Farming and Cropping System II (Lesson note)

Detailed Lesson Note

School: Junior Secondary School
Subject: Agricultural Science
Class: JSS 2 (Grade 8)
Duration: 40 minutes

Week: Eleven
Topic: Farming and Cropping System
Sub-topic: Cropping System
Date: To be inserted by the teacher
Period: To be inserted by the teacher
Class Size: To be inserted by the teacher

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Instructional Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define cropping system and list at least three (3) types of cropping systems. (Knowledge – Lower domain)
2. Differentiate between mixed cropping and mixed farming with one example each. (Comprehension/Application – Middle domain)
3. Analyze and classify given farm practices into the correct type of cropping system during group activity. (Analysis – Higher domain)
4. Show interest in sustainable farming practices by participating actively in discussions on advantages of cropping systems. (Affective domain)

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Instructional Materials

• Chart showing types of cropping systems
• Pictures or drawings of different farms (mixed cropping, mono-cropping, crop rotation, etc.)
• Flash cards with farm practices written on them (e.g., “maize only”, “beans + yam”, “maize after cassava”, “crops + poultry”)
• Whiteboard and marker

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Content of the Lesson

1. Meaning of Cropping System

• A cropping system is the way crops are grown on a piece of land over a period of time.
• It shows how a farmer arranges planting on his farm.

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2. Types of Cropping Systems

1. Monocropping
• Growing only one type of crop on a piece of land at a time.
• Example: maize only.
2. Mixed Cropping
• Growing two or more crops on the same land at the same time.
• Example: maize + yam.
3. Crop Rotation
• Planting different crops on the same land in a planned sequence over time.
• Example: maize → beans → cassava.
4. Mixed Farming
• Growing crops and rearing animals on the same farm.
• Example: rice farm + poultry.
5. Intercropping
• Growing two crops on the same land in a definite row arrangement.
• Example: maize and beans in alternating rows.
6. Shifting Cultivation
• Moving from one piece of land to another after farming for some years.
• Example: clearing a new forest land after soil fertility drops.

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3. Importance of Cropping Systems

• Improve soil fertility.
• Reduce pests and diseases.
• Increase crop yield.
• Ensure food security.
• Provide income for farmers.

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Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Introduction (5 minutes)

• Teacher greets students and settles the class.
• Teacher asks: “Have you seen a farm where only maize is planted, or another where maize and yam grow together?”
• Students respond.
• Teacher links their responses to the topic: “Today, we will learn about cropping systems – the different ways farmers grow their crops.”

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Step 2: Presentation (20 minutes)

Teacher’s Activities:

• Defines cropping system and explains each type.
• Uses chart and pictures to illustrate.
• Reads flash cards (e.g., “maize only”, “beans + cassava”) and asks students to identify the type.

Students’ Activities:

• Listen attentively to explanations.
• Observe pictures and charts.
• Answer teacher’s questions.
• Give examples of what they have seen in their local communities.

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Step 3: Student Activities (10 minutes)

• Teacher divides the class into small groups.
• Each group receives flash cards with farm practices written on them.
• Groups classify the practices into correct cropping systems.
• Groups present their answers.
• Teacher corrects mistakes and reinforces main points.

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Step 4: Evaluation (5 minutes)

Teacher checks understanding by asking the following questions:

1. What is cropping system?
2. List three types of cropping systems.
3. Differentiate between mixed cropping and mixed farming.
4. Classify this practice: “maize + yam + cassava planted together.”

Expected Answers:

1. Cropping system is the way crops are grown on a piece of land over a period of time.
2. Monocropping, mixed cropping, crop rotation, mixed farming, intercropping, shifting cultivation.
3. Mixed cropping means planting two or more crops together; mixed farming means growing crops and keeping animals on the same farm.
4. Mixed cropping.

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Assignment

Interview a farmer in your community and write down the cropping system he/she practices. Give one advantage of the system.

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References

• Junior Secondary Agricultural Science for Nigerian Schools, Book 2
• WAEC/NECO Agric Science past questions