Hello, Primary 5 students! Welcome back to Pre Vocational Studies, Agricultural Science. In our previous lesson, we learned about How To Grow Crops: Weeding & Staking, specifically about weeding and staking. Today, we’re going to learn about another important aspect of crop production: Application of Pesticides.
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Explain what pesticides are and why they are used in crop production.
- Appreciate the importance of using pesticides safely to protect crops and the environment.
- Demonstrate the correct method of applying pesticides to crops.
How To Grow Crops: Application Of Pesticides
Pesticides are commonly used when growing crops, they control pests that can harm our crops. These pests include rodents, insects, weeds, and diseases. Pesticides help us to protect our crops and ensure a good harvest.
What are Pesticides?
Pesticides are chemical substances that are used to control pests. They can be in the form of liquids, powders, or granules. Pesticides work by killing or repelling pests, preventing them from damaging crops.
Why are Pesticides Used?
There are several reasons why pesticides are used in crop production such as:
- To protect crops from pests: Pests can damage crops by eating leaves, stems, and fruits, or by spreading diseases. Pesticides help to prevent this damage and ensure a good harvest.
- To increase crop yields: By controlling pests, pesticides can help to increase the amount of food that is produced.
- To reduce the cost of food production: Pesticides can help to reduce the amount of food that is lost to pests, which can save money for farmers.
How to Apply Pesticides:
There are several steps involved in applying pesticides to crops, they include:
- Prepare the Pesticide: Always read the instructions on the pesticide label carefully. Measure the correct amount of pesticide and mix it with water if necessary.
- Apply with Care: Use a spray bottle or other appropriate tool to apply the pesticide evenly over the crops. Be sure to cover all parts of the plant but avoid spraying too much in one spot.
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, a mask, and protective clothing when applying pesticides to avoid exposure.
- Apply on a Calm Day: Choose a day when there is little to no wind to apply pesticides. This helps prevent the chemicals from drifting to other areas where they are not needed.
- Follow Up: After applying the pesticide, monitor the crops to ensure that pests are controlled and that the plants are healthy.
Importance of Safe Pesticide Use:
It is important to use pesticides safely to protect both the environment and human health. The following are some guide for safe pesticide use:
- Always read and follow the label instructions: The label contains important information about how to use the pesticide safely and effectively.
- Store pesticides properly: Store pesticides in a locked cabinet or shed, out of reach of children and pets.
- Dispose of pesticides properly: Do not pour pesticides down the drain or into the garbage. Follow the label instructions for proper disposal.
- Use pesticides only when necessary: Avoid using pesticides if there are other methods of pest control that can be used.
Lesson Evaluation:
Now that you’ve learned about pesticide application, let’s see if you can answer these questions:
- What are pesticides, and why are they important in growing crops?
- Describe two safety precautions to take when applying pesticides.
- Explain the steps involved in applying pesticides to crops.
- Why is it important to apply pesticides on a calm day?
- How would you ensure that pesticides are applied correctly and safely?
Conclusions
Great job today! Remember, using pesticides safely is crucial for protecting our crops and the environment. Always follow the label instructions and take precautions to avoid exposure. Don’t forget to check the comments section if you have any questions, and use the navigation to move to the next lesson. See you in the next lesson!
