Practical Work, Field Demonstration and Project Records
Practical Work, Field Demonstration and Project Records - This domain tests field layout, seed and fertilizer calculation for plots, observation recording, weed and pest identification, and project report writing.
Core rules
- Plot area = length × width; convert to hectares by dividing by 10,000.
- Seed for a plot = recommended seed rate × plot area in hectares.
- Fertilizer for a plot = nutrient dose ÷ nutrient fraction × plot area.
- Field layout: randomisation and replication reduce bias; label plots and record sowing date, variety and treatment.
- Record observations at fixed intervals: germination count, plant height, flowering date, pest incidence and yield.
- Project records should include title, objective, materials, methods, observations, results and conclusion.
Worked example
A plot is 5 m × 4 m = 20 m2. Recommended wheat seed rate is 100 kg/ha. Seed needed = 100 × (20 ÷ 10,000) = 100 × 0.002 = 0.2 kg = 200 g. Reasoning: convert plot area to hectares first, then multiply by the per-hectare rate; do not multiply by 20 directly.
Traps
- Forgetting to convert square metres to hectares is the most common error.
- Do not record only final yield; examiners look for dated observations.
- A demonstration without a control or replication is weak evidence.
- Units must be stated in every record (kg/ha, g/plot, cm).
- A project record is not a diary; it needs a clear objective and conclusion.