Crop Adaptability to Climate Change

Question 1

What is the definition of crop adaptability?

Accepted Answer

Crop adaptability is the ability of a crop species or variety to adjust, survive, grow, and yield successfully under changing or adverse environmental conditions.

Question 2

Climate change primarily refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities and natural processes.

Question 3

Which of these is a primary environmental challenge posed by climate change to crop production in Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged periods of drought and water scarcity, especially in the northern savannah regions, are a primary environmental challenge.

Question 4

One of the main factors that enhances crop adaptability to climate change is the use of improved crop varieties. What are these varieties?

Accepted Answer

Improved crop varieties are plants that have been selectively bred or genetically modified to possess superior traits, such as resistance to environmental stress, pests, and diseases.

Question 5

Which type of improved crop variety is specifically selected to withstand prolonged dry spells, often possessing deep root systems or mechanisms to reduce water loss?

Accepted Answer

Drought-tolerant varieties are selected to withstand prolonged dry spells, often possessing deep root systems to access underground water or physiological mechanisms that reduce water loss.

Question 6

Early-maturing crop varieties, such as short-duration cowpea, enhance adaptability by:

Accepted Answer

Early-maturing varieties have shortened life cycles, allowing them to reach maturity and produce yields quickly, enabling them to escape late-season drought or make the most of short rainy seasons.

Question 7

What is 'scuba rice' an example of, in the context of improved crop varieties?

Accepted Answer

'Scuba rice' is an example of a flood-tolerant variety, capable of surviving prolonged submergence under water.

Question 8

Which agronomic practice involves covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic materials to conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, and prevent erosion?

Accepted Answer

Mulching involves covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic materials to conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, and prevent erosion.

Question 9

Conservation tillage, which includes minimum or zero tillage, enhances crop adaptability by:

Accepted Answer

Conservation tillage reduces soil disturbance, preserving soil structure, maintaining organic matter, and improving moisture retention.

Question 10

Planting fast-growing crops like mucuna or sweet potato to cover the soil surface, protect it from direct sunlight, and reduce water evaporation is known as what agronomic practice?

Accepted Answer

This practice is known as cover cropping.

Question 11

What is the deliberate integration of woody perennials (trees or shrubs) with agricultural crops on the same piece of land called?

Accepted Answer

The deliberate integration of woody perennials with agricultural crops on the same piece of land is called agroforestry.

Question 12

Which efficient irrigation system delivers water directly to the root zone of crops, minimizing water loss through evaporation and runoff?

Accepted Answer

Drip or trickle irrigation systems deliver water directly to the root zone of crops, minimizing water loss through evaporation and runoff.

Question 13

What is a cropping calendar?

Accepted Answer

A cropping calendar is a schedule that outlines the timing of agricultural activities, including land preparation, sowing, weeding, fertilizer application, and harvesting, based on seasonal weather patterns.

Question 14

Farmers delaying or advancing sowing dates to align with the actual onset of the rainy season is a method used to modify which aspect of farming?

Accepted Answer

This is a method used to modify the cropping calendar.

Question 15

Why is the modification of the cropping calendar necessary for modern farmers in Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

Modification of the cropping calendar is necessary because traditional calendars are no longer accurate due to climate change, with erratic onset and cessation of rains.

Question 16

Utilizing meteorological forecasts from agencies like NiMet helps farmers in modifying the cropping calendar by:

Accepted Answer

Utilizing meteorological forecasts helps farmers make informed decisions on when to prepare land and sow seeds, aligning with actual weather patterns.

Question 17

Planting a short-duration crop immediately after harvesting an early-maturing crop to maximize the use of residual soil moisture is an example of what cropping calendar modification?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of relay cropping or sequential cropping.

Question 18

How do drought-tolerant varieties enhance adaptability to water scarcity and dry spells?

Accepted Answer

Drought-tolerant varieties reduce water loss and access deep soil moisture.

Question 19

Mulching and cover cropping primarily address which specific climate change challenges?

Accepted Answer

Mulching and cover cropping primarily address high temperatures and soil moisture loss.

Question 20

Agroforestry enhances crop adaptability to extreme heat and windstorms by:

Accepted Answer

Agroforestry enhances crop adaptability by providing shade, windbreaks, and moderating the microclimate.

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