Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 2
MODERN MECHAN ISED AGRICULTURE
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MODERN MECHAN ISED AGRICULTURE
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Agriculture
Class: SHS 2
Term: 1st Term
Week: 12
Grade code: 2.2.2.LI.3
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 2
Content standard code: 2.2.2.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.2.2.LI.3
Theme: MODERN TECHNICAL AND MECHANISED AGRICULTURE
Subtheme: MODERN MECHAN ISED AGRICULTURE
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In Ghana, our agriculture is heavily dependent on rainfall. This means for many months of the year (the dry season), farming activities slow down or stop completely, leading to food shortages and high prices. Modern mechanised agriculture provides a solution through irrigation (supplying water to crops) and drainage (removing excess water). By mastering these systems, we can farm all year round, increase our yields, ensure food security for our communities, and create jobs. This lesson will introduce the essential components of these systems and how to operate them, making you a more effective and modern farmer.
A. What are Irrigation and Drainage? Irrigation: This is the artificial application of water to land or soil to assist in the growing of crops. It is used to supplement rainfall, especially during the dry season or in areas with low rainfall like the Northern and parts of the Volta regions of Ghana. *Think of it as:* Giving your plants a drink when the sky doesn't. Drainage: This is the natural or artificial removal of excess water from the soil surface and root zone. Too much water (waterlogging) is just as harmful as too little, as it suffocates plant roots and can lead to diseases. *Think of it as:* Making sure your plants don't drown after a heavy rain or over-irrigation.
Why are they a system? Irrigation and drainage work together. You add water with irrigation and remove any excess with drainage to create the perfect moisture level for your crops to thrive. B. Modern Irrigation Systems
We will focus on two modern systems widely used and promoted in Ghana: Sprinkler Irrigation and Drip Irrigation. i. Sprinkler Irrigation System
This system mimics natural rainfall. Water is pumped through pipes and sprayed into the air through rotating heads called sprinklers, which then falls onto the crops like rain.