Agricultural processing can be defined as an activity performed to maintain or improve the quality or to change the form or characteristics of the agricultural… Read More »Fundamentals and Principles of Crop Products Processing and Storage
The marketable life of most fresh fruits and vegetables can be extended by prompt storage in an environment that maintains product quality. The desired environment… Read More »Tips for Fresh Storage of Fruits and Vegetables
The term “postharvest loss” refers to measurable quantitative and qualitative food loss that occurs in the postharvest system. With the renewed focus on investment in… Read More »Strategies for Reducing Post-Harvest Losses in Agriculture
Storage is the art of keeping agricultural materials in a manner that maintains their quality and prevents deterioration for a specific period, beyond their normal… Read More »Storage of Farm Produce and Its Importance in Agriculture
With a few exceptions, most fruits reach optimal eating quality when allowed to ripen on the plant. However, some fruits are harvested at a mature… Read More »Maturity Indices of Crop Products: Understanding Harvest Readiness
Quality can be defined as the “degree of excellence or superiority.” The term “quality” is a complex perception felt by the consumer in various ways.… Read More »Quality Indices of Crop Products
The life cycle duration of all crops plays a crucial role in their management for maximum economic yield. For most agronomic crops, maturity ratings refer… Read More »Crop Maturity in Agriculture: Key Concepts and Stages
This final article in the course covers a significant topic in fish production. The main focus includes the meaning of fishes, fishery, and fish farming,… Read More »Fish Production in Nigeria: Key Concepts and Practical Approaches
The soil provides physical anchorage to plants and serves as a storehouse for water and nutrients essential for plant growth. The selection of a site… Read More »Soil Factors Influencing Crop Maturity, Ripening, and Senescence
The climatic factors that influence crop maturity, ripening, and senescence include rainfall, light, temperature, relative humidity, air, and wind. They are abiotic components of the… Read More »Climatic Factors Influencing Crop Maturity, Ripening, and Senescence
Domestic livestock refers to animals that are raised and bred by humans for agricultural purposes, including meat, milk, eggs, wool, and labor. These animals are… Read More »Classification and Production of Domestic Livestock
In this article, the meaning of wildlife, development of wildlife in Nigeria, economic importance of wildlife, problems of wildlife management, and factors that cause extinction… Read More »Wildlife Production in Nigeria
In this article, key elements of forestry will be explored. These include the definition of forestry, the importance of forests to the Nigerian economy, agroforestry… Read More »Meaning and Importance of Forest Production in Nigeria
This article focuses on cultural practices in crop production. These practices include the factors to be considered when selecting a site for crop farming, as… Read More »Definition and Importance of Cultural Practices in Crop Production
In this article, the discussion on poultry production continues, focusing on the management of chicks, broilers, cockerels, and layers. Rearing of Baby Chicks The brooding… Read More »Best Ways to Manage Chicks, Broilers, Cockerels, and Layers
In this article, the discussion on poultry production and the analysis of poultry management systems will be covered in detail. Introduction to Poultry Keeping Livestock… Read More »Poultry Production and Management
In this article, pig production will be discussed. Some areas of pig production to be covered include the economic importance of pigs, characteristics of pigs,… Read More »Pig Production in Animal Farming
In the previous article, the production of ruminant farm animals was discussed. Various groups of farm animals and cattle were categorized, and different breeds of… Read More »Cattle Production in Animal Farming System
This article focuses on cultural practices in crop production. These practices include the factors to be considered when selecting a site for crop farming, as… Read More »Principles of Crop Production: Cultural Practices in Agriculture
In this present article, the various types of soil available for plant growth and how to improve them for maximum production shall be discussed. Concept… Read More »The Best Soils For Agricultural Production
There are several agricultural business opportunities available in the agricultural industry and one good thing about the industry is that there is market for all… Read More »Top 13 Lucrative Agricultural Businesses for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Powdery Mildew is a type of crop disease which affects crops like carrot, cucumber, okro, tomato, hot pepper, sweet pepper, etc. When it comes to… Read More »Powdery Mildew – Symptoms and Disease Control
In the above article, the different classes of food crops and their production were discussed. It was also explained that crop plants can be classified… Read More »Pasture and Forage Crops in Agriculture
In the last article, the factors that guide a farmer in selecting a new site for crop farm operations were discussed. Also, various farm operations… Read More »Classification of Crop Plants in Agriculture
In the last article, discussion focused on land. It covered the meaning of land, agricultural and non-agricultural uses of land, and the land tenure system… Read More »Basic Principles of Crop Production
In this article, land will be discussed. Issues such as land uses, land tenure systems, and the land use decree will be covered. Meaning of… Read More »Land-use and Land Tenure System in Agriculture
A population cycle in zoology is a phenomenon where populations rise and fall over a predictable period of time. There are some species where population… Read More »Definition and Explanation of Population Cycle in Zoology
Behavioral ecology, also known as ethoecology, is the study of the ecological and evolutionary basis of animal behavior, focusing on how behavior enables animals to… Read More »Behavioral Ecology of African Mammals in Agriculture and Wildlife Management
There is also an interaction between prey with periodic cycles and predators. As the population expands, there is more food available for predators. As it… Read More »Population Cycles in a Predator-Prey System in Agricultural Ecosystems
Population control is the practice of artificially altering the size of any animal population besides humans. It typically refers to the act of limiting the… Read More »Animal Population Control in Agricultural Systems
A population consists of all organisms belonging to the same species and inhabiting the same geographical area. The defined area ensures that inter-breeding is possible… Read More »Understanding Population Dynamics in Animal Ecology
The last article discussed the ways of improving agriculture with particular reference to Nigeria. The article highlighted sixteen (16) solutions to the twenty (20) problems… Read More »Agriculture and the Natural Environment in Nigeria
In this article, attention is focused on the prospects and problems of agriculture. The prospects of agriculture are discussed through its importance to the economy… Read More »Prospects and Problems of Agriculture in Nigeria
In the last article, the problems hindering agricultural development were highlighted, particularly within the Nigerian context. About twenty (20) major issues affecting agricultural progress were… Read More »Measures for Improving Agricultural Development in Nigeria
Growing hydroponic green fodder is gaining popularity as the day passes. The hydroponic green fodder system has many benefits, allowing livestock to be fed without… Read More »Comprehensive Guide on Growing Hydroponic Green Fodder in Livestock Farming
Originally, the term agriculture is derived from two Latin words “Ager” and “Cultura”. Ager means land and cultura means cultivation i.e. tilling the soil and… Read More »Concept and Meaning of Agriculture in Modern Times
Gray Leaf Spot (Stemphylium spp) is a fungus which induces small spots on leaves and stems. It can spread quickly by rain and irrigation. It… Read More »Gray Leaf Spot (Stemphylium spp) – Symptoms and Damage Control
The Bacterial Stem rot (Pectobacterium Carotovorum) affects crops like sweet pepper and Tomato. It is a bacterium which attacks fruits and stem. It survives in… Read More »Bacterial Stem Rot (Pectobacterium Carotovorum) – Symptoms and Damage Control
Competition is an interaction between organisms or species in which the fitness of one is lowered by the presence of another. A limited supply of… Read More »Understanding Competition in Organisms: A Key Concept in Agriculture and Ecology
Sea turtles are slow growing and long-lived. Their complex life history patterns encompass a diversity of ecosystems from terrestrial habitats where oviposition and embryonic development… Read More »Ecology and Life History of Sea Turtles in Marine Ecosystems
Population size is influenced by several factors: natality, mortality, immigration, and emigration. Natality refers to the birth rate, while mortality denotes the death rate. Immigration… Read More »Key Factors Influencing Population Dynamics in Agriculture
Several methods describe populations from field measurements: dynamic and static life tables, along with transition matrices. These approaches categorize individuals based on their state (age,… Read More »Methods for Measuring Population Dynamics in Agriculture
Fundamentally, ecology resembles a society, though it operates on a much larger scale. Ecologists function similarly to economists, but instead of human economies, they study… Read More »Fundamentals of Ecology in Agricultural Systems
Ecology (from Greek: οἶκος, “house”; -λογία, “study of”) is the scientific study of the relationship between living organisms and their surroundings. Ecosystems are defined by… Read More »Historical Concept of Ecology in Agriculture and Environmental Science
Youth behaviour problems are those attitudes which negate societal existence. This article is devoted to a critical examination of youth behaviour problems and a discussion… Read More »Introduction to Youth Behaviour in Rural Agricultural Communities
Many advanced and developing countries have embarked on one form of rural youth programmes or the other in agricultural extension. In this article, the UNESCO’s… Read More »Examples Of Rural Youth Extension Programmes In Other Countries
Animal ecology is a critical field of study for scientists, focusing on the relationships between animals and their environments. Various forms of animal ecology exist,… Read More »Understanding the Ecology and Biology of Fish Species in Agriculture and Aquaculture
The federal, state governments and corporate organisations in Nigeria have embarked on a good number of rural youth programmes in agricultural extension. These programmes include… Read More »Examples of Rural Youth Agricultural Extension Programmes in Nigeria
Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) affects all species. This is a microscopic soil worm living in hot, humid and airy soils that penetrates roots and causes… Read More »Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) – Symptoms, Damage and Preventive Measures
The Fruit and Shoot Borer is a lonely translucent back head caterpillar which attacks bugs, mostly during dry season. It is the type of disease… Read More »Fruit and Shoot Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) – Symptoms and Damage Prevention
Crops agricultural practices are essentially a set of principles to be applied to farm production processes to produce better agricultural products. They are simply agricultural… Read More »Guide to Sowing and Planting Practices of Crops
Inter-cropping is a multiple cropping practice involving growing two or more crops in proximity. The most common goal of inter-cropping is to produce a greater… Read More »Inter-cropping: Advantages and Disadvantages
The history of any programme is necessary in order to establish a basis for new approaches and innovations. The history of rural youth programmes in… Read More »History of Rural Youth Programmes in Agricultural Extension
Rural youth programmes in agricultural extension have evolved significantly from their colonial-era origins. Today, these programmes are designed to achieve educational, economic, social, and recreational… Read More »Objectives of Rural Youth Programmes in Agricultural Extension
In the last two articles, leadership in rural communities was discussed. This article is a continuation of the last two and will bring the course… Read More »Development and Functions of Rural Community Leaders in Agriculture
The philosophy of rural youth programmes in agricultural extension explains the reasons as well as the methods and techniques which could be used to achieve… Read More »Philosophy of Rural Youth Programmes in Agricultural Extension
This article continues the focus on leadership in rural communities. The objectives below specify what is expected to be understood after studying this article. Read… Read More »Functions of Rural Leaders and Their Bases of Power and Influence in Agricultural Communities
One invariant in the life of all living and non-living things is change. When it takes place in the lives of interacting human beings, it… Read More »Rural Social Change in Agricultural Communities
In this article the focus is on rural sociology. This article discusses the application of sociology to agricultural and rural problems. As agriculture is predominantly… Read More »Basic Concepts and the Development of Rural Sociology in Agriculture
In this article, various agricultural extension teaching methods are examined. Teaching involves imparting information, and in agricultural extension, teaching is a process that guides learning… Read More »Agricultural Extension Teaching Methods and Their Application in Agricultural Development
There are many types of rural youth clubs. Any club that is organised for the rural youth for the purpose of citizenship training, social and… Read More »Steps for Organising A Rural Youth Club in Agricultural Communities
Social change can bring about progress. Progress is change in a direction that is considered desirable. Progress leads to development, and development essentially is a… Read More »The Concept and Strategies of Rural Development in Agriculture
The simple dictionary definition of a leader is “one who leads or goes first.” In other words, one who first perceives the group’s needs far… Read More »The Concepts of Leader and Leadership in Rural Agricultural Communities
This article is a continuation of article 4. In this article, the various theories of social change will be explained. After studying this article, the… Read More »Theories of Social Change in Agricultural Sociology
This article focuses on social processes in rural society. The major basic social processes covered include: competition, conflict, cooperation, accommodation, assimilation, and acculturation. After studying… Read More »Definition and Meaning of Social Processes in Agriculture
This article introduces one of the basic sociological concepts briefly defined in the last article social stratification. The concept is now examined in detail. The… Read More »Social Stratification in Agricultural Society
The demand for agricultural products both in Nigeria and the world at large will always be on the high side because food is one of… Read More »Top 50 Agriculture Business Ideas for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Soil not only provides anchorage to plants but all nutrients and water are absorbed into the plants through the soil. Therefore, all cultural practices in… Read More »Principles and Methods of Soil and Water Conservation
Dehorning/disbudding: Horns on animals can and do cause bruises and other injuries to animals. Horns can also be a hazard to people and equipment. Dehorning/disbudding… Read More »Proper Guide to Dehorning of Animals
Deworming (sometimes known as worming or drenching) is the giving of an anthelmintic drug (a wormer, dewormer, or drench) to a human or animal to… Read More »Best Methods of Drenching (Deworming) of Animals
Animal identificationis a process done to identify and track specific animals. It is done for a variety of reasons including verification of ownership, biosecurity control,… Read More »Guide to Animal Identification Methods
What do you need to know about how to pursue an agricultural course in Nigeria? Read on for a comprehensive guide outlining all you need… Read More »Pursuing an Agricultural Course in Nigeria: What You Need to Know
Soil quality in its simplest terms is how well a soil is doing what we want it to do. The definition of soil quality adopted… Read More »The Concept of Soil Quality and Soil Organic Carbon as an Indicator of Soil Quality
Soil nutrients, soil properties and landscape characteristics vary considerably on land used to grow crops across the globe, as do climatic conditions. As a result,… Read More »Causes of Loss of Soil Nutrient in Intensive Agriculture and Control Measures
Legumes could play an important role in food security and lowering the risk of climate change by delivering multiple services in line with sustainability principles.… Read More »Roles and Benefits of Legumes in the Soil
Organic inputs derived from plant remains provide most of the essential soil nutrient elements, but usually insufficient quantities. Because of their richness in carbon, organic… Read More »Complete Guide on Maintenance of Soil Nutrient
Phosphorus constitutes about 0.2 percent of a plant’s dry weight, where it is primarily a component of tissue molecules such as nucleic acids, phospholipids, and… Read More »Phosphorus Content of Soils and Factors Influencing Phosphorus Availability in the Soil
Communication is an activity often taken for granted. Extension education is essentially a process of communication an exchange of ideas and skills between people. The… Read More »Communication in Agricultural Extension Education
This article introduces the basic philosophy and principles underlying agricultural extension work. It builds upon concepts discussed in previous sections and enhances the understanding of… Read More »Basic Philosophy and Principles of Agricultural Extension Work
This article will provide an understanding of some definitions and objectives of agricultural extension. It is essential because it will help in grasping the key… Read More »The Need For Agricultural Extension In Farming Communities
This article will consider the historical background of agricultural extension in the world and in Nigeria. Understanding the history of any profession is essential, as… Read More »History Of Agricultural Extension in The World and In Nigeria
Zoonoses refer to diseases that are shared between animals and humans, or diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases are generally… Read More »Zoonoses and Public Health Significance of Livestock Diseases
Livestock diseases and/or parasites constitute a serious impediment to animal productivity in Nigeria. Diseases sharply reduce the productivity of livestock, especially ruminants, across the different… Read More »Impact of Livestock Diseases on the Nigerian Livestock Industry
Some plants contain toxic substances that are harmful to ruminants. Plants that contain toxic substances in high amounts are considered poisonous plants. These toxins present… Read More »Sources and Reasons Why Ruminant Animals Consume Poisonous Plants
Metabolic diseases are non-infectious conditions and result from a disturbance in metabolism or metabolic processes in the animal rather than under-nutrition or deficiencies. Nutritional diseases,… Read More »Common Metabolic and Nutritional Diseases Affecting Farm Animals
Parasitic diseases are caused by parasites, which are small organisms that live on or inside a larger organism, known as the host. The parasite benefits… Read More »Common Parasitic Diseases Affecting Livestock
Viral diseases are caused by viruses that invade and replicate inside cells within the animal’s body. Some of the viral diseases affecting ruminants can be… Read More »Common Viral Diseases Affecting Livestock Productivity
Soil potassium (K) directly affects crop yield since K is responsible for the maintenance of osmotic pressure and cell size, which in turn influences photosynthesis… Read More »Potassium Content of Soils, Forms, Sources, Relationships and Deficiency Symptoms
Soil nitrogen (N) is the most abundant element in the atmosphere and is usually the most limiting crop nutrient. Nitrogen cycles through soil in various… Read More »Nitrogen Content of Soils and Factors Affecting Soil Nitrogen
Soil sulphur occurs in both organic and inorganic forms. About 50 – 70% of the total S in top soil is in organic matter implying… Read More »Sulphur Content of Soils, Forms and Functions of Sulphur in Plants
