AGRICULTURE SCIENCE

SCHOOL BASED
ASSESMENT

Name: Nicholas Ellis

Student Registration #: -----

Name of school: St. Ann’s Bay High

Project title: Crop Production- Cucumber

Start Date: November 27, 2020

Termination Date: February 10, 2020

Table of Contents
Problem Statement
What effect will inorganic fertilizers (20-20-20) have on the growth and
development of the crop (Cucumber).

Aim
The aim of this School Based Assessment is to observe the effects that inorganic
fertilizers have on the crop (Cucumber).
 Literature Review
One advantage inorganic fertilizers offer is that they are fast acting. These
nutrient-rich salts dissolve quickly and are immediately available to the plants
depending on them to provide essential nourishment in the form of nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium.

Salts in inorganic fertilizer may "burn" a plant's root system -- although the
process is called "burning," the effect is actually dehydration, which occurs when
the salts draw out all the moisture from the roots and desiccate them.
 Methodology

Experimental Design

There were two (2) plots designed, plot A and plot B. On plot A callaloo was grown

inorganically with the use of a 20-20-20 solution fertilizer. While on plot B callaloo was

grown without the use of any form of fertilizer. The crops were observed over a twelve

(12) week period. Over this period, data was collected and recorded.
 List of material &equipment used:

List of Material Used:

Seed- Seeds were planted to produce Cucumbers

Fertilizer- This was used to provide plants with required nutrients.

Water- This was given to the plants to help in the production of food
(photosynthesis).

List of Equipment Used:

Water hose- This was used to water the Cucumber plants.

Machete- This was used to remove weeds and aid in soil preparation.

Ruler- This was used to measure the plants growth at different intervals.

Pick-axe- This was used to dig up soil.

Fork- This was used in the digging of the soil.

Spade- This was used to dig and move soil.

Wheelbarrow- This was used to transport equipment and also soil.

Five Gallon Bucket- This is what the cucumbers were grown in.
 Activities Done

Irrigation:
Irrigation is the process of applying controlled amounts of water to plants at
needed intervals. Irrigation helps to grow agricultural crops, maintain landscapes,
and re-vegetate disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of less than average
rainfall.

Fertilization- Fertilization is the process of adding natural or artificial chemical

elements, which enhances natural fertility. This results in growth and
productiveness in plants.

Molding- This is a process in which soil is scraped and heaped around the base of
the plant, using a hoe or trowel. Molding helps in the prevention of soil erosion.

Mulching- Mulching is the process of covering bare soil with a porous material
(most times organic) to improve the moisture of the soil, improve the fertility of
the soil and also reducing weed growth. Mulching also enhances the visual appeal
of the area.
Pest management- Pest management are the measures put in place to reduce the
pest threshold. Pest management can be categorized as: chemical, biological,
cultural, physical/mechanical, or genetic.

(Mixture of vinegar and Soap)

Harvesting / Reaping- Harvesting is the process of gathering a ripe crop from the
fields. Reaping is the cutting of grain or pulse for harvest, typically using a scythe,
sickle, or reaper.
 Data Collection
On November 27, 2020 four (4) seeds were planted into four 5 gallon containers
(each container got four (4) seeds) with two containers labeled A and the
remaining two labeled B.

December 1, 2020- Seedlings from plot B are the first to be visible while no
seedlings from plot A are visible on the soil surface. Tallest seedling in Plot B
measured 2 ½ cm.

December 8, 2020- All Seedlings were visible on this day. A seed from plot B took
a week longer than the others to germinate because it was planted deeper than the
others. Fertilization was started today, with one teaspoon of 20-20-20 fertilizer to a
gallon of water. This fertilizer solution was only given to Plot A only.

December 18, 2020- Plants were measured for the first time after they were
fertilized. After measurements were taken, in summary it read: Highest plant in
Plot A measured: 7.5 inches while the Highest plant in Plot B measured 6.1 inches.
Plants from Plot A only was fertilized with the 20-20-20 solution.

December 28, 2020- On this day the plants were measured. Measurements read as
follows: Highest Plant in Plot A measured 12 inches Vertically and the vines which
measured 16 inches with a total length/height of 28 inches. Highest plant in Plot B
measured 11 inches vertically and the vines measured 12 inches with a total
length/height of 23 inches. Plot A only was fertilized with the 20-20-20 solution.
.

Cost Analysis

Projected income:

Yield * Cost price

25*100
Total projected Income: $2,500

TOTAL EXPENDETURE:
 Items Quantity Unit cost($) Total($)
Fertilizer 3 Pounds $80 $240
Cucumber seed 2 Bags $100 $200
Insecticide 1 Bottle $850 $850
Polly bag 1Bag $150 $150
Total: $1440

Projected profit:

Profit= Income – Expenditure

$2,500 - $1440
Profit= $1060

Projected surplus/shortfall= -+ $500