightly alkaline soils (e.g., beans).
o Water Requirements: Crops also have different water needs. For example,
cassava is drought-tolerant, while rice requires consistent flooding.
 Economic Suitability:
o Consideration of local market demand and pricing for the crop.
o Profitability: Choosing crops that will offer the best returns based on input costs
(e.g., labor, seeds, fertilizers) and expected yields.
o Pest and Disease Resistance: Some crops may be more resistant to local pests or
diseases, which could reduce the need for chemical interventions.
 Example of Crop Suitability in Kenya:
o Maize: Grown across most regions, but ideal for areas with moderate rainfall and
well-drained soils.
o Tea and Coffee: Prefer higher altitudes (e.g., central highlands) with cooler
temperatures.
o Vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, cabbages): Require fertile, well-drained soils and
moderate to high rainfall.
Lecture Notes:
 Discuss the factors to consider when selecting crops for a given area (climate, market
demand, soil type, etc.).
 Use examples of successful crop selections in Kenya or other regions to illustrate how to
optimize for both environmental and economic factors.
 Provide charts or tables summarizing optimal conditions for various crops.

4. Crop Nutrition and Fertilizers

Objective:
 To understand the role of nutrients in plant growth and how to use fertilizers effectively.
Key Concepts:
 Essential Plant Nutrients:
o Macronutrients: Needed in large quantities for plant growth. These include:
 Nitrogen (N): Crucial for leaf and stem growth.
 Phosphorus (P): Important for root development and flowering.
 Potassium (K): Enhances overall plant health and resistance to diseases.
 Secondary nutrients: Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), and Sulfur (S).
o Micronutrients: Needed in small quantities but still vital for plant growth. These
include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B).
 Fertilizers:
o Organic Fertilizers: Derived from plant or animal sources (e.g., compost,
manure, green manure). Improve soil structure and microbial activity.
o Inorganic Fertilizers (Synthetic): Manufactured and contain specific nutrients in
concentrated forms (e.g., NPK fertilizers).
o Types of Fertilizers:
 Complete fertilizers: Contain all three primary nutrients (N, P, K), such
as NPK 15-15-15.
 Single-element fertilizers: Contain only one nutrient, like urea (for
nitrogen).
 o Fertilizer Application Methods:
 Broadcasting: Spreading fertilizer evenly over the soil surface.
 Band application: Fertilizer is placed in bands near the seed during
planting.
 Side dressing: Applying fertilizers around growing plants.
 Fertilizer Timing:
o Fertilizers should be applied at the right growth stage (e.g., during early
vegetative growth or at flowering).
 Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms: Understanding the symptoms of nutrient deficiencies
(e.g., yellowing leaves for nitrogen deficiency, stunted growth for phosphorus
deficiency).
Lecture Notes:
 Provide detailed explanations on how different fertilizers work and their respective
applications.
 Include visual aids (e.g., diagrams of plant nutrient uptake, signs of nutrient deficiencies).
 Discuss best practices for efficient and environmentally sustainable fertilizer use (e.g.,
avoiding over-fertilization, timing, and application methods).

Teaching Methods:
 Practical Demonstrations: Show students how to perform a soil test, apply fertilizers,
and plant using both methods (direct sowing and transplanting).
 Field Visits: Arrange field trips to local farms to observe crop husbandry practices and
fertilizer application.
 Interactive Discussions: Engage students in discussions about the challenges they might
face in crop husbandry, such as soil degradation, pest management, or fertilization.

Conclusion:
By the end of Weeks 5-7, students should have a solid understanding of the various aspects of
crop husbandry, including how soil properties affect crop growth, how to select the right crops
for a given environment, and how to use fertilizers effectively to promote healthy plant growth.
These concepts are essential for successful farming and will lay the foundation for more
advanced topics in agriculture.