Plant Science
- Explain the nature and function of the soil. Tell about
its texture, structure, need for water, air, organic
matter, and the relationship of plants to the soil. Tell
how the soil may be improved. Select one soil type from
your area. Describe it in relation to the above.
- Describe how to prepare a seedbed for each of the crops
in the options below. Submit a plan for planting an
orchard crop. Describe the best type of site for such an
orchard.
- Make and use a germination seed tester to test 50 seeds
of four of the following plants: corn, cotton, alfalfa,
soybeans, clover, wheat, rice, rye, barley. Determine
percent of live seeds.
- Tell how to propagate plants by seeds, roots, cuttings,
tubers, buds, and grafts.
- Tell about one important insect pest and one important
disease that damage each of the following: corn, small
grains, cotton and fruit trees. Collect and name five
weeds that damage crops in your locality. Tell how to
control these without harming people, wildlife, or
useful insects.
- On a map of the United States indicate the chief regions
where the crops listed in the options are produced.
Indicate a leading state in production of each crop.
Tell how climate and location of these states makes them
leaders.
- Tell about three career opportunities in crop production.
- Complete ONE of the following options:
Corn Option
- Grow a plot of corn. Record seed variety or
experimental code number.
- Have your plot inspected by your counselor. Tell
about modern methods of commercial corn farming.
- Tell about the contributions corn makes to today's
food supply.
Cotton Option
- Grow a plot of cotton.
- Have your plot inspected by your counselor. Tell
about modern methods of commercial cotton farming.
- Tell how cotton is processed from the field to the
finished product.
Forage Crops Option
- Collect and mount for display three samples of
each: perennial grasses, annual grasses, legumes,
and broadleaf weeds. Label each grass and legume,
indicating what use is made of it. Label each weed.
Tell where each is most likely to be found.
- Explain how legumes can be used to enrich the soil.
Tell how they may deplete it under certain
conditions. Do the same for grasses.
- Describe five poisonous plants dangerous to livestock.
- Tell the different ways for using forage crops as
feed for livestock.
Fruit and Nuts Option
- Plant five fruit or nut trees, grapevines, or berry
plants.
- Take full care of fruit or nut trees, grapevines, or
berry plants through one crop season.
- Prune a tree, vine, or bush properly. Explain why
pruning is necessary.
- Demonstrate how one fruit, nut or berry crop is
processed for use.
Small Grains Option
- Give production figures for the small-grain crops
listed in the United States Statistical Report for
the latest year available.
- Help in harvesting a crop of grain. Tell how to
reduce harvesting losses.
- Visit a grain elevator, flour mill, cereal plant,
feed or seed company. Talk with the operator. Take
notes. Describe the processes used.
Oil Crops Option
- Grow a plot of soybeans.
- Have your plot inspected by your counselor.
- Tell about modern methods of soybean growing on a
commercial scale.
- Tell of the contributions soybeans make to our food
supply.