List six environmental factors affecting agricultural production in Nigeria. (b) Explain briefly how five of the factors listed in (a) can affect agricultural production in Nigeria
Explanation
(a) Six environmental factors affecting agricultural production in Nigeria are (i) Rainfall (ii) Temperature (iii) Wind (iv) Parasites (v) Pests and diseases (vi) Light/sunshine
(b) Agricultural production in Nigeria can be affected by:
(a) Rainfall (1) It is necessary for seed germination. (2) It ensures availability of nutrient to plants by dissolving it. (3) It affects the distribution of plants and animals. (4) Excessive rainfall may cause soil erosion.
(b) Wind: (1) It increases the rate of transpiration in crops. (2) High wind velocity may cause wind erosion. (3) It aids seed dispersal. (4) It aids pollination of flowers.
(c) Light/sunshine: (1) It is necessary for photosynthesis. (2) It affects evapo-transpiration in crops. (3) Some crops exhibit photoperiodism
(d) Parasites: (1) They transmit diseases. (2) They may kill host animals and plants. (3) They reduce the quantity and quality of crops or livestock.
(e) Pests and diseases: (1) They reduce the quality and quantity of crops and livestock. (2) They decrease the farmers’ profit. (3) They transmit diseases from one crop to another.